Update on Ditching Chemicals

So I've been trying the No Poo Method for a few months now. Unfortunately, I can't give you a complete opinion because my giant U.S. bottles of shampoo are still being used; I felt guilty wasting it. What I can say is that I haven't encountered any real issues using it other than I could smell the vinegar sometimes. I've found this is remedied by rinsing thoroughly or using something such as witch hazel in the apple cider vinegar (ACV) mixture. Also, many people complained about their hair being oily. For me, that only lasted about a month. It may have even been shorter than that. Even though I'm alternating using this method and my leftover shampoo, I have noticed that I don't need to wash my hair as often as I did before beginning this. It's also really soft. On the other hand, I haven't reached a point where I can go without styling products because it's just too flat and won't hold the shape I want without them. I'm thinking that some hairstyles just have to be paired with styling products. When my hair gets a bit longer, maybe it won't be an issue.

When you first use this method, you may think that your hair feels full of tangles right after washing. Mine felt that way, but as soon as I started to dry it I had no issues. No tangles. Just to make sure my hair gets a little moisture, I've started adding a few drops of Argan oil to the ACV mixture.

Moving on. I really liked the olive oil soap I got for bathing (it only had THREE ingredients) but it left a build up in the shower. I think it may have also been clogging the pipes. Eeek! I tried a rose soap by Dr. Organic and really like it. I've also used Dead Sea Minerals Black Soap, and I liked it as well. I feel like I've been using much less lotion. I suppose the real test will be when the radiators are working during the winter! Oh, I don't want to forget to mention the lesser amount of soap scum and thus, not so much scrubbing by me to clean the shower. YAY!

For my face I've been using EVOO (get a good brand people) at night mixed in my hand with a little water (I keep it in one of those little travel-sized shampoo bottles), and during the day I use a couple of drops of Argan oil mixed with some water in my hand. My skin does not feel oily, and I haven't had any issues with makeup. Okay, there was one. I've noticed if I use too much oil, especially if I rub it on the skin under my eyes, my mascara with rub off and smudge under my eyes. Lesson learned.

I know this seems strange to many of you. It seemed strange to me at first too. Then, I started doing some research and remembering that many of these things were recommended by my grandmothers. After daring to be different, I have to say that I'm a bit unsure about things. I feel like I'm still in the trial phase and will be until all of my other products are depleted. Will this really protect my skin enough? Will it restore my skin well enough after wind, make-up, and sun damage? Do I really need all of the chemicals that facial products say I need? Who knows? For now, I'll stick to the change.

What about you? Have you tried any of this? Any advice? Any complaints?