When I first tried washing my hair with baking soda and vinegar, it was just a one-month experiment. But now, six months later, I can't imagine going back.
I haven't touched shampoo in half a year. I had read Marine's article, "After 3 Years Without Shampoo: Here's What I Learned," but I was skeptical at first. Still, I persisted with baking soda washes and apple cider vinegar rinses.
I never expected to stick with this for six months, but I'm fully committed now and have no plans to revert.
I've discovered numerous advantages from this approach.
First, I experienced virtually no adjustment period. This seems common for those with thick hair or who already washed infrequently—once or twice a week at most.
The main hurdle was psychological: the initial vinegar scent. But it fades quickly, leaving no odor behind.
Best of all, my hair is healthier and more manageable without shampoo. It's less oily, allowing washes every 4-5 days. Strands are softer, shinier, and frizz-free, with natural, bouncy curls. I simply apply a touch of coconut oil for styling.
I've only deviated twice—during vacations in Morocco and Greece.
Switching back to regular shampoo showed stark differences immediately: dry, frizzy hair that turned greasy in just two days, plus an itchy scalp.
Why? Likely because it stripped away my scalp's natural sebum balance.
This method aligns perfectly with my zero-waste lifestyle.
In six months, I've used just one cardboard box of baking soda and half a bottle of vinegar—no more plastic shampoo or conditioner bottles in the recycling.
Plus, the daily savings are substantial. Commercial shampoos like L'Oréal add up quickly.
If the no-shampoo method has piqued your interest, it's worth trying. It's simple and often yields surprising results.
Here's my step-by-step routine:
1. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to a 500ml glass bottle.
2. Fill with hot water.
3. Mix until dissolved.
4. Wet your hair.
5. Pour the mixture over your hair.
6. Massage thoroughly.
7. Rinse well.
8. Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the bottle.
9. Fill with hot water.
10. Mix.
11. Pour over your hair.
12. Rinse almost immediately.
My hair is clean and fresh without shampoo. Simple, right?
Note: These amounts are for long hair. For short or medium lengths, use 1 tablespoon each in a 250ml bottle.
If it doesn't feel clean enough after drying, increase the baking soda slightly next time.
