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I know we have had several questions / topics about no shampoo/ no soap / no deodorant but i wanted to broach it agin to see how folks were progressing.

Anyone given up and gone back to conventional chemicals? For you die hards, Any tips or ticks for no 'poo, deodorant, soap?

Personally, I have settled on minimal soap (only on pits/groin), NO shampoo, NO deodorant.

BUT ... I'm having some probs. Perhaps the Paleo community can help me?!

The minimal soap thing is a breeze. I use plain ivory on my pits and groin. No prob. (I bathe every 3-4 days).

I WAS having a prob w/ my hair then I discoverd 'washing' with egg and rinsing w' vinegar. My hair is soft and glossy! Yow!

The no deodorant thing is a distinct prob - I WAS shaving and got this irritartion in my pits. i tried not shaving (which i LOVE) but the irritartion isn't going away! It;s only in myleft pit ... it looks like YEAST?! Why would I have candida?! My hubs is a type 1 diabetic so he harbours yeast but STILL!

PaleoCommunityHALP!

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When you say it looks like yeast... could you elaborate? What colour and texture is it? Does it itch? It's weird that you would only get it in one armpit though, you'd expect it to get transferred to the other side if conditions are right. Yeast requires a lot of humidity and warmth to grow. – archaea Jun 28 2010 at 22:11
It's red, angry, very, very itchy! When i go do the chores in the barnyard (and thus, sweat) it almost drives me mad. My hubby (T1 diabetic) gets these yeast infections on his underarms / crotch frequently. he would give our babies yeast diaper rashes just by changing their nappies. I'm just really confused as to why it started when I gave up regular deodorant and shaving. Is it the baking soda? The excess hair? The what did Grokette do for odor?! Aieee! – Blue -the Thrifty Mom Jun 28 2010 at 23:33
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its the baking soda. i have given up deo too. first i used just baking soda.. but i got the very same rash you talk about.. hurt soo bad. then i took a old roll deo bottle and put 1 spoon of baking soda in it, then filled it half with witch hazel and the the other half with coconut oil. no more rash! To clear the rash up though i put just coconut oil on for a few days. it kills bacteria and it soo healing. the only downside to the mixture is if it is cold where you live - you will have to melt it in a cup of hot water before you us it. – Fonda Aug 13 2011 at 15:56

18 Answers

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I use coconut oil, mixed with baking soda and a dab of tea tree oil, for the pits. No odor problems and previous itching has gone away.

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Thank you Laura and Stephen-Ageis! I will try the coconut oil, tea tree oil and baking soda mix and let you know how it goes. – Blue -the Thrifty Mom Jun 28 2010 at 23:34
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Coconut oil is wonderful as an anti bacterial anti fungal

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I replaced body soap/deodorant/lotion with coconut oil about 6 months ago, and find it very effective for staying clean and odor-free - even during hot San Antonio summers. It's supposed to have great anti-fungal/anti-bacterial/anti-viral properties (which I suppose is why it works so well as deodorant), so I would definitely give it a try on your rash.

I'm new to going poo-free, though. I'm on day seven without shampoo, and up until yesterday, things had been tolerable. A bit greasy with daily baking soda/vinegar "washes," but tolerable. Last night though, my hair felt like I had poured candle wax in it - I literally could not drag my fingers through it. :p Every time a gust of wind blew it, it stuck in that position. Ew!! I really didn't want to throw in the towel after I've come this far, but there was NO WAY I was going to work looking like that. :(

I did more research about what others - women, specifically - are doing, since I doubt this icky, waxy stage would be much of a problem if my hair was less than an inch long like my husband's (who successfully went poo-free over three months ago). Definitely a mixed bag of experiences, and it seems like it may have something to do with how often you used to wash. In the last few years, I'd cut back from washing every single day to every other day; but by the morning of day three, I'd have to wash, thanks to excessive oil. So I guess my scalp's oil glands were used to being stripped fairly often.

Quite a few people suggested doing the "conditioner only" (CO) method while you're adjusting. Apparently, they contain very small amounts of surfactants, so they will get rid of some of the oil without stripping your hair and scalp. I've heard of girls with super coarse, curly hair doing this, but it never occurred to me that it could work for fine, straight hair like mine. It seemed to me that conditioner would be counter-productive, since it's just more oil... but I was kind of desperate and I tried it this morning. SO much better!! The trick is to wet your hair and distribute the conditioner as soon as you get in the shower. Massage it into the scalp really, really well, using your fingertips. Go about your other cleaning rituals, and don't wash off the conditioner until you're ready to get out, so it has a bit of time to sit on your scalp. Rinse really, really well, with more scalp massaging. You also have to make sure the conditioner is silicone-free, so there's no possibility of build-up.

So today, my hair is by no means free of oil - it's still heavier than I'm used to dealing with, but I don't think anyone but myself could tell that I haven't shampooed since last Tuesday. I'm starting to think that the squeaky clean, light-as-air hair I'm used to is not natural at all, since that implies that it's also completely devoid of all natural oils. I hope I can eventually get off commercial conditioner too, but for now, this should make the transition bearable. I'm going to give the egg "wash" you mentioned a try sometime soon - that would definitely be preferable to commercial conditioner, if it works for me.

This experiment has also inspired me to weed through my facial cleansers - turns out there were a lot of sodium sulfate ingredients in there - a harsh detergent also used in dish soap. :( I tend to wash my face 2-3 times a day because (wait for it...) I get too oily! Hmmmm... I'm tempted to try washing with an oil/grain combo (like coconut oil and corn meal or something) and see what happens.

This stuff really opens your mind to a whole new way of thinking and questioning modern "innovations." I'm starting to think that word is just defined as "ways to make money."

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The "squeaky clean light as air" is possible! I tried the shampoo-free - just rinsing and then just rinsing and using vinegar when I finally found out the magic combination! I have thick, greasy/oily hair AND dandruff and this works for me: "wash" with one whole egg and rinse with white vinegar diluted with water AND LEAVE IT IN! Rinsing with vinegar and leaving it in has transforned my hair. It's light, soft, and silky. Seriously i could be in a commercial! LOL! – Blue -the Thrifty Mom Jul 2 2010 at 0:06
Thanks, BTTM! I'll definitely give that a try on my next "wash" day! – Kimmie Jul 5 2010 at 16:48
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My bathroom arsenal has gotten so small, I love it.

I do not wash my hair at all anymore. I first did the baking soda and vinegar thing, but then wanted to be more minimal. so i bought a bore bristle brush and stopped washing with anything but water. I just give it a good scrub. Now that it is warmer, I do get abit more oil build up.. so occasionally i just rub my bar of soap around on my head and it takes care of it. I have very long dark hair.

I only wash the pits/privates with tea tree oil castile soap - if I use any other the pits smell.

And I make a little mix for my deo, it is in a old roll on deo bottle. It has 1 spoon baking soda, then i fill it half with coconut oil and the other half with witch hazel + a few drops tea tree oil. I live in Norway, so my coconut oil is always hard. So i just have a small mug in the bathroom that i fill with hot water, then drop the deo bottle in for a few to melt it down. Come back in 5 and it works wonders!

I love not having to rely on lots of products, especially as a girl. Castile Soap, Coconut oil, baking soda, witch hazel and some essential oils!

[also want to add, I only use non-glycerin soap as toothpaste! It works so great! i wrote a post about it here if anyone is interested in how it works.. ]

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From experience this sounds just like a fungus (yeast is a fungus). Coconut oil should help with this. I moisten my pits with coconut oil every morning and then liberally apply baking soda. Some people make a mix, but I find that to be to much work.

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Perspective is such a funny thing: I started moistening with coconut oil and applying baking soda, but found it too much work. For me, mixing it was just easier (especially in summer, when the oil is near liquid). We'll see what I do when the oil hardens later in the year. – Laura Jun 29 2010 at 20:17
Laura - I live in Norway, so it is cold here.. my coconut oil is always hard. I have my mix in a old roll on deo bottle. When I need to use it I just have a mug that i fill up with hot water, drop my bottle in and come back in 5. works great! – Fonda Aug 13 2011 at 15:59
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I've switched to a "crystal" deodorant, and love it. No smell, and my skin is very happy with me. I still sweat, but there's no odor. I only use soap on my hands on a regular basis, and my feet if they get dirty. Since switching deodorants, I haven't needed more than water for the pits. I'm still struggling with my hair a bit, but it is improving.

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The crystal mineral salt deodorants get my recommendation, a classic case of "they just work", no smell, no fuss, no mess, no aluminum, no clogged pores ... – cerement Jan 16 2012 at 8:56
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Have you tried using real handmade soap?

All the crap you find at conventional stores is, well, just that - chemical-laden crap.

Rea soap is made via a chemical reaction between water, lye, and fats and oils through saponification. There is a big difference between the "beauty bars" and real soap. One big difference being they don't dry your skin out. Others have said skin conditions have cleared up, acne has gone away, etc.

Obviously, I'm a big lover of real soap! I order real handmade soap through a few places online, but mostly through sellers I've bought from before on etsy.

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Where are some of the places you get your soap? I am considering making my own, but not sure if I want to take on the work. – Ali Jan 16 2012 at 16:34
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I gave up deodorant and just spray on some apple cider vinegar/water in a spray bottle. Works great, I haven't used conventional deodorant since November (and I do Crossfit and run, so I sweat a lot, and I have a toddler, so I can't shower every day). I use tea tree castille soap for washing my body, but have been using an annoying "all-natural" shampoo bar that kind of sucks. You've inspired me, I'm going to try the egg-vinegar!

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ACV! I might have to try that.. sounds exciting. I am guessing you can't do it right after shaving though? – Fonda Aug 17 2011 at 9:48
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Yeah I do it after shaving. It hurts a little but kind of makes me feel like a badass – Lizzish Aug 17 2011 at 14:48
haha, awesome! ill give it a try – Fonda Aug 18 2011 at 6:52
OMG, I love this! I put ACV in a spray bottle, and I have never had such GOOD RESULTS! wow! I have just put it on after showering and made it almost 30 hours before any stink. (this so beats baking soda for me, I was getting a terrible rash from it) – Fonda Aug 22 2011 at 10:53
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Just started the no-poo thing a few days ago. No noticeable difference other than I need less pomade to get the style I like. My hair tends to be very oily but to my surprise it's not any worse than normal. Maybe it'll get better.

Also trying the no-deodorant thing again. Last time I was fine for a few days then BLAM it was like I'd rubbed half an onion under my arms like the Grinch. Phewgh. So far so good, though.

I use Trader Joe's tea tree soap.

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The oily lessens down to a natural level Of course the alternative is shave your head, it's wonderfully convenient in the morning – Stephen-Aegis Jun 29 2010 at 1:39
I still regret not going no poo when I cut my hair down to half an inch 10 years ago. But how could I have, I did not know about no poo back then. – coffeeandcream Aug 14 2011 at 16:16
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coconut oil and baking soda here as well. I love Bath and Bodyworks scents and use the body spray in the pits as well.

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. it looks like YEAST?! Why would I have candida?!

is it mainly on the hair shafts? it could be Trichomycosis.

Trichomycosis axillaris is a superficial bacterial colonization of the hair shafts in sweat gland–bearing areas, such as the armpits and the pubic area.

shaving cures this condition.

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trichomycosis axillaris - definition of trichomycosis axillaris in the ...medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/trichomycosis+axillarisCached You +1'd this publicly. Undo trichomycosis /tricho·my·co·sis/ (-mi-ko´sis) any disease of the hair caused by fungi your source is wrong about it being a bacterium. – coprophagous Jan 16 2012 at 6:34
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I have done no-poo for the last 3.5-4 weeks and still have horrible dandruff. I was doing water only until this week, now I've decided to try some vinegar. Still very dandruffy, might have to go back to chemicals but I'll give it a little more time.

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I've heard adding tea tree oil helps with dandruff. – Michelle Aug 15 2011 at 2:38
maybe try to massage some avocado and egg whites mixed up into your scalp.. I hear it works wonders for this. Alternatively, you could try coconut oil.. – Fonda Aug 22 2011 at 10:49
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I've been without soap or shampoos for three weeks and am astounded at the results. I do not stink, husband/teen children verified.

For hair I rinse in the bath and blow dry without any products and get great results, shiny hair. I am bathing instead of showering, and to the bath I add essential oils of lavendar and sage - both antibacterial and calming, sometimes some epsom and sea salt. Cool water and brush with a loofa. For deoderant did a mixture of coconut oil, sage and lavendar, aloe, and tiny bit of baking soda (like other baking soda was too rough on the pits),

After bath once a week slathering of coconut oil over whole body. Twice a week egg yolk and vinegar to the hair.

I am a heavy sweater, so truly this is amazing to me.

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Can I ask what type of hair (texture, length, bangs or not) you have? It's good to get an idea of what works for people with similar hair types. – Michelle Aug 15 2011 at 2:36
I too dont use shampoo, just water (and occasionally i use castile soap) but I have very long hair, almost down to my butt - no bangs. My hair is naturally curly/wavy if i dont brush it and let it dry in a messy ponytail on top of my head or straight if i blow dry it- – Fonda Aug 22 2011 at 10:51
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I have not used anything but water and jojoba oil for my ends since last April, so that's what, eight months ago? I was using other natural things like egg befoew this, but I finally found my magic recipe! My hair was up and down and I got the waxies here and there, but it never completely felt like it was coming out of transition. So four months ago, I was curious, because i had tried EVERYTHING, and it was never quite right, and so I looked up the hard water levels for where I live. Apparently it was one of the highest in the entire country. No wonder!!!

What I did was I started using my Brita water (filtered water) and my hair is silky smooth and an enormous amount has started to grow back. I only use two juice jugs of water to do this too. For the first jug, I pour then massage it into my scalp. It takes about three times to complete the jug, then during the second jug, I do the same thing once. Finally, when there's still half a jug left, I press jojoba oil into my ends and let the rest just flow and rinse. I usually let me hair air dry when possible, otherwise I use a hair drayer with a big ass filter and only put it on low with the temp at cool/ warm. Because I have some wavy curl, I only massage my head at night before I go to bed. After three or four days, I notice some oil and use a boar bristle brush to give it a good brush. At this point my hair looks really slick, but I wake up with beautiful hair, although most of my curl is gone. I can usually go for a week or more without washing. And that's it

As for my body, i'm struggling. I have gone no soap since April last year just fine, my sin is soft and hydrated, but I've been struggling with no deodorant, which I've been doing for five years only semi-successfully. It's fine when I'm not doing anything that might exert me and make me sweat. In fact, when I do have BO when I'm exercising, after 20 minutes or so it seems to go away, but for those 20 minutes it's very noticable. I haven't eaten beef for about a month, and usually that does it, but I think because I've used cows milk and have been eating pork there are toxins my body is trying to get rid of. When I was doing an elimination diet which consisted of fruits and fruit vegetables, I did not smell at all.

I also wash my face with organic coconut oil. In the summer, it's fine alone - I wash with it then rinse a few times leaving a thin layer. But in the winter, I do need to add more afterwards as a leave on. With the winter air, I also ten to need to moisturize my feet and shins, but that's it.

Anyway, I hope this helps someone!

Have a great day!

Anyway, that's where I am so far.

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I've done no-poo in some form or another for 6+ years. What exactly I use depends on the weather, my hormonal status, the water chemistry where I am at the time, and so on - it isn't a static thing. At the moment I use conditioner-only about once a week and just water the rest of the time. If I feel the need for a deeper cleaning I use baking soda and vinegar, but the BS is too harsh on my hair for regular use. I use coconut-oil based deodorant most of the time (and have for a few years now), but store-bought antiperspirant if I feel it is necessary - store-bought natural deodorant unfortunately tends to make me break out in horrible rashes. I use soap - sometimes handmade (by someone else - I haven't tried that yet), sometimes not.

I seriously doubt I'll ever go back to regular, every day shampooing at this point.

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I lasted just 20 days without shampoo. I rinsed thoroughly every day with cool or warm water and towel dried, followed by adequate brushing. I found it didn't get any greasier after 1 week and then it improved over the next week. It never got any better than looking like I hadn't washed it in 2 days though, which was a bit disappointing. Plus, it got a bit unruly around the crown area. Some hair would stick up and refuse to get with the program, no matter how much wetting and combing I subjected it to. I might give it another go sometime, try and go for 6 or 8 weeks maybe.

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I'm now 3 months into no 'poo, no soap. I haven't used deodorant in years and years and I don't shave. I love that I only have to bring a toothbrush & toothpaste anywhere I wanna go and that only because I love my toothpaste.

My hair goes through phases but I live very close to the Kalahari desert, so it is quite dry. I did the first 30 days with nothing, but since then, I liberally apply coconut oil to my skin (except my face which seems to do just fine on its own -- I do put some oil under my eyes from time to time). Once in awhile, I'll run my oily hands through my hair because it is also quite dry.

I do bathe/shower everyday (or 6x/wk) and I do not smell at all, but if I didn't shower for a couple of days, I think I would want to use some sort of deodorant. But since I run or workout most mornings, I just shower.

I try to remember to wash my hands with soap a couple of times a day, though.

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sounds like ring worm, man and animals and the soil are vectors of this disease."there is always a fungus among us". from the eminent mycologist Dr. Howard Larsh educator and mentor

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The OP is from 2010... – Wisper Jan 16 2012 at 11:17

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