Jul 19, 2009

Hair Update

I'm still excited about this no-poo hair regime, even after 3.5 months. I'm thrilled actually. Something I thought of this morning while massaging away with the baking soda is that my hair is a lot more predictable, behaviour-wise, than when using regular shampoos and conditioners. Often I would wash and dry my hair and it wouldn't behave like it did the previous wash. This caused great frustration when I was getting ready to go out in the evening (like that ever happens now). My hair in these photos was lightly styled in the morning, but not brushed prior to the photos. When it is brushed it goes rather silky. But I like it a bit tousled and messed up. The natural shine you get from just using ACV is amazing too. It beats serums hands down. Serums build up anyway, and can leave hair looking lank.

The only other product I use is a bit of Jojoba oil on the mid-lengths to ends. I tried coconut oil but didn't like it - for one, it solidifies when cool and this made my hair look a bit icky. The jojoba oil, as I've mentioned before, is closest to hair sebum and works really well for me.

I am still using just apple cider vinegar, rather than honey ACV - the latter made my hair a bit heavier. Nice every now and then for conditioning but on a regular basis - washing my hair 2-3 times per week - the ACV is light and works best.

My pallid complexion in these shots has something to do with Audrey waking me up every 45-90 minutes throughout the night - nasty! Two coffees have perked me up, and I managed a small smile for the camera so can't be doing too badly (yet, wait until evening comes).

If you are considering going no-poo, I totally recommend you give it a go. If you don't like it (and often it comes down to working out the best ratio of bicarb/ACV) then you can always revert back to your usual products.

The no-poo method is a nice money saver though, quite the bonus on top of healthy hair. So far, no turning back for me.



8 comments:

Anonymous said...

wow, you look gorgeous! your hair has that toddler bed-head look - soft and tussled, which is a great look.
i did the no-poo when you first described it and was pretty happy with the results. after a week or so i got lazy about it and just threw out the generic shampoo products we had and bought burt's bees, a great natural product. i think the feel of my hair with it is very similar to the no-poo effect. wonder what cleopatra used? i want to try the facial next but need to get some brandy is it? fun..

Hanna said...

Your hair looks really good! I have been trying this for awhile since seeing it on your blog. So far I like it a lot.

I found that jojoba oil made my hair feel a little greasy, but this stuff called Moroccan oil works really well (although it is quite a bit more expensive).

Catherine said...

Ursula - apparently Cleopatra washed her hair with egg yolks and vinegar! This site - http://www.stratsplace.com/rogov/good_in_body.html - has info on your very question, as well as her skincare habits.

Hanna - Moroccan oil, I am intrigued. I don't mind paying good money for something good. I'll keep a look out for it. Thanks!

Jill said...

your hair looks really beautiful. i'm nervous to try this method because i have curly hair... and i need some sort of product to control frizz.

i would love advice in the styling department! are there any natural cremes/oils that add a bit of control?

Catherine said...

Hi Jill,

I've just finished posting about no--poo for curly hair.

The only 'styling' product I use is jojoba oil - a few drops in the hand rubbed in, and then lightly brushed over the surface of the midlengths to ends.

One of the things that amazes me about going no-poo is that I don't need styling products like I used to. No bodifying ones, no texturizing ones (bar the jojoba oil).

Products, in general, to avoid are those containing silicones (or any 'cones' for that matter).

Have a go at no-poo, and then tackle any problems (if any) from there. Good luck!

Jennifer said...

okay, you've convinced me to give it another go. right now, my hair is falling out like crazy (post partum), so why not? maybe this will please what is left on my head

Unknown said...

No turning back for me either! I must admit that from time to time (when I manage to squeeze a quick shower between family chores) I get lazy and use the usual shampoo, but I always regret it! My hair never feels and look the same as with the no-poo method. I am following your recipe and I am completely satisfied - I'm using jojoba oil as well and find it wondrous!!
Moroccan oil sounds interesting, I guess it refers to Argan oil, which is very, very good and expensive. I am about to leave for holidays and my plans include giving a try to Monoi oil: I will report afterwards...
Ciao!

Allana said...

Thanks so much for your blog - I have been wanting to go chemical free for a while and had got down to Akin or Sukin products but just read the label properly and discovered nasties. Have washed my hair the no-poo way twice now and it feels AMAZING! thanks for the push, my daughter and I will both be doing it this way from now on :)