the "no-poo" method

[meauxna 15]

Meauxana - I am on the waiting list for Curly Girl from the library. As far as I understand it, there are two camps.. the Curly Girl camp that uses conditioner, and the camp that uses nothing at all (save for ACV and BS) Do you find the conditioner really doesn't harm your hair? My whole reason for trying this is not only to free the wave, but also to spare my hair and scalp more product. Though I suppose, baking soda isn't exactly gentle!

Well, I will read the book - my friend is a Curly Girl..went from limp to robust curl, so I have seen it work with my own eyes!

I haven't read the forums over at nc.com for awhile---I imagine the difference in camps has to do with the type of hair each person has. For example, my mom was forever after me to try a cutter that normally does african hair because I'm "curly". But my hair really doesn't have the ethnic characteristics---ex, I was surprised to find out that my monster head of hair is actually very fragile, not tough, like I thought. I simply prefer the look/feel I get by using conditioner, and I'll go ahead an post it here: I don't even wash with conditioner as often as many might hope, but I swear, I'm a clean gal.

Again, by not using product that builds up, I don't feel the need to 'strip' my hair (purpose of ACV & BS) because I don't have build up. With the coloring, I am getting in one shampoo every 4-6 weeks (which does throw everything out of whack, but white sideburns would be worse).

If you find that your own hair is more in the wave department, you may have more natural oil than I do and you would need less conditioner, or a lighter one that I do. I've actually considered the olive oil misting, but haven't taken the plunge yet. You might find that your scalp is more tender or as you say, that you just want to use less product----part of it is just experimenting to see what works for you (and rolling with the changes that diff. lengths etc make). I found my perfect hair twin at naturallycurly.com and followed some of her ideas---it's funny how such a huge forum can exist to talk about hair!

You can look for a used copy of the book at powells or amazon if you don't want to wait for the library.

K, how you keep clean? See above. you can look into special conditioners against the chlorine damage (my sis & I were swim team for years and years--ouch). Your regimine doesn't sound very harsh--sounds nice to be your hair! If it works for you, don't change. The no-poo method is most recommended for naturally curly hair, which has a different construction than striaght hair and comes with its own problems. If you're not using a lot of product, you don't have anything other than normal sweat & oil to clean off, which you can do with conditioner instead of shampoo (think Woolite soap instead of Tide detergent, or face cleanser vs borax scrub).

[anya-D 8]

I've never even known that there are people who never wash their hair (well, people who choose not to and are from a Western culture)! I wash my hair and goop on the conditioner every single day! I've got fine hair and I like to keep it straight, sleek, and soft and since I highlight it I can put on tons of conditioner and still have it not feel as soft as I'd like. If I go one day without washing my hair is an oily and frizzy mess!

I'm also like that... interesting though.. no poo.. hmm.... but i dont know if i can stand not using shampoo.. i tried just rinsing my hair.. just only 2 days my head itch like mad!

[Kajikit 65]

My hair IS curly... it used to be ringlets and big curls but nowadays it's just very wavy and I haven't seen a ringlet in years... if there was any way to bring the curls back other than artificial chemicals, I'd love to try it! I used to have hair that looked like what people were trying to achieve with a perm, only mine was all natural.

[Canuck Carrie 1]

Here's a site for fine hair like mine. I think I'm going to give this a try.

What do you do on the days that you get really sweaty from working out or being outside?

[aussiewench 9]

Im up for this cause Im sick and tired of trying to get my curly mop right hahaha Guess Im going to be getting myself a copy of Curly Girl. Thanks for the heads up on this gals

[meauxna 15]

Here's a site for fine hair like mine. I think I'm going to give this a try.

What do you do on the days that you get really sweaty from working out or being outside?

CC, That article is GREAT. Everyone with questions, go read that summary quick---all your basic Qs are covered.

I try to avoid getting really sweaty by not working out (just KIDDING), but you'll find that you can massage/clean your scalp with one of the ingredients suggested on that site, or use a little conditioner. The point is, once your hair adapts, you really don't have the need that you currently think you do!

[hockeygal 0]

The only part of that article I didn't like was the part where it said it could take TWO MONTHS for some people to adjust!

[babybunny 2]

I couldn't fathom not using shampo!

I cant either.

Love my hair to smell dayumm good..

[danae 0]

Here's a site for fine hair like mine. I think I'm going to give this a try.

What do you do on the days that you get really sweaty from working out or being outside?

Thanks for the link I too have fine hair. Ive tried just using water to wash before- but my hari just got way too greasy. This I am definately going to try!

Make sure we all keep each other posted on our progress!

[meauxna 15]

oops, meant to add for the good-smelly brigade (self included):

I've been experimenting with essential oils to get the yummy smell to add to leave in conditioner or homemade aloe vera gel. The millions I've been spending on Aveda for perfume----not worth it anymore, no matter how much I love it!

Everyone can look at the forums at naturallycurly.com for no-poo support and ideas.

[rob&ana 0]

This is an awesome post...

I've been relaxing my hair for years...

but beauty salons are SO expensive here, that I've retreated to getting my hair in a bun all the time. I'd love to let it go natural, but I look like a lion!! too much volume!

[Sinergy 3]

Im up for this cause Im sick and tired of trying to get my curly mop right hahaha Guess Im going to be getting myself a copy of Curly Girl. Thanks for the heads up on this gals

im the same, my curly hair pisses me off! if i dont use moose on it it looks BAD. and it always frizzes. If i can find a way to never use moose or hairspray again, im all for it!! Guess im off to look at Curly Girl.

[Tim and Bethanie 1]

Thanks for this post. I read not to long ago about washing your hair less, but never about not washing with shampoo at all. My hair has always been very dry/brittle, frizzy whatever you want to call it. I have tried every sloppy concotion of shampoos, conditioners and leave ins to no avail. In my case a $15 dollar bottle of shampoo does no better than a $4 bottle, my hair is just that bad. Off to read on this curly girl!

[jordanianprincess 0]

Now this is an awesome post!!! I joined naturallycurly and went out and bought a copy of Curly Girl. I have naturally curly hair and I flat iron it all the time. I need to get my hair in better condition so I'm gonna give it a shot. I spend a fortune on hair products that do little or nothing to help my hair. Yaaaay, I'm excited

[derekkj 0]

I agree, great post and site. Thanks!

Never knew there were so many others who were suffering with the same dry/frizzy/brittle crappy hair that I have. I usually do the bun/pony tail thing but will definitely give this a try!

Now off to find Curly Girl at the library. Hope none of you are in Virginia...