Tuesday May 6, 2008
Day 14 of the No 'Poo experiment.

Before I started this, I used to shampoo my hair every day. If I was stretching it, every other day. About two months ago, in preparation for this detox period, i started going two days in between shampoos.

Now my hair looks healthier, more full of body. Definitely fewer flyaways, particularly in the humid weather. My scalp does not appear to have reset itself back to the Edenic days of infancy yet, because I'm still getting greasy two days after I wash it. So I'm using a combination of water-only washes or Powder Puff at the roots and brazening out the detox period.

Maybe I'm fooling myself, but it seems other people are too absorbed with their own lives, thank gods, to focus on the state of my hair. So I can carry out this research in peace without worrying that polite society will shun me. This only works because I am largely estranged from my family, who point out the tiniest defects in my appearance and/or character as a matter of course and, it seems, for entertainment.

We'll be at Rod's family this weekend, and I must say my resolve not to shampoo is quailing a bit in the face of the social obligation. I'm already a childless, freelancing, Wiccan, tattooed, pierced, bellydancing in-law; I don't want to add DIRTY and UNKEMPT to the list of offenses.

I will definitely be using the shikakai again on Saturday. Yesterday I rinsed with water in which I'd put about 7 drops of lavender essential oil. I was astonished to find that the oil actually seemed to help my hair degrease.

Benefits of No 'Poo:

• No split ends

• Fewer flyaways

• Gives hair body

• Saves time in the shower

• Saves water

• Saves $$

• Reduces consumption of plastic containers that hair products come in.

• No SLS chemicals, which are bad for the earth, your health, and apparently your appearance, too. My skin has never looked better.

Drawbacks of No 'Poo:
 

Adjustment period can take up to two months, during which time you will have to have sufficient aplomb to carry on with your life in spite of bad hair days. Or wear a lot of hats.

Must be willing to devote time to experimentation and figuring out which combination of techniques will work for you. This is not a one-size-fits-all process.

I am so exhilarated by it that I am investigating making my own toiletries, such as shave gel, moisturizer, and even deodorant.

Some DIY recipes:

Shave gel:

Carrier oil such as jojoba oil, olive oil, castor oil, 5-10 drops essential oil of your choice per ounce of carrier oil, 1/8 tsp. glycerin per ounce of carrier oil

Facial moisturizer: 4 tbsp. beeswax, 8 tbsp. cocoa butter, 4 tbsp. jojoba oil, 2 tsp. distilled water, essential oil that's good for your skin type. Melt the beeswax, then mix all ingredients together.