Swap Update: The ‘No Shampoo’ Trend

So since we are at home, I thought now would be a great time to try all of the things I wouldn’t normally try if I had to be in the office every day. The first thing I decided to do was to see if I could get my hair adapted to using natural shampoo alternatives. After a virtual happy hour with my coworkers, I decided I would be the lab rat yet again and give it a go. I Googled and Pinterested to see what people were saying about the experience and what they were using to rinse their hair. Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback, I decided that using apple cider vinegar and baking soda was the best way to go. I had already been washing my hair less than I probably should have been (but then again, who isn’t?) and was ready for the challenge.

Hair wash 1: It had been a good few days since I had washed my hair so I grabbed a cup, measuring spoon (the ones that come with liquid medicine work great), apple cider vinegar, and baking soda. I used:
– 1 Tbsp of baking soda mixed in 1 liter of water
– 1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar in 2 liters of water

I used the cup to gently pour the baking soda mix all over my head and scrubbed it into my scalp as I went. I waited about five minutes (during which, I exfoliated my legs), mixed the apple cider vinegar wash and, again, poured and scrubbed. The overall washing process takes a bit longer because I was constantly picking up the cup, pouring small amounts, then scrubbing and repeating, but I was willing to give it a try.

After the first wash, it felt great to have clean hair and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it went.

Hair wash 2: Four days after my first wash, I was impressed with how my hair was holding up. My hair wasn’t overly oily and I was happy with how clean it was after the baking soda and vinegar wash. My hair was a little lackluster but I was hoping it was just an adjustment and would go away.

Hair wash 3: By the time the third wash came around I was really starting to get worried about how much water my showers were using up. I guess I could have turned off the water as I was scrubbing/pouring the solutions in my hair but… my sustainability isn’t perfect and I get COLD.

Lets jump to hair wash 6. It was not looking good. My scalp was so itchy and my hair was not looking cute. It was a ‘put your hair up in a nice messy bun everyday’ kinda vibe. Yikes.

After about 6 weeks, I had to throw in the towel. My hair has recovered but my scalp is still struggling. Did I quit too early? Maybe? There are just so many other ways to be more environmentally friendly without sacrificing your comfort.

I would give it an overall 3/10. I think that it could definitely supplement your normal, sustainable washing but right now I just need my head to get back to normal. So, feel free to add it in with your normal regime of liquid shampoo from Plaine Products or a shampoo bar from HiBAR, but I came, I saw, and it conquered me.