"Poo Free"

No, this isn't a continuation of over-sharing about my super regular digestion. This is about going "shampoo free". I'm so sorry I didn't post the day before, but yesterday was an awful day at work and I really just needed to disconnect, have some me-time, and de-stress.

"Shampoo strips your hair of it's natural oils, which means the more you use shampoo, the more you have to. When you strip your hair of it's natural oils (shampoo) causes breakage and damage over time. Returning your hair to it's natural state, makes it so that you can use less products, save money, and go days without washing your hair, but it still looks like you just washed it. I'm not just using it because I have frizzy hair, and scalp/skin issues. It's benefits far outweigh the benefits of shampoo."

Today is my 20th day being "poo-free". I couldn't tell you how I stumbled onto this idea (because I don't remember), but I am glad I did. I started reading article after article on the benefits of not using shampoo. Now, don't freak out. Going shampoo free does not mean you stop washing your hair entirely, it's just a less chemical way of doing so. When I first started reading about it, I originally thought that you didn't wash your hair. Several sights encourage that you go at least 30 days without styling (i.e.: hairdryers, straighteners), and 30 days without washing your hair period. If for the most part, you have normal hair and normal skin, there shouldn't be any major issue with not washing your hair for 30 days, unless you know, you find it super icky.

I cannot go 30 days without washing my hair. I have seborrheic dermatitis, which means that my scalp doesn't flake off  dead skin cells like it's supposed to, and produces too many skin cells. Skin flakes usually fall off in small or sometimes even medium-sized patches, and it's pretty similar to dandruff, just really severe dandruff, with scalp itch, and just like every other skin condition, it tends to get worse in winter. I also have psoriasis. The psoriasis stays mainly on my elbows and sometimes I will get it on my toes. Along with dermatitis, I also have mild psoriasis on my scalp (yes, it is possible to have both). As you can imagine, it's a lot harder to take care of skin issues that reside under your hair. One of the worst things about psoriasis and sd is scalp itch, which before didn't allow me to really take a break from washing my hair with medicated shampoos, which are loaded with chemicals. One of the drawbacks of having scalp itch and using medicated shampoo (even the very mild H&S), is my scalp will tingle and even sometimes burn from the chemicals. Years of scalp itch from psoriasis and sd, have given me sores (where the tingling and burning come in) and probably even scars. One of the biggest differences between sd and psoriasis, is that if you scratch or pick at sd, it will come off pretty easily, but psoriasis will bleed.

One of the articles I read, said that she cured her dandruff through this method, here: http://www.ridiculouslyextraordinary.com/how-i-cured-my-dandruff-and-itchy-scalp/. I haven't reached my 30 days she suggests for sufferers of dandruff and scalp itch, but I'm already having some success. While I still have both, the dandruff is considerably better, and the scalp itch is better. The thing I'm not entirely satisfied with is the scalp itch, but I need to at least give it 30 days. I wasn't/am not able to use the rinsing method she described, because when I got to about day 8, of doing nothing but that, the scalp itch was unbearable, so I had to wash my hair, but it wasn't with shampoo, I used baking soda and vinegar. Intimidated yet? Don't be. I was at first but trust me the result is worth it.

All you have to do is mix the baking soda with water until it makes a paste. What I do is add more water to the mix, so I can shake it up and get most of it on my scalp without having to dig the paste out of the bottle I use. I make a fresh batch each time, but it would probably be okay if you use plenty of water like I do, to make a bunch of it and keep it in your shower. I use more water than the recipe, because I like to get a really good lather and massage the baking soda into my scalp. If you have soft water, I would not recommend using as much water. It will take much longer to wash the baking soda out, and you may not get it all, leaving you dissatisfied with the results. After I've washed all the baking soda out, It's time for the apple cider vinegar. You can use regular vinegar as well. I just like the subtle apple scent. It's best to use a squirt bottle so you can control the amount of vinegar in your hair. When you're spraying the vinegar in your hair, it is very important to bend over forwards and have all of your hair hanging down, so that you don't get any vinegar in your eyes. You can spray it on your scalp while you're bending over, just be sure to shield your eyes. Trust me, it's much worse than shampoo or baking soda in your eyes. The baking soda feels exactly like shampoo when it gets in your eyes, which isn't pleasant, but it's far more pleasant than vinegar in your eyes. Rinse the vinegar out and you're done. Some people also use lemon juice as part of a natural rinse. I would not use lemon juice unless you want to lighten your hair. Here's the recipe I use, with my own special modifications: http://untraditionalhome.com/?p=663

After the shower, don't blow dry your hair if you can't help it, and then wait for it to dry. Trust me, you will love the results. I don't get nearly the frizziness or the static that I used to, especially in the winter! For some reason, even while my hair is wet, or even after it dries, it's easier to find my bangs, which is usually such a pain. The other benefits aren't apparent yet, but like I said it will take some time!

I am pleased to mention that since sharing this on facebook, one of my facebook friends decided to try it after reading my posts, and her folliculitis is about gone! She also just enlightened me to grapefruit extract for psoriasis (not scalp). I use Aveeno, and honey balm which work great, but I'm going to try that one! I'll have to try it after pay day though. Christmas has our funds a little bit depleted.

Anyways, it's amazing how many scalp issues are caused by oily/dry scalp, and how many are exacerbated by shampoos that only cause you to have to use them more. I'm finding that the solution to most skin/scalp/hair issues can be solved or greatly diminished just by switching to natural products or reverting skin to a more natural state by using natural products! I'd be interested to know anyone else who has other scalp issues that "poo free" has solved, or any other skin issues that were diminished or have disappeared completely due to the use of natural products.

So, in conclusion, I would suggest that you should not use these natural washes if you color your hair. The vinegar will strip the color, unless of course you don't want the dye in your hair anymore.

In other news, I had a wonderful workout session in the gym today, and it's inspired me to try a couple of new things. Next time, I will talk a little bit more about diet and home remedies for things like heartburn, upset stomach, etc., and will talk a little bit more about how to preserve a diet while surrounded by delicious, calorie full food. Through the course of the next few weeks, I will talk about changing your mindset about food, and hopefully curb emotional eating habits through healthy eating, working out, and just changing your mindset, along with how to motivate yourself. Changing your mindset isn't as hard as it sounds, trust me. I never thought I was able to lose weight, but I've lost 11 pounds! Sure, those 11 pounds took a long time, and I worked hard for them, but it is possible! Until next time ...

A few good links:
http://babyslime.livejournal.com/174054.html
http://untraditionalhome.com/?p=663
http://www.ridiculouslyextraordinary.com/how-i-cured-my-dandruff-and-itchy-scalp/