I'm aware this is probably the strangest blog title I've ever used, but I couldn't resist. I'm referring to shampoo, of course, and the concept of doing away with it in your daily cleansing routine. When I first read about over a year ago on another blog I was intrigued, but discounted the idea almost immediately. I am blessed with very fine, frizzy curls and I was convinced only daily cleansing with shampoo would keep the greasy-look at bay. A few months later I overheard a friend talking about being poo-free for over a year and I was pleasantly surprised to see someone I know practicing it, especially since she had beautiful, clean-looking hair. Shortly after that conversation I decided I would try it for myself. I figured I had nothing to lose, Rowan had just been born and if it didn't work out, it's pretty much expected that any mother with a newborn would have less than stellar-looking hair anyway. I was absolutely shocked by the results and I haven't gone back since. I've been poo-free for over 9 months now.

Why go no poo?

There are a myriad of reasons to ditch the poo, but some of the most common are; money, health and environmental concerns, and simply because your hair looks and feels better. I have spent more than I care to admit on a broad range of shampoos and hair treatments. Now I can stock up for over a month with five dollars worth of products. As with any commercial beauty product, there are more and more concerns about the chemicals used in the products we buy, as well as the impact on the earth manufacturing and transporting goods can cause. A lot of the selling points shampoo companies use to push their product are actually very damaging to your hair, such as lathering agents, fragrances, and conditioning chemicals. Shampoo is a detergent like many soaps you use around your home just like dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, etc; its purpose is to clean and strip your hair of any dirt and oils. Unfortunately detergents are harsh, and they strip your hair of the natural oils that keep it healthy and beautiful, which leads to damage and breakage over time. Shampoo companies sell this moisture back to us in pricey conditioners and treatments. You can avoid this expensive and damaging cycle by simply allowing your hair to retain its natural balance, and you'll be surprised at how great your hair can look when it's not weighed down by chemical build-up.

How to go no poo:

1. Toss your shampoo. The first few days of going no-poo will send your hair into shock. Your scalp will still be trying to produce enough oils to keep up with damage the detergent causes and your hair will be oily for a short while. The urge to shampoo may be strong, so do your self a favor and avoid having that temptation altogether. Just remind yourself it will pass quickly and it will be worth it!

2. Buy some baking soda and apple cider vinegar. A large box and bottle will cost you about $5.00 and last you over a month. I buy in bulk and just refill my small containers for even more savings and to minimize packaging waste.

3. There are many washing techniques, you'll have to experiment with ingredients and amounts until you find what works best for you, but for now here is a good guideline to start with: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water (I keep a cup in the shower for this purpose), pour onto your crown and massage into your roots. This will remove any dirt and excess oil. If you have long hair, you may increase the amount of water. Rinse out with warm water after a minute or two. Next you'll do a vinegar rinse by mixing about two tablespoons of your apple cider vinegar into a cup of warm water and pouring over the ends of your hair, avoiding the roots. Vinegar is an excellent deodorizer and natural conditioner. Depending on your hair, you may find you only have to do the vinegar rinse a few times a week. Finally, rinse in cool water. This will close your hair cuticles, reduce frizz, and leave your hair shiny.

Some find they need a little more conditioning, especially us curly girls. You can add moisture by rubbing some oil (I like olive or almond) into your ends, or using a mild, sulfate-free conditioner if your hair requires regular conditioning. There are also many home-made conditioning treatments you can do yourself with ingredients from your kitchen.

I've saved approximately $150.00 in shampoo alone since I've ditched the chemical body cleansers, and even more since I've begun using baking soda as a facial cleanser (make a paste by mixing ½ tablespoon with water and massage it in. It's gritty enough to exfoliate as well as remove make-up and grime, but lacks the harsh agents most cleansers contain so my skin doesn't get dry or breakout). I encourage you to try it for just a month, you will be pleasantly surprised. In the 9 months I've been poo-free I've enjoyed the healthiest, most manageable hair I've ever had and saved tons of money, all without the worry of putting worrisome chemicals onto my body or down the drain.