For cleansers, you have two options: Low-Poo and
While going low poo is a great way to help your hair retain its natural moisture, the low poo method does come with some caveats. Because of the lack (or minimal presence) of sulfates, those who choose to go low poo must avoid conditioners and styling products that contain silicones and petroleum derivatives.
The main concern among anti-pooers is that it leaves the hair and scalp feeling oily. Sure, nixing shampoo from your routine may initially leave your hair looking and feeling greasy, but if the method is done correctly, it can balance out how much oil your scalp produces in the long run.
Sulfate-free and conditioning cleansers like DevaCurl's No-Poo and Low-Poo are gentle enough for daily use and are a great alternative to conventional shampoos.
Its use is occasional, generally once every two weeks or more. A Low-Poo shampoo contains neither sulfates nor other aggressive anionic surfactants, but it does contain other types of more delicate surfactants (cationic, amphoteric and non-ionic).
The phrase “low poo” means a sulfate-free shampoo that still contains cleansing ingredients (called “surfactents”). What is the difference between a shampoo and low-poo? What we think of as “normal shampoo” typically includes sulfates. A Low-poo does not have sulfates.
Low Poo is a technique that uses shampoo without aggressive sulfates, insoluble silicones and petrolatum derivatives to wash hair. In order to do so, it is necessary to substitute any shampoos that contain aggressive substances because they remove the natural protection of hair.
Things To Know Before Joining The No Poo Tribe
Like any transition, allow your hair and scalp a few weeks to adapt to the routine. Shifting from a harsh detergent to a nourishing hair recipe will take some getting used to. For the first two weeks expect that hair will feel different–heavier or oilier than usual.
It seems that most people who quit shampoo also see their hair get more voluminous. I think this is because conditioner in particular can make your hair soft and flat, and by cutting out the product your hair naturally gets thicker again. This is also part of why my hair became easier to style.
Summary: It can take up to six weeks of not using shampoo to see the main benefits of the movement. Your hair may be greasy, to begin with, but this should settle down after some time. Your hair may not smell as fancy as it used to, but it will still be clean.
The no-poo method involves forgoing shampoo containing detergents that strip your hair of its natural oils. Your hair won't smell, because you're still cleansing it. Research the best shampoo alternatives for you: water only, conditioner only, coconut oil, ACV and baking soda, or a no-poo product.
Many people who have tried the no-poo method for several months note that their hair becomes thinner and falls outmuch more than their usual shedding. If you ever use heat styling appliances, the damage will happen even faster.
Many fans of the No Poo approach suggest that rather than causing hair loss, their No Poo methods have actually increased their hair growth! There is sadly no scientific evidence to back up these assertions.
Anyone with low porosity hair can benefit from pre-pooing. If your hair is dry and brittle, pre-pooing can help to add moisture and make your hair more manageable. Pre-pooing is also a good idea if you shampoo your hair a lot or use a lot of strong sulfates.
No poo routines that don't clean adequately can actually make your scalp irritated. Oil that builds up on the scalp changes and becomes oxidized- breaking down into substances that not only smell bad but may also make your scalp itchy or flaky.
Depending on your hair type, you can wait three to five days between washes, and we've got the scoop on how to survive the process while you're waiting for sebum production to slow down. We'll admit, the first two weeks are the most difficult, but after about week four, you should see a significant difference.
Many people with low porosity or fine hair find that deep conditioning after shampooing leaves hair feeling over-moisturised, weighed down and lacking curl definition. To prevent this, you can instead deep condition as a pre-poo.
It is totally fine to pre-poo your hair overnight. Pre-pooing overnight will give your hair the extra TLC you need while absorbing the strands with moisture to nourish them well. When you leave your pre-poo in overnight, remember to gather your hair into a braid or twist to prevent tangles or knots while you sleep.
You could also do an overnight pre-poo. Either way, rinse out your pre-poo treatment before shampooing and conditioning your hair with your favorite products.
Your Hair Can Look Thinner
For some folks, going a day or two without shampoo results in gloriously thicker and voluminous hair. But for others — especially those with fine hair — even just a touch of excess oil can have quite the opposite effect.
In the no-poo method, the co-wash is applied, a process that relies on the use of the conditioner alone. In the low poo, the shampoo (even if with little sulphate) still precedes the act of conditioning. It is important to avoid the use of conditioners that contain insoluble silicones, especially during no-poo.
The no poo method is a simple way to add extra moisture to your curls by replacing your shampoo with conditioner. However, you will need to take steps to maintain proper scalp hygiene. Your wash day routine, and wash day frequency will depend on your hair porosity.