I would like to point out the following observations:

1. In the shower, people use soap to remove oils from their skin. Out of the shower, they then apply moisturizing lotions and creams to restore oils to their skin.

2. In the shower, people use shampoo to remove grease from their hair. Then they use conditioner to undo the damage caused by excessive shampooing. Out of the shower, they then restore grease to their hair, in the form of gels and pomades, so they can shape it.

Thus does the modern economy get you on the way in and on the way out. As the man said, what we have here is a failure to communicate. First dig the hole, then fill it in. Then dig another ...

I have been no-poo and no-soap since January and for the first time in my life my hair is behaving the way my hairstylist wants. "finally! have you started using product? what are you using? it's working really well!" "um, kinda ... no."

Pardon the intrusion, and I know this is somewhat off topic, but you did mention the itching underarms. I was using Tom's of Maine deodorant, which seems like it should be healthy, but my underarms were itching and flaking almost like they were sunburned. Maybe I developed an allergy to one of the ingredients. I can highly recommend the Tropical Traditions deodorants - they're based on coconut oil.

I've been shampoo/conditioner free for over a year now. what works best for me is:

once or twice a week:

• wet my hair with warm water
• rinse my hair with a teaspoon or so of baking soda dissolved in a cup of warm water, concentrating on the roots
• rinse my hair thoroughly to get the baking soda out, massaging my scalp with my fingers
• rinse my hair with a teaspoon or so of apple cider vinegar mixed in a cup of warm water, concentrating more on the length of my hair rather than the roots
• rinse my hair in water as cold as I can stand

The baking soda rinse and scalp massage loosen up the oil buildup on your scalp and roots. The apple cider vinegar (or any acid- lemon juice works too) and the cold water rinse smooths the hair down and makes it super soft and shiny.

On the other days I either leave my hair dry if it feels clean, or I rinse it once with warm water, massaging my scalp, then rinse it again with water as cold as I can stand. Often times water-only is more than enough to make slightly oily hair feel clean and soft.

I also have a wood-bristle brush as it helps to redistribute scalp oils more evenly. (My hair is a bit past my shoulders in length, and pretty thick.) I've heard that boar bristle-brushes work for distributing oil more evenly on hair as well.

It took a few months for my scalp to acclimate, at first it was really greasy and almost waxy at the roots, all the shampoo I had been using was causing my scalp to over-produce oil. Luckily I was able to get away with just leaving my hair back in a ponytail until it adjusted. Now my hair looks and feels great, no one believes that I don't use shampoo or conditioner.

My wife has gone no soap, but affords herself shampoo as she finds her hair is just too greasy without it. Others may have alternatives to shampoo, but she allows herself this.

Not only is she not itchy, her skin is smoother, softer and less dry -- even now in the middle of winter.

I am not certain if this can really be attributed to the no-soap as much as it might be to the appropriate Vit D levels and fats.

You didn't ask about the male perspective, but I am doing the same and also feel great.

I have long, fine, wavy hair and did water-only hair washing for two months. After a one-month adjustment period (greasy roots, dry ends, general ugliness) of learning how to use the boar bristle brush and massage my scalp in the shower my hair was starting to look absolutely fabulous. It was lustrous and shiny with tons of body and volume on the top, no fly-aways, and well moisturized through the shaft and onto the ends. I was so happy!

However.

I recently moved into a town with VERY HARD WATER and in one day all this beautiful equilibrium was destroyed. It felt like I had washed my hair with a mixture of volcanic ash and rocks, and then conditioned it with candle wax.

The water-only method does not seem to work with hard water. I read that shampoo was invented in order to get mineral residue out of hair. Yes, I'm sure there's the whole "lets create a need where there isn't one" aspect, but I can tell you that my hair desperately needed some serious sulfate action after this rock bath.

There are, as you seem to be aware of, organic sulfate free shampoos, but I often use baking soda instead of either - both as a 'dry' shampoo and normal. If you're worried about tangles, you can rinse hair with an apple cider vinegar/water mixture (be sure to add a few drops of an essential oil like lavender or peppermint to avoid the vinegar smell!). Also, I use sesame or olive oils as hair masks (wrap hair in a warm towel and keep on for at least 30 mins, if you can manage over night even better!) to help keep hair soft and shiny.

As for shaving cream... Tbh it's not something I've used that much since I've always had slightly sensitive skin, I just shave in the shower and then make sure to moisturise plenty afterwards.

I've been no-shampoo for 1-2 months. It's been a gradual process. I started out washing my hair with weak conditioner a year ago (and then follow with a normal conditioner), since back then my hair was damaged & dry. Once my hair had good moisture the conditioner-washing became overkill so I switched to non-sulfate shampoo & conditioner. Now my hair likes water-only the best. Maybe my hair gradually balanced itself out until it didn't need products to keep from getting greasy or dry. The only time I have to deal with grease/waxiness is when I'm lazy and don't wash for a few days.

When I wash I "pull" down the oil on my scalp down the length of my hair. It feels moisturizing. My hair looks fine without products, but I use gel to tame down some new strands that are really short and tend to stick out. As long as you use products that have only water-soluble ingredients you should have no problem washing them out. (Silicones with names starting in "PEG" are water-soluble).

I don't usually get frizz anymore even though my hair is so frizz prone. (It's humid where I live so those days happen, a bit more gel fixes that). But my hair doesn't look like it's coated with something and styled into uniform waves either (which is what I think some people say is frizz-free). Just natural. I have no problems with styling, I'm just too low-maintenance to do it.

I have tried the Apple Cider Vinegar rinse. It gave me MUCH better wave definition than a cold-water rinse. I would do it again the next time my waves start getting a bit limp.

Aloe gel is really inconsistent for me, sometimes it causes frizz. If your hair doesn't like aloe you can make gel from just flax seeds and water. Just Google "flax seed gel recipe" and you'll find a ton. It works better for my hair than aloe.

I don't use soap. My skin is a tad dry but it's probably from taking hot showers.

My armpits sweat embarrassingly without antiperspirant so I'll try the Milk of Magnesia suggestion.

I've gone no shampoo for a couple of weeks now (using the baking soda and acv regime). So far, my hair feels cleaner and healthier than with traditional shampoo. I'm also soap free on most of my skin (save groin, pits, and hands after the loo); skin feels healthy as well.

Don't forget to use baking soda right out of the box for a great under arm deodorant. Very cheap and works as well as the commercial products.

OMG, I'm totally going to have to try this! Thanks for this topic!

Anyone have any experience with treating dandruff? Mine is pretty bad. I have to use that nasty chemical-y dandruff 'poo. :(

As for moisturising, I use only evoo. I keep a bottle in the shower and I use it all over before I even dry off. The skin on my face has really loved this method: it's softer, and I swear my few wrinkles are less noticable!

For the underarms, you should try Milk of Magnesia (MgOH). I just found out about it, and it works like a miracle... better than deodorant and antiperspirant. It lasts for days! It dries clear and leaves no residue. After a shower, put a little bit on your hand and rub it into your pits. Just try it, you'll be amazed.

I started my no poo adventure a few weeks ago and after a week I was ready to give up - after washing water only my hair felt horribly waxy (we were on vacation in Mexico so it could have been a hard water issue). I relented and washed using an all natural shampoo but then decided to try again and am now two weeks in with only water washing. I tried a vinegar rinse once and it didn't make any difference vs water only.

I find using a hard brush each night to move the oils down the shaft is helpful and the major key for me has been using Arrowroot powder to control the greasy/oily root problem. My roots are usually still a little greasy/oily after a water-only wash so once my hair has dried I use a sprinkle of Arrowroot powder like a dry shampoo and then brush it out. It works like a charm. I also use a little walnut oil and some aloe gel to define my waves and control the frizzies.

For a little styling I find I can roll sections of hair around my fingers to create curls, clips them in place overnight and in the morning I have bouncy curls. At first they are a bit too bouncy but fall nicely by the time I am ready to leave for work. I add a little aloe gel to define the curls/waves if necessary.

I don't use soap at all, use coconut oil as deodorant and moisturizer on my face and body. For shaving (which I do probably every second day) rub in some coconut oil, wait a couple of minutes and then shave.

-C

Yup - no soap and no 'poo. The no soap thing is working like a charm. My skin is soft, even though it's winter - and my face seems to like it a lot better.

I am doing diluted baking soda/acv. My hair feels different (not bad, just different) and it's still adjusting. It seemed to do better with white vinegar, so I may switch back to that. The jury's still out on the no 'poo, though I don't plan to stop.

I haven't used shampoo for over six years, but I do use conditioners and gel. I just make sure that they have no silicones so they don't build up in my hair. My wavy hair has become incredibly curly, especially after changing to a more paleo diet (is it all the protein and fat?). I "scrub" my hair about every 8 to 10 days with a thick conditioner (I also use this as my shaving cream) and condition about every other day.

I started going soapless on my face and in the shower except for soaping up when I feel grimy. I like it. I haven't noticed any issues, and I certainly notice in an improvement of my dry skin.

Any one looking for a light 'gel' can use aloe vera gel it is similar to light hold gel and completely natural (if you buy the right brand) works well and have used it for years.

I would like to try and go shampoo- and deodorant-free, and have a few practical questions.

A lot of you mentioned using baking soda mixed with water. Can I prepare this mixture ahead of time for multiple use, or would it go bad somehow? Should I rather make the mixture each time? Or maybe applying dry is better?

Similar question about "deodorant" - some mentioned using baking soda by itself or mixed with coconut oil. Can I mix it with coconut oil ahead of time and keep a supply in a jar? what proportion should I try?

If you have any more practical tips - please share!

I'm kind of soap and shampoo "light" rather than "free." Having atopic eczema, it's long been recommended to me to not use soap. Now, I only use the Aveeno oatmeal shower gel when I'm exceptionally dirty or stinky, otherwise, it's just plain water. For hair, I've cut back on my shampooing to every two days or so. Overall, I do feel like my skin (body and face) feels less dry. Combined with my change in diet, I've also had fewer eczema flare-ups in the last year.

I haven't been able to get the greasiness out of my hair - inevitably it just looks really really dirty even if I washed it the night before. I'm afraid my coworkers will think poorly of me so I went back to conventional shampoo.

I don't use soap, though - just good hard scrubbing and hot water. My skin is happier, if my hair/scalp isn't.

http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=1816578

I used to buy JUNGLEMAN deoderant...

that link is the recipe if this helps...

I never thought about no shampoo but somewhat practice the no soap rule otherwise my skin gets too dry in the winter. However, there are certain areas of my body I feel necessary to soap on a somewhat daily basis - I think George Carlin once defined them. Has anyone found a way about soaping certain - uh - nether regions? I'm interested mostly to hear what the women have to say.

im actually planning on trying this in the weeks to come, i've bought myself some crystal deodorant, baking soda, apple cider vinegar and some all natural perfume oils just waiting on work to finish (in march) so that i can start. i already cut out actual soap years ago, using a body bar instead (but these are quite expensive considering) so im cutting that out too, and i have been washing my hair with a natural shampoo and conditioner since then too, so i hope, fingers crossed, that my body is ready for the switch.

For those who might find no soap/shampoo "too far to go" look for truly natural alternatives. I've found a locally made beeswax soap that has done wonders for my skin and hair. Also use baking soda as my toothpaste and on hair too. Coconut oil for lotions, coditioner, etc... Check your farmers market/co-op.

My day of magic has finally arrived! I was ready to give up on WO washing until I read your post about brushing with a wooden bristle brush and wide tooth wooden comb. I had both, but had read that a natural bristle brush was the way to go. No so for my hair. What also didn't work for my hair was baking soda and vinegar. I lost more hair with that method than I did at the salon during my hair cuts. Anyway, after washing and towel drying my hair, the waxy feel is there but you wouldn't believe the curls I have. In fact, the waxiness sets my curls in place the way gel would. I brush my hair before washing it and then comb it in the shower under both hot and cold water. That's it. This makes for a healthier head and definitely easier while travelling.

I also haven't used soap for about six years. All I used is a wash cloth and scrub. Even after gardening, my calloused feet come clean. I no longer need to worry about allergic reactions to soaps or lotions and my eczema has cleared up completely.

As for washing my face, I use a warm wash cloth before bed and and tepid water rince in the morning. I've also no need for moisturizer on my face since the sebum from washing my hair gets on my face creating a natural moisturizer.

Our ancestors had it right all those years ago! I will never go back to shampoo or soap of any kind. Thanks for sharing your tips on the wooden bristle brush. I've had one for many years, but didn't really know the benefits to using it. Thanks again.

My day of magic has finally arrived! I was ready to give up on WO washing until I read your post about brushing with a wooden bristle brush and wide tooth wooden comb. I had both, but had read that a natural bristle brush was the way to go. No so for my hair. What also didn't work for my hair was baking soda and vinegar. I lost more hair with that method than I did at the salon during my hair cuts. Anyway, after washing and towel drying my hair, the waxy feel is there but you wouldn't believe the curls I have. In fact, the waxiness sets my curls in place the way gel would. I brush my hair before washing it and then comb it in the shower under both hot and cold water. That's it. This makes for a healthier head and definitely easier while travelling.

I also haven't used soap for about six years. All I used is a wash cloth and scrub. Even after gardening, my calloused feet come clean. I no longer need to worry about allergic reactions to soaps or lotions and my eczema has cleared up completely.

As for washing my face, I use a warm wash cloth before bed and and tepid water rince in the morning. I've also no need for moisturizer on my face since the sebum from washing my hair gets on my face creating a natural moisturizer.

Our ancestors had it right all those years ago! I will never go back to shampoo or soap of any kind. Thanks for sharing your tips on the wooden bristle brush. I've had one for many years, but didn't really know the benefits to using it. Thanks again.

My hair is very long, thick and curly. I quit using shampoo before I went paleo, because for years (probably since I hit puberty and started washing it more frequently 'like a grow up') I have had frizzy, dandruffy, dry hair and a chronically itchy scalp. Some Internet research led me to conclude that the shampoo was probably at fault, along with the amount of brushing I did to try to smooth it out. I now rinse my hair every few days in lukewarm showers (the hot showers have ended, too), and I comb it out when it's damp, twice a week. Now my hair is shiny, frizzless and healthy looking, I have no dandruff, and my head doesn't itch. Never going back.

As an aside, when I tell people about this, I often get th response, "you could use sulfate-free shampoo,". Well, yeah, I could pay $15 a bottle for sulfate-free shampoo, or I could use water and just scrub my head with my fingers...which is free.

I once several years ago tried no body wash or shampoo or conditioner for a week to see if it would make my hair less dry and brassy, but I still took showers. Did it work? Let me tell you what did. Ash tone hair dye (I know Grokette didn't have it) and a diet with lots of healthy fats from oils and nuts