Shampoo-Free Starter Supplies / aka: No "Poo"

I'm not an especially "crunchy" person, especially by blogger's standards.  But I have been systematically eliminating harsh chemicals, artificial dyes and overly processed foods from our home one product at a time (with the exception of some necessary for really disinfecting toilets, medicine, etc). 

I've thought about trying the "no-poo" method for awhile.  I have never been happy with the way my hair looked.  In order to get it to look healthy I had to use expensive shampoos and conditioners and to keep it clean I HAVE to wake up early in the morning to wash it every single day.  If I shower the night before, I end up looking like an oily mess by lunch time.  Jared encouraged me to give this a try this summer. 

The theory is, once you stop using shampoos (which are a detergent that strip your hair and scalp of all of it's natural oils) after an adjustment period, your scalp will naturally stop overproducing oils and you can wash your hair less often.  Eliminating conditioners which coat your hair in silicones and other artificial enhancers, your hair is lighter, has more volume and becomes healthier overall.  Many bloggers and stylists experience the best hair they have ever had by using this method.  There are tons of posts that go more in depth about the science and benefits.  I'm seriously no expert, but a quick Google or Pinterest search will give you a ton of information. 

There is an adjustment period where your scalp will continue to produce lots of oil and your hair will look pretty "meh".  I'm experiencing this right now on my non-washing days.  It's one of those things you really have to stick with long-term to reap the rewards.  As of now, I'm "washing" my hair with the product listed below about 3-4 days a week and the other days I'm brushing it out or rising with water and wearing a ponytail.  Over time I should have to wash it less and less to less to keep up.  I'll still shower of course, but I shouldn't have to do much other than scrub my scalp with water and let it dry.

Here is the list of ingredients and tools I am currently using to care for my hair. 

1. Baking Soda:  This is the first half of the duo that is the basis of the whole cleaning process.  I keep a mug in the bathroom with a tablespoon and before it's time to clean my hair, I add a spoonful of baking soda to the mug and take it into the shower with me.  The common ratio to start with is 1 tbsp of baking soda to 1 cup of water.  I let the water from the shower full the mug, mix it and then pour it around my scalp with my head tilted back.  I spend some time really working it into my scalp and the back of my head (where I tend to get pretty oily) and then rinse thoroughly.  My hair feels pretty clean after rinsing.  
2. Apple Cider Vinegar:  This is the second part of the washing process.  It is essential to not exclude this step.  I'm not a scientist or an expert, but you must neutralize the baking soda with the ACV in order to close the cuticle of the hair.  It also does seem to help condition and detangle (I always brush my hair really well before shower to prevent tangles as well).  Continue to #3 for more.
3. Hair Dye Bottle:  I tried just using the ACV bottle, but it was cumbersome and I like to dilute the vinegar.  This cheap-o bottle works perfectly.  I dilute the Apple Cider Vinegar about half and half with water and mix it in this bottle.  The tip makes it easy to distribute around my hair through the ends.  Again, I rinse thoroughly with water.  After rinsing with ACV my hair feels softer and clean.  There is a little bit of a vinegar smell while it's wet, but once I air dry it's hard to tell unless you really get up in there and smell it.
4. Boar Bristle Hair Brush:  This is one of my new tools that I use throughout the week.  Boar Bristle Brushes have been used for women dating way back to help distribute the oil from your scalp down the shaft of your hair.  Have you ever seen a woman in a movie (or Downton) sitting and brushing her hair over and over again before bed?  She is linkly using a brush like this.  It also make my hair super soft and shiny.  
5. Coconut Oil:  Your hair will need some moisture.  I'm planning to use a simple coconut oil mask once a week for this.  I wet my hair, slather it on and put it in a bun for awhile while I clean the kitchen or watch TV.  It smells amazing and after washing it out really well my hair is re-hydrated and soft. 
6. Lavender Essential Oil:  This is totally optional, but I added it to my cabinet.  When I clean my hair with the above combination it really doesn't smell like anything.  I kind of missed my floral shampoos and conditioners.  So when I'm feeling fancy, I just add a few drops of lavender oil to my brush and it lightly scents my hair without leaving it oily.  You can also just dabs it behind the ears of on the back of your neck for a similar effect without putting it directly on your locks.

Going "no-poo" is different for everyone and what works for my may not work for your hair type.  Some people use a honey concoction or Castile soap.  There are tons of recipes of hair masks to re-hydrate.  It's all about trial and error, time and patience.  I'll try and do an update in a few weeks. 

Have you ever tried going "no-poo" or shampoo free?  I'd love to hear your tips or experiences.