If you regularly read my posts, you must be knowing that I have given up using shampoo 4 years ago; and my hair never felt or looked so healthy while I was using shampoo. I always have and always will recommend using natural alternatives to wash hair.
I have now been using 100% natural shampoo alternatives for over four years. My hair is stronger, shinier and healthier than it has ever been! I hope you enjoy this post featuring my favourite No Poo shampoo substitutes.
CUCUMBER LEMON SHAMPOOTHIE:
Simply blend together 1 cucumber, 2 lemons with skins and 1 cup water. Use the mix to wash hair and follow with ACV rinse.
HERBAL SHAMPOO:
Mix together 2 tablespoons Shikakai powder, 2 tablespoons Aamla powder, 1 tablespoon reetha powder and 3 tablespoons hibiscus powder. Add water to it and make a paste. Use this paste to scrub scalp and hair. Wash off with water and follow with ACV rinse.
EGG SHAMPOO:
Whip up 2 eggs with 1 cup yoghurt and add juice of 3 lemons to it. Add little water to it to make it a flowy liquid. Pour this on your hair, massage and wash off. Follow with ACV rinse.
BAKING SODA
Baking soda is on the top of the list since I used it very often now; thanks to its property of cleansing the oil effectively! I do use other alternatives in between but this is my all time favourite. Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate. It is sold in most supermarkets, health food stores and similar places. Before showering, combine one tablespoon baking soda with one cup warm or hot water in a plastic bottle and shake thoroughly. Work into the hair and comb through. Rinse thoroughly with water then follow with a vinegar rinse to condition your hair.
SOAPNUTS
Soapnuts or Reetha contain natural saponins or natural detergents which is what makes it such a wonderful cleanser. As a hair cleanser, reetha helps remove residue, clear dead skin and dandruff, and strengthen the hair roots.
How to use: Combine 5-7 reetha berries, 1 teaspoon amla powder and 1 tablespoon Shikakai powder with water and let them soak overnight or for around 6 hours. This helps release more of their properties into the water, and make a stronger cleanser. But you can skip this step. Place the herbs with water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 to 45 minutes. The longer you let it simmer the more concentrated it will become. Remove from heat, cover the pan and let it cool. Use it like regular shampoo.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar (or ACV) is a perfect cleanser, gently lifting dirt and residue off the hair and scalp while also laying down the cuticle for a smooth finish. Just make sure that you dilute this highly acidic product so that it doesn’t dry out your hair. One part ACV to one part water is a good mix. You can also use it after baking soda.
RYE FLOUR
Rye flour is fast becoming the star of the No Poo movement, the star of all the shampoo alternatives! It has just the right mixture of saponins and exfoliating properties to make it super kind and cleaning on your hair. Just sieve it, make a paste by adding water to it and use it like an exfoliating shampoo scrub.
LEMON JUICE
Combine the juice of one lemon with an equal amount of your normal conditioner. Work into the hair and comb through. Rinse thoroughly. Lemon juice is anti-fungal and will clear all the dandruff and it also has great cleansing properties.