Any advice for beginners?

Water Only
#1

I have a couple of questions as a beginner, sorry for my english since it’s not my native language.

I live in a tropical area where its humid and always sweating from 1-4 pm. At some time my hair produce more oil than usual.

I have scalp issues pretty bad and tired of changing anti-dandruff shampoo which leaves no result at all and sometimes only make it worse, beside dandruff I also have an oily hair. I have a thick and wavy shoulder hair.

So I start to give this no poo a shot, is it okay if I use the water only treatment for my condition? or which treatment should I apply, any advice?
Secondly, when my hair is finally adaptated with no shampoo, what would happen if I use shampoo again? like when get a haircut at a saloon.

Any advice would help, Thank you!

#2

Since everyone’s hair and scalp are different, it’s hard to predict what will work best for you. I would suggest that you make a gradual transition to going shampoo free!

I would suggest you start with less frequent shampoos. Starting with every other day, to every third day and so on. Make these changes slowly, maybe three weeks for each stage.

Next, try replacing every other shampoo with a combination of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and baking soda; use some baking soda, mixed with enough water to make a paste, and scrub your scalp with it. Since it’s the scalp that produces oil, focus your efforts there. Rinse your hair with a combination of ACV and water; splash some on your head, scrub a bit, splash more and scrub. If you can’t rinse all the baking soda away, or just want your head free of both, feel free to rinse with water. The ACV neutralizes the baking soda, and cleans your scalp.

This all may not work for you, depending on your age and your scalp’s production of oils. I think that younger people, who exercize a lot, tend to have oilier scalps. Plus the humidity and the sweat you produce might be too much to allow for a no shampoo regimen. But I think you’ll be able to at least reduce your use of shampoo if you transition gradually, from shampooing less often, to replacing shampoo with ACV and baking soda.

That’s how I started, and I like my hair a lot better now. I’ve even gotten compliments! I have less frizz, almost none, and my scalp doesn’t smell, even after a month without even rinsing! But I’m white, and I know people with natural hair (black) have hair problems that I have no clue about. Also, I live in the NE US, and humidity is not a problem most of the year.

Sorry for the long post. I tend to write too much. Good luck!

#3

What do you mean by natural hair (black)? What are your hair types? I’m also a beginner and I want to start NoPoo, but it’s a little difficult to find info.

#4

I live in the southern US, heat/humidity much of the year. NEVER thought I’d wean off Pantene conditioner, but . . .

Started with baking soda (1/2 cup to 1 qt water) with a few drops of Dr Bonner soap because I needed the foam, then used the Pantene. After a few months I changed to apple cider vinegar (1/2 cup to 1 qt water) instead of the Pantene; I do NOT rinse after that. The smell disappears as the hair dries.

About 5 years ago I changed to light rye flour instead of the baking soda mix, although I still use it once every month or two. I continue to finish with the ACV/water which I do NOT rinse out afterward, I wash my hair every 5 to 8 days, depends on my activities. Never had my hair permed or dyed, only tried a blow dryer once when a teenager - - never again. Hair length is to mid-back.

I figure you pay a “hair salon” to cut your hair; you can insist they use nothing but water on your hair. If they cannot oblige, go somewhere else. Its your hair.

In the US I’ve heard reference to “ethnic hair”, meaning african american heritage so there may be more variables involved.