Questions and Answers on 100% Natural Shampoo Bars & the `No Poo' Method
Some Questions + Answers from customers......
If your question is not covered here, please contact me and I will answer you personally.
I did this myself three years ago and it has changed my life. My hair was thinning, frizzy at the slightest hint of moisture and hair products didn't seem to be helping at all. Now I can get my hair wet in the rain, shower, sea - wherever and no frizz, no issues. My hair is thicker, shinier feels great and in fabulous condition and I have no need for any hair products! I use a little bit of hairspray when I'm off out in the evening, or using curlers, but that's it. Read on if you want to know more...
If your question is not covered here, please contact me and I will answer you personally.
I did this myself three years ago and it has changed my life. My hair was thinning, frizzy at the slightest hint of moisture and hair products didn't seem to be helping at all. Now I can get my hair wet in the rain, shower, sea - wherever and no frizz, no issues. My hair is thicker, shinier feels great and in fabulous condition and I have no need for any hair products! I use a little bit of hairspray when I'm off out in the evening, or using curlers, but that's it. Read on if you want to know more...
Q. Can I use conditioner and still have all the benefits from the No Poo method? (I have been asked this so many times, I've decided to put the question and answer right at the top here).
Yes! Once your hair has reached its equilibrium, you can use conditioner. In fact I recommend it as shampoo bars can leave some hair quite dry, especially in hard water areas. Just try to stick to as natural one as possible. I am using Kevin Murphy's Angel Rinse which works really well. Aveda of course is very good and this company look brilliant, although I haven't tried them yet. http://www.greenpeople.co.uk/shop-for-products/organic-hair-care/organic-conditioner-products
Q. Who will benefit the most from using Shampoo Bars and the No Poo method?
A. People who have wavy or curly hair and are caught in the cycle of using endless product to stop their hair getting frizzy, lifeless or thinner.
Q. Is the No Poo method and shampoo bars suitable for all hair types?
A. Mostly, but it can dry bleached or damaged hair out dramatically, especially if you live in a hard water area. (The good news is I'm working on products to combat these issues). It really works best on natural or undamaged hair. If your hair is damaged or bleached, start growing it out and have as much of it cut away as possible. Think of it as a project towards healthy beautiful hair!
Q. How do I use a Shampoo Bar?
A. You can either lather the bar in your hands or do what I do - rub it gently on the hair and at the roots and lather it up like you would normal shampoo. I then leave it for a minute or two before rinsing. No need for conditioner. When wet, your hair will `feel' drier than you're used to, but by the time it has dried, it will feel very soft and silky and after a month to six weeks of using shampoo bars, you'll never want to go back to conventional shampoos. That's a promise.
Q. How do I start on the traditional baking soda `No Poo' method?
A. Firstly, put your shampoo and conditioner bottles away somewhere out of reach (or bin them if you're feeling brave) and arm yourself with some bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and some cider vinegar - it HAS to be cider vinegar. Take two separate mugs and thoroughly dissolve one heaped tablespoon of baking soda in hot (not boiling) water . In the second mug, place two tablespoons of cider vinegar and again top up with hot water.
When you're ready to start, jump in the bath or shower and wet hair as usual. Pour the soda mixture over your head and hair. Move your fingers around your scalp gently as if you were giving yourself a slow and very gentle head massage, smooth the mixture through the lengths as well, do not use a comb. Rinse well with clean water. Once the hair is thoroughly rinsed, pour your cider vinegar mixture over your head and hair and pull it through your hair with your fingers. Make sure that as much of your hair as possible has this rinse on it, but don't be tempted to use more vinegar. Leave for a minute or two and then rinse thoroughly with clean water again. The smell might gross you out a bit, but you'll get used to it.
Q. What can I expect to happen once I start on the No Poo?
A. Your hair will feel different to what you're used to after the very first wash. The hair will feel `dry' in texture when its wet and drying, but it will be soft once actually dry. Your hair might go into shock and produce too much grease or might dry out - this is completely natural and part of the process. It is a bit unsightly though, so make friends with head scarves and hats or tie your hair up. I rinsed my hair every 2-3 days until my hair had settled down and I started using the bars.
Q. When can I start using Shampoo Bars if I've started with the traditional soda cleansing technique?
A. You can start using them straight away! I started using them after my hair had reached equilibrium (for me it was 3-4 weeks), but you can skip the soda/vinegar method and go straight on to bars - but the whole process can take longer that way. It is different for everybody.
Q. Can I use styling products?
A. Yes you can, only the sort you would put on after your hair is dry. Once you hair reaches equilibrium you might find you won't want or need to
Q. What happens if I use normal shampoo or dye my hair during the initial 4-6 week transition?
A. You will go back to square one unfortunately . However, once your hair has reached equilibrium, you can use shampoo or hair dye, and it will only take a week to 10 days for your hair to get back to its healthy natural state again.