The no-poo method is simply letting your hair oils build up over time, then washing your hair without stripping it of its natural oils.”
This is down to personal preference, but most newbie 'No Pooers' usually leave it every ten to fourteen days before washing it9 – sans shampoo of course. But if you're not as keen on going water-only, don't worry. Check out our blog on how to make your own shampoo without using any harsh chemicals.
What Is the No-Poo Method? The no-poo method is a hair-cleansing technique that removes shampoo from the equation, says Geeta Yadav, MD, a dermatologist in Toronto. Instead of using shampoo, followers of the practice use alternatives such as apple cider vinegar, a cleansing conditioner, or just plain water.
No Poo Before And After
You should remember that transitioning is only a phase. Whether it takes 2 weeks or 2 months, or sometimes longer, eventually you'll see the benefits of healthier and easier to manage hair. Not having to shampoo every day will also save you time and effort.
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.
If you use styling products like mousse, hair spray and dry shampoo regularly, the no-poo method might make it hard to fully cleanse your hair and scalp of product build-up. Over time this can impact hair and scalp health.
A water-only hair wash routine will help preserve the natural oils. Further, it is a low maintenance hair care routine that requires you to invest in minimal hair care products. You can use lukewarm and cold water to wash off the dirt and dust and then follow it up with a good conditioner.
Water is effective at washing away dirt, dust, and other water-soluble debris from the hair and scalp without stripping the hair of this sebum. However, Mamelak notes that if there are other oils in the hair (from a haircare or styling product, for example), a good portion of these will be left behind as well.
"The 4-2-4 method basically entails four minutes of massaging your face with a cleansing oil, two minutes of massaging with a water-based cleanser (preferably creamy), then two minutes of rinsing with warm water and two minutes with cold water." The 4-2-4 method should ideally be done before bedtime.
Whilst many people ask does No Poo make hair thicker, the answer will be different for each individual. Choosing to forgo chemicals will definitely be a healthier choice for your hair, and many people find that their hair does indeed appear thicker once they have transitioned to No Poo.
Co-washing is part of the No Poo family; it is a method of cleansing hair by removing shampoo and only using conditioners. These conditioners do of course need to be sulphate and silicon free. No Poo conditioners can be used to wash hair without the need for shampoos.
This is the method most people associate with the no-poo method. With this approach you don't use a shampoo, hence the term “no-poo”, and go straight to a conditioner. Many of these products are marketed towards thicker, coarser, curly textures, and The Curly Girl Method encourages to take up this routine.
"You can use dry shampoo to lengthen the time in between washes, to absorb sweat after workouts or to just refresh hair for a 'fresh-styled look' without the hassle of getting hair wet and blow drying it."
“There are too many variables to set one rule,” Jessica J. Krant, a cosmetic and medical dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York said in an interview. “I believe hair can be washed anywhere from daily to once every two weeks, depending on hair and skin type, hairstyle and lifestyle.”
Taking a break from shampooing your hair can help preserve natural oils in the scalp and maintain moisture. The benefits of not washing your hair range from fewer split ends to less grease and oil — check out the most important advantages below.
When you first switch from using shampoo to only using water, your hair might go through a phase where it feels greasier than usual. This is because your scalp needs time to adjust its oil production levels – something that was previously regulated by frequent shampooing.
Cold water closes the hair cuticles and helps reduce frizz.
As a result, your hair will feel rough and greasy, even after washing. However, water that is too cold might make your hair dull and lifeless. Cold water may affect the hair volume and make it appear flat.
This trend called 'No 'Poo' has become a rage, with several celebrities going gaga about it. From Jessica Simpson, Gwyneth Paltrow to Adele and Nicole Scherzinger, they are all going the 'No 'Poo' way. Men too have joined the bandwagon with Robert Pattinson, Johnny Depp and Prince Harry taking the plunge.
You Should Still Wash Your Hair
In most versions of the no 'poo movement, not using shampoo doesn't mean not washing your hair at all: Rinsing with water is generally acceptable (and encouraged), and some methods recommend natural alternatives like baking soda or apple cider vinegar.