The Shampoo-less Experiment {An Ode to Severus}

"He can run faster than Severus Snape confronted with shampoo."
— J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows)

For all of you Harry Potter fans  [Deathly Hallows II premiere is at 12AM tonight!] you’ll understand who Severus Snape is, and why his greasy locks would suggest he has strong inclination to run away from shampoo.  Well fans, in regards to the shampoo-spree, I’ve been running along-side Severus for the past month.  After much frustration with shampoos sold in supermarkets, drugstores, and even health stores, I’m giving up on shampoo and conditioner.  Mind you, my goal is not to look like Severus Snape (see below picture)

photo from www.sodahead.com

But for a personal preference to avoid chemical toxins, and shelling out 7-plus dolla dolla bills y’all for 350ml of un-satisfactory product.  It’s a hair-centric world we live in.  I like to experiment with hair styles, and prefer beautiful shiny locks.  There’s something to be said about decreasing the use of shampoo, and the human scalp is often able to self-regulate its own oil production.  So I’m aiming to decrease my frequency of hair-washing, and increase home-made hair cleaners. 

HOW?  Well, there are plenty of online resources and tips and tricks to go ‘Poo-less’.  I'm currently self-experimenting with my own tresses in the hopes of finding the perfect shampoo-less and conditioner-less regimen. 

#1  Gradually decrease shampoo use by watering down the last bottle to ½ water and ½ shampoo.  Maintain the same frequency of use for 2 weeks.  As you notice that oiliness of the scalp self-regulates, you can decrease the use of shampoo to once per week, then once per 2 weeks, and onwards until you do not need to use shampoo.  Rinse with water as needed. 

#2  Replace the now infrequent shampoo use with your preferred alternative. 
Option A. Combination of 1tbsp baking soda in 700ml water and 300ml castile soap.  (I'm currently using this and finding it filmy)

Option B.  Pure Glycerin : Water in a 1:1 ratio.  Add in essential oils as needed  

#3  Condition your hair

Option A.  Aloe vera gel - the less expensive dietary whole-leaf is fine, no need to invest in the cosmetic grade.  Apply to washed hair for 3 minutes.  Rinse with water

Option B.  Combination of 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1L water.  The acidity of ACV at the tips helps to retain moisture.  Add desired essential oils

Option C.  Homemade hair masks (honey, avacado, coconut oil versions will be posted on a later date)

PROS:   

• Less need to shampoo as much.  
• No need to worry about cost of toxic burden of products.    
• Travel-friendly option.  
• Cost-effective

CONS:   

• The adjustment period may be difficult.  Your oil glands are accustomed to producing more oil every time you wash off the natural oils with shampooing.  So you may experience an initial excessive production of oil.  This will regulate after the first few weeks though!   
• Texture and smell of hair is less silky with natural conditioners.   
• Time consuming in the experiment-phase