I don’t use shampoo. Ever.
I have been living shampoo free since 2013! Yes, at the time of this writing, that makes it about 12 years without shampoo. I didn't get into this because I wanted to have super crazy long hair, or follow historic routines, I just wanted natural, homemade hair care that didn't make my hair feel gross or cost a fortune! I also decided that the whole shampoo industry is kinda a scam… They make this product that strips the oils from your hair and scalp, then you need the other product to add moisture back. Then to make matters worse, the more you use the products, the more you NEED to use them because your poor confused scalp starts producing oils overtime to make up for what you are stripping away. It’s a crazy cycle!
I simply wanted to have healthy (and nice looking) hair without expensive, generally toxic, products. Is that really too much to ask for? Way back in 2013 when I was just 18 years old, I had already spent years experimenting with “alternative” shampoos on and off and found them incredibly lacking. My hair ended up feeling like straw, I had a greasy scalp and dry ends, I smelled like vinegar, my scalp was itchy… it wasn't great. Then I heard about some people who just didn't use soap in their hair at all… This was so appealing; I decided to give it a go. And it apparently worked for me because here I am over a decade later with no plans to start using soap on my hair in the future!
I do want to say, these methods are not one size fits all, please be patient with yourself if you are embarking on a hair care discovery journey. It takes time, trial, and yes, error, to find the routine and products (or anti products?) that work for you. Now, without further adieu, here are all the ways I cleanse and condition, without soap!
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Thank you for all your ongoing support!
Eggs
If you are looking for a natural way to add body, manageability, strength and shine to your hair, look no further than your refrigerator (or back yard)! Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrients that can transform even the finest or oiliest hair into a luscious, manageable, mane!
Eggs are packed with protein, which helps to rebuild and strengthen your hair, leaving it healthier and more voluminous. They are also rich in vitamins A, D, E, B12, biotin, iodine, selenium, and pantothenic acid, all of which contribute to shiny and healthy hair. Not to mention, the lecithin in eggs adds a natural shine and luster while gently cleansing.
Vitamin A - Promotes healthy scalp and hair growth.
Vitamin E - Protects hair from environmental damage.
Biotin - Boosts hair growth and improves elasticity.
Folate - Strengthens hair and prevents breakage.
I absolutely love using egg washes for my hair. It was a major turning point in my hair care journey. However, keep in mind that this treatment should only be used once or twice a month. You can overdue the egg wash!
How to:
Start by cracking 1 or more eggs into a jar, add some liquid, either water or tea (optionally essential oils), and shake or stir to thoroughly combine. Apply this scrambled egg slurry directly to your scalp in small increments. It is best to do this in the shower, it can be quite messy! Once all the egg mixture is applied to your scalp, spend a few minutes gently massaging your scalp for maximum benefits! Now last, but perhaps most importantly, rinse your hair with COOL WATER! You can and will cook the egg into your hair with hot water… ask me how I know this.
2. Tea
Tea makes an amazing refresher for the hair and scalp! I use tea once or twice a week personally and find that it is one of the best ways to keep my hair and scalp feeling fresh and nourished between the bimonthly/monthly egg washes and it is the simplest thing to make at home. Simply choose an herb/tea, brew a strong cup of it and let cool, strain, and apply directly to your scalp in the shower. Make sure you saturate your entire scalp and let it fall down your ends, spend some time giving yourself a gentile scalp massage for the best benefits.
Here are some teas to consider for your hair rinse:
Green Tea - promotes hair growth, reduces hair loss, and strengthens hair follicles.
Black Tea - known to reduce hair shedding and darken hair naturally, making it great for brunettes and those with dark hair.
Chamomile - excellent for soothing the scalp, reducing dandruff, and can reportedly lighten hair naturally (I have never experienced this).
Rosemary - stimulates hair growth, prevents premature graying, and reduces dandruff.
Mint - stimulates blood flow to the scalp, promoting hair growth and a healthy scalp.
3. Oil
Depending on your hair type you will have more or less need for oils in your hair care routine. I have very thin fine hair that also happens to be wavy. I definitely need weekly oils added to my ends but have to be careful not to do anything to heavy because my hair goes limp and greasy looking very easily!
Here are some of my favorite options for a conditioning oil:
Olive Oil - Deeply moisturizes and nourishes hair. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and E. Strengthens hair and reduces hair fall. Adds shine and softness. Helps to combat dandruff and a dry scalp
Coconut Oil - Penetrates the hair shaft to provide deep conditioning. Reduces protein loss and strengthens hair. Rich in lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties. Prevents split ends and hair breakage. Adds shine and softness to hair
Shea Butter - Deeply moisturizes and nourishes hair. Rich in vitamins A and E. Provides a natural barrier to protect hair from environmental damage. Reduces frizz and adds shine. Helps to soothe a dry, itchy scalp (this is no longer my favorite, I would rather use tallow because it is similar in intensity and texture and more readily available to me!)
Tallow - Deeply moisturizing and nourishing due to its fatty acid profile. Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K. Adds shine and smoothness to hair. Helps to strengthen and protect hair. Beneficial for soothing scalp conditions like eczema and psoriasis
Rose Hip Seed Oil - Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins A and C. Strengthens hair and promotes hair growth. Adds shine and softness to hair. Helps to combat dandruff and a dry scalp. Repairs damaged hair and prevents split ends
4. Acid
Using an acidic rinse is a fantastic way to balance your pH! The scalp's natural pH is slightly acidic, around 4.5 to 5.5. Acidic rinses help maintain this balance, which can prevent issues like dryness, dandruff, and frizz. Acidic rinses can also help to close the hair cuticle, making hair smoother and shiner. They help remove product buildup and mineral deposits from hard water and can reduce issues like dandruff and itchiness. I usually use these on an as needed basis… Usually only once or twice a month since I don't use any products but do have fairly hard water! You can also use an acidic ingredient in a spray bottle to use as a refreshing spray if like me, you have textured hair that likes a little misting!
Acidic rinses to consider:
Shine: Adds shine and smoothness by sealing the hair cuticle.
Detangling: Makes hair easier to detangle.
Scalp Health: Reduces dandruff and itchiness due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Usage: Dilute 2-4 tablespoons of ACV in a cup of water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning.
Clarifying: Removes excess oil as well as product and hard water buildup.
Shine & Brighten: Adds natural shine and can lighten hair and brighten highlights highlights.
Scalp Health: Helps reduce dandruff and scalp itchiness.
Usage: Mix the juice of one lemon with a cup of water and use it as a final rinse. Be cautious with sun exposure, as lemon juice can lighten hair when exposed to sunlight.
Fermented Whey
Rich in Nutrients: Fermented whey is packed with vitamins, minerals, and proteins that nourish and strengthen your hair.
Moisturizing: It acts as a natural moisturizer, leaving your hair soft and hydrated.
Protein Boost: The proteins in whey help to repair and strengthen damaged hair.
Scalp Health: Its antimicrobial properties can help combat dandruff and other scalp issues.
Usage:
After making cheese, save the leftover whey and let it ferment for a couple of days.
Mix the fermented whey with an equal amount of water to dilute it.
Wet hair thoroughly then pour the diluted whey over your hair and scalp, massaging it in gently.
Let it sit for a few minutes to allow your hair to absorb the nutrients.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water.
5. Cornstarch and Cocoa Powder
I love dry shampoo as much as the next girl but I am not about to get on board with an aerosolized can of that stuff when I can make my own right from my pantry! Both cornstarch and cocoa powder work as a gentle dry shampoo by absorbing some of the excess oils from your hair and scalp. Using a dry shampoo like this can help your hair look refreshed and full between wash and rinse days!
Simply shake or dust some cornstarch, cocoa powder, or a mix of the two, into your hair near the scalp as you would with any other dry shampoo. Use your fingers to work it through the hair, allow to sit for a bit, and brush out! Enjoy refreshed and volumized hair!
Bonus: Have you considered how much money you could save by cutting your own (family’s) at home rather than at a salon or barber shop? I bought these scissors (https://amzn.to/4a9sVdB) back in 2020 and they have been such a wise investment! I always cut my husbands hair but gaining the confidence to cut my own and my daughters hair has saved us so much time, money, and hassle! Think about it, at my local hairdresser, a kids cut is $17, men's $20, women's $40… If we each get 3 (hubby gets his done 4 or 5 usually and one of my girls has a short style that I trim every 2 or 3 months so this is a conservative estimate for us) haircuts a year that's $282 for My two kids, husband and myself. If a penny saved is a penny earned, I'm earning $282+ dollars a year as a hairdresser at this point! There are a million and 1 tutorials for cutting hair on YouTube so it is easy to learn!
Are you experimenting with alternative cleansers for your hair? Have you been shampoo free yourself? I'd love to hear your thoughts/experiences, leave a comment!
