People have started skipping shampoo due to the chemicals present in it that might damage hair and natural balance.(1)
They have started looking out for natural ways of hair care. Now not using shampoo for washing hair may sound weird, but there are really some good alternatives that can improve hair health and also keep them clean.
Why Should You Avoid Shampoo?
Shampoos contain detergents that clean hair. There are ingredients present in shampoo that can make hair dry and cause scalp irritation.(1) In the long run, you may also suffer from hair loss.
Skipping shampoo can serve the following benefits:
- Less chemical exposure
- Improved scalp health
- Good hair volume
- Production of natural scalp oils
There are a few natural alternatives to shampoo that are easy to use and promote long-term scalp health.
What Does It Mean To Wash Hair Without Shampoo?
Shampoo with the harsh chemical present in them strips off the natural oils off the hair.
Trying different substances to wash hair can help in getting rid of dirt without making them dry and frizzy.
People over the last several years have started using co-washes that are designed to soften and clean the hair.
Why should you Ditch Shampoo?
Shampoo cleans hair and may work from some hair types. But the cleansing ingredient present in them may make the hair woes worse.
Most of the shampoos contain sulfates and silicones that help in making foam and leave the hair clean and glossy. But, over a period of time may dry the hair out.
Co-wash or washing hair with just conditioner or using household items to wash hair like apple cider vinegar, lemon, or baking soda help in cleaning the hair and keeping the natural moisture intact.
What is Co-wash?
Co-wash is a conditioner that is formulated to clean hair as well. They are also called cleansing conditioners. They contain the conditioning properties of regular conditioners.
They are effective for natural, textured, or relaxed hair. It can benefit those trying to repair the hair from any damage caused by heat.
5 Alternatives to Using Shampoo
1. Baking Soda
Having a pH of 9, baking soda can be an effective cleanser and acid neutralizer. The alkaline pH help removes dirt and build-up from the scalp. It is also good for oily, straight hair.
Baking soda benefits for hair are:
- Its antifungal properties help in fighting against dandruff
- Removes excess oil and restores hair shine
- Adds volume and body to hair
- Soothes itchy scalp and softens hair
- Protects the hair from environmental pollutants
- Does not weigh down hair
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple Cider vinegar has a pH of 4.5-5.5, which is similar to that of the scalp. It balances the scalp pH and also adds strength. The vinegar controls bacterial infections and other scalp issues.
Apple cider vinegar can offer relief to oily hair.
Using pure apple cider vinegar can degrade hair quality. It can therefore be diluted with a carrier oil before applying to the scalp.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is low in pH and restores natural hair balance. It is known to boost scalp health. Lemon can be a treatment for dandruff and can make the hair shiny and thick.
Lemon is a natural degreaser and can be perfect for washing hair. Its astringent properties can help in removing excess oil and dirt from the scalp.
4. Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is known for its moisturizing properties and helps in getting rid of excess oil and dirt.
It is used widely as a hair cleanser and softener.(2) It deeply moisturizes and treats dry and damaged hair. It also reduces frizz and protects the hair from heat damage.
5. Dry Shampoo
Cleaning the hair with shampoo every day can strip natural oil from the scalp. Instead, you can wash your hair with dry shampoo.
These shampoos absorb excess oil from the scalp and hair between the hair wash days. It also does not dry the hair and helps get rid of the messy hair.
It is important to see how your hair reacts when using these alternative products instead of shampoo. Also, you should know how frequently you need to wash your hair if using them. If the hair responds positively to any of the alternative hair wash methods, you can continue with it to get strong and healthy hair.
