Less is more
The trend of "no-poo" has been circulating on Instagram and TikTok for some time now. Beauty influencers are giving their communities a close-up look at their transition to this lifestyle. It sounds fancy, but it simply means largely or completely foregoing shampoo when washing your hair. The reason behind this is that conventional shampoos usually contain ingredients that can be harmful to the hair and scalp – for example, by restricting the natural sebum production necessary for moisture retention. The no-poo movement emphasizes naturalness and the motto "less is more."
Switching to No-Poo
Anyone who has washed their hair with shampoo their whole life and suddenly stops will initially struggle with greasy hair. Therefore, the best way to switch to a no-poo routine is not to completely abandon washing your hair at first, but to significantly increase the time between washes. If you previously washed your hair three times a week, try getting by with two washes, then just one, and so on. It can also help to switch to hair soaps after a while, which contain far fewer harsh ingredients than conventional shampoo. This way, you gradually get your hair used to the new routine.
Not for everyone
No-poo isn't a good alternative for everyone. For example, thin and straight hair gets greasy much faster. With this hair type, it can therefore take a very long time before the hairstyle looks good without shampoo. However, for people with curly or frizzy hair, no-poo isn't a bad idea at all. Frizzy hair, in particular, tends to have a dry scalp, which also means the hair isn't adequately moisturized. Going without shampoo or replacing it with natural hair soaps can counteract this and result in healthier hair.
Poo Alternatives
The internet is full of the most outlandish tips regarding alternative hair washing methods. However, not all of them are actually advisable. Baking soda, for example, is anything but a good idea because it irritates the scalp and can lead to split ends. Coconut oil is also frequently recommended. However, it's not water-soluble and therefore doesn't wash out well. This can actually make your hair look even greasy. Some people prefer a radical approach and wash their hair exclusively with water. Ultimately, you have to try things out for yourself to see what works best for you. If no-poo isn't an option for you and your hair, then simply try low-poo – washing your hair as naturally and infrequently as possible.
