Posted by Les Mauvaises Herbes
No poo is THE technique to make your hair hippy happy! 😛 I'm introducing you to the baking soda and vinegar technique ("bic and vinegar" for those in the know).
Are you looking for a frugal option with a zero low environmental impact? Then this method is definitely for you!
What to know before getting started with no poo
Spacing out washes
One of the goals of no poo is to gradually reduce the frequency with which you wash your hair. No-poo options shouldn't be seen as daily treatments, but rather bi-weekly or weekly, and eventually monthly. Obviously, our hair will need to adjust to this new hair regimen and, in the majority of cases, new followers have to overcome what is known as: a transition phase (Dracula voice).
If you aren't looking to reduce your shampoo frequency, I instead recommend making your own solid shampoo!
The "bic and vinegar" method is the one that requires the most determination because it requires you from the start to only wash your hair every 4 days minimum (no more). Yes, you read that right! Fortunately, there is dry shampoo and a hairbrush to survive it.
In the long term, it is imperative to space out the "bic and vinegar" wash days. First every 4 days, then every 5 days, 6 days, and so on until once a month.
The vinegar rinse
It is imperative to always follow a baking soda wash with a vinegar rinse. Baking soda (pH 9.0) has a higher pH than that of the scalp (pH 4.5-5.5), which has the effect of opening the hair cuticles. To close them, you must use an acidic vinegar solution (pH 3) which will also have the effect of restoring the scalp's pH. Closing the cuticles not only protects the hair but also makes it shine!
Note: the "bic and vinegar" method doesn't work well with hard water and can leave your hair waxy.
The "bic and vinegar" method: the gateway to no poo
This method is the most widespread for no poo fans, and it is often the one through which people begin their journey. And it is by far the most accessible and least expensive (with barely $20, you could surely wash your hair for 2 years hehe!). It is a very effective method, but which unfortunately does not work for all hair types. However, when this method suits us, it makes hair nothing less than HAPPY! It is recommended for oily-prone hair and straight, fine hair.
Baking soda
There are two ways to wash your hair with baking soda.
The diluted solution
Preparation
1. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to a cup of water.
2. Mix well until the BS is dissolved. To make application easier, transfer to a "squirt" bottle, ketchup-style.
Use
Wet hair very well.
Apply the baking soda mixture to the scalp and roots of your hair ONLY (not on the lengths!).
Tip: tilt your head back during application to avoid getting it in your face.
Massage gently to help the solution spread everywhere. Sing and dance for about 5 minutes or until the solution feels "slippery" to the touch. That is the cue to proceed to the clear water rinse!
If you rinse too early, the baking soda won't have had time to work and will leave hair greasy! Rinse well to remove the solution.
Finish by applying the vinegar rinse (see below).
The paste
Preparation
1. Pour 1 tablespoon of baking soda into a small container that you will bring into the shower.
2. Gently add a few drops of water to the powder to form a paste.
Use
Wet hair very well.
Apply the paste with your fingers, directly to the roots of your hair and to the scalp, massaging gently.
Massage gently to help the paste spread everywhere. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until you no longer feel the abrasive baking soda crystals. That is the cue to proceed to the clear water rinse!
If you rinse too early, the baking soda won't have had time to work and will leave hair greasy! Rinse well to remove the solution.
Finish by applying the vinegar rinse (see below).
The vinegar rinse
Preparation
Before jumping into the shower with your baking soda, prepare a vinegar solution.
1. In a spray bottle, mix 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar and a cup of lukewarm water*. Mix well to help the crystals dissolve.
*If you find the rinse too rich, add more water for the same amount of vinegar. You can also replace the apple cider vinegar with white vinegar.
Use
After rinsing your hair well with clear water, spray the vinegar solution onto the hair, focusing on the lengths.
Let it sit for a few minutes then rinse. Personally, my hair is softer and lighter when I rinse it roughly, so that a little vinegar remains in my hair.
The conclusion?
At first glance, if you have followed the procedures well and this technique suits your hair, you should have clean hair with every wash (that's the point, y'know!). If that is not the case, you will have to make a few adjustments to adapt this method to your hair.
If after a few attempts your hair is still not "clean" following a cleaning with baking soda and vinegar, I suggest trying a new method (rhassoul clay, chickpea flour, etc.).
Important
If you do some research on the internet, you will notice that there are people who strongly advise against this method and claim that it damages hair. Admittedly, it can damage hair if not used correctly! There is a lot of misinformation on the internet and several bloggers have used it incorrectly (e.g., every 2 days for 2 weeks) and have had poor results.
Indeed, the "bic and vinegar" method can be harsh on hair if practiced too often and over too long a period of time. Don't use this method every 4 days for 3 years! As mentioned above, if you wish to use this method over the long term, you must space it out gradually to eventually manage to use it only once a month.
On a forum, I saw that a user recommended spacing out washes by one day every 2-3 weeks, i.e., a wash every 4 days for two weeks, then every 5 days for another 2 weeks, and so on. Between washes, use a homemade dry shampoo and brush your hair with a hygiene hairbrush!
So, are you ready to free yourself from shampoo? Freeeeedom!
