No More Poo

I started the "No Poo Challenge" Inspired by Mrs. Dixon's Invitation . The timing is perfect for me. I have been trying to formulate my own shampoo, with no success. I have very fine hair. It is like baby hair...but really thick and long. I have been using organic and natural store bought shampoos for about 20 years. I found a couple that work for me (after trying many and formerly using salon products). But still I would always have to have 2 kinds on hand and alternate them..otherwise there would be a build up on my fine hair. (Conditioner is never an option for me. My hair is super silky only with shampoo.. again think baby hair). Organic/natural shampoo is expensive and now that I have a house full of 8 using it...it's no longer a practical option...which is why I was hoping to learn how to make my own. 5 of the 8 of us have "my hair". While the other 3 have very different hair. I figure if this challenge works for me...most of us will be covered right off the bat, then we'll figure out the combination that works best for the other 3.

I read links and materials that were offered at the challenge and thought it would be worth a try. If you are interested, follow the link above. But the general idea is this: Instead of using a commercial shampoo, you make a solution of 1T of Baking Soda to 1C of water. Mix it well and wash with it. (although that will last you a couple washes) Apple Cider Vinegar is used as a conditioner (for normal people!). :-) The challenge is to try this for two weeks and see if it works for you.

I washed my hair for the first time with it today...it was WONDERFUL! I was SO pleased with the results. My hair is squeaky clean and full of body. I had a couple little baking soda flakes left in my hair upon inspection...but I will just take greater care in rinsing next time since I don't have the vinegar rinse to aid that. ( The specks brushed out with no trouble anyway.) I spent last weekend at my dads..both he and his wife smoke. When I got home, I scrubbed my hair a few times with both of my other shampoos and their was still a faint smell of smoke (YUCK!)...but after my soda wash..there was not trace of the smoke smell anymore! So that was also a wonderful thing!! 1 soda wash did what 2-3 shampoo washes couldn't with the smoke smell!

I may be a little too enthusiastic...but if there is no adverse effects of continuing this method as a full time way to wash my hair...I think I am hooked! I will report back with further washing to let you know how it goes. If you would like to take the challenge please go to the link above and sign on.

Really....It is no wonder this works...I make my own deodorant and toothpaste with baking soda as primary ingredients. I also use it in a homemade flea powder and homemade scouring powder for cleaning. Why didn't I think about it for my hair?? This also has me thinking...how would it work on washing the dishes??? Hmmm... I think I'm going to have to experiment with that!