Three weeks or more without shampoo or conditioner may sound like a nightmare, but going without shampoo is becoming a popular fad among women.
The natural solution to shampoo’s unrelenting chemicals are two specific and natural ingredients often used in the kitchen: apple cider vinegar and baking soda. The specific combination of the two provide a promising alternative to the run-of-the-mill Tresemme or Herbal Essence solution.
Rachael Evans, a professional blogger and stay-at-home mom from Arizona, said switching off shampoo couldn’t have been an easier decision.
“I use baking soda and ACV (apple cider vinegar),” Evans said. “I’ve found it to be equal performance-wise to shampoo and conditioner. I have curly hair that is very coarse which responds well to it, and I don’t need any other products for styling.”
[/media-credit]- Baking soda? Vinegar? Not just for the kitchen anymore.
Another appealing aspect of this organic approach to hair care is the cost, especially in comparison to pricey hair care products.
“The cost definitely can’t be beat,” Evans said. “I save about $10 a month in hair care products for my husband and I. It may not seem like a large amount, but that money adds up. I’ve saved over $50 overall in the past four months.”
Many women are repelled by harsh chemicals found in many shampoo and conditioner products, as well as their potential harmful effects on the largest organ of the human body: the skin.
Maggie Hollinbeck, another professional blogger from northern California, said the hard chemicals in shampoo were ruining her hair.
“I changed to my natural ingredient mix after my current shampoo started making my hair greasy and oily,” Hollinbeck said. “I started reading through blogs, and discovered that most shampoos contain propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate, which are cheap for companies to put into the products, but can be harmful to our bodies.”
While most of the mainstream shampoo and conditioner options are chock-full of unidentifiable and barely recognizable chemicals, there are some that offer a more natural ingredients list.
“In addition to my routine ACV and baking soda combination, I also use a Burt’s Bees pre-conditioner,” Hollingbeck said. “From what I’ve read, many Burt’s Bees hair products try to stray from many of the dangerous chemicals that are found in normal shampoos and conditioners.”
Though the natural solution may be an easy plan for many to execute, it turns other organic hopefuls off.
Angela Mills, a stay-at-home mom, said she tried the method, and it did not work for her.
“I checked and re-checked my measurements, and the solution just made my hair more greasy,” Mills said. “I missed the fruity smell of my shampoo, and so did my husband. The ACV solution just made my hair smell like beer. I would recommend trying it, because I know that everyone’s hair is different, but watch out for the smell.”
