Every time I read something about the “no ‘poo movement,” I admit that I have trouble keeping a straight face. It’s really just a cheeky way of describing the beauty craze that involves skipping out on shampoo for major hair benefits.
There are quite a few ways to approach the movement, some subtle and some extreme. No 'poo evangelists might tout extending the amount of time between shampoos, or shampooing only with natural ingredients, while others don’t shampoo their hair at all — or, hardly ever. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, each approach within the “no ‘poo movement” may have a positive impact on more than just your hair.
Clearer Complexion
Your no 'poo practice might just be the gateway to a clearer complexion. Think about that hard-to-reach area in the middle of your back — breaking out there? If the answer is yes, it may be due to shampoo runoff and ingredients like sulfates, fragrance, and petroleum byproducts clogging pores and irritating skin. If you begin increasing the time between shampooing, take note if the problem begins to clear up. If you can't bear to skip shampooing entirely, you may want to simply adjust your routine and see how your skin fares. Wash and condition your hair at the beginning of your shower. Then, proceed with tending to your body and face. Make sure you've rinsed your hair well before washing your face and body. This order of activity ensures that any shampoo residue is rinsed off.
Your no 'poo practice might just be the gateway to a clearer complexion. Think about that hard-to-reach area in the middle of your back — breaking out there? If the answer is yes, it may be due to shampoo runoff and ingredients like sulfates, fragrance, and petroleum byproducts clogging pores and irritating skin. If you begin increasing the time between shampooing, take note if the problem begins to clear up. If you can't bear to skip shampooing entirely, you may want to simply adjust your routine and see how your skin fares. Wash and condition your hair at the beginning of your shower. Then, proceed with tending to your body and face. Make sure you've rinsed your hair well before washing your face and body. This order of activity ensures that any shampoo residue is rinsed off.
Cleaner Scalp
The scalp is another area that may benefit from a decreased shampooing. Of course, properly washing your scalp — and not just your hair — is part of having a beautiful and healthy head of hair and skin. If you aren’t rinsing out all of your hair-care products in the shower, residue can build up on the scalp, leading to clogged pores and a troubled scalp. Dull, lifeless locks, itchy skin, dandruff, and even acne may be the result of a scalp with clogged pores. At least once a week, I recommend skipping shampoo and massaging your dry scalp with a natural, mineral-rich beauty oil (like our Lavender Chamomile Moisturizing Oil or just your favorite do-it-all pantry staple: coconut oil). This scalp massage will help you get rid of product build-up and increase your circulation for faster-growing hair and less shedding. Surprisingly, using oil on your scalp will actually normalize your oil production, so you can actually extend the time between shampoos without looking greasy. If you don’t like the “sleek” look after the oil massage, you can always rinse your scalp with warm water afterwards. So, is ditching shampoo a movement that should stick? For a healthier complexion, a cleaner scalp, and glowing skin, my answer is yes.
The scalp is another area that may benefit from a decreased shampooing. Of course, properly washing your scalp — and not just your hair — is part of having a beautiful and healthy head of hair and skin. If you aren’t rinsing out all of your hair-care products in the shower, residue can build up on the scalp, leading to clogged pores and a troubled scalp. Dull, lifeless locks, itchy skin, dandruff, and even acne may be the result of a scalp with clogged pores. At least once a week, I recommend skipping shampoo and massaging your dry scalp with a natural, mineral-rich beauty oil (like our Lavender Chamomile Moisturizing Oil or just your favorite do-it-all pantry staple: coconut oil). This scalp massage will help you get rid of product build-up and increase your circulation for faster-growing hair and less shedding. Surprisingly, using oil on your scalp will actually normalize your oil production, so you can actually extend the time between shampoos without looking greasy. If you don’t like the “sleek” look after the oil massage, you can always rinse your scalp with warm water afterwards. So, is ditching shampoo a movement that should stick? For a healthier complexion, a cleaner scalp, and glowing skin, my answer is yes.