Honey Is The New Shampoo: Week 3

I’m going on 3 weeks of washing my hair with natural substances (no commercial shampoo or conditioner!). I’ve used mainly honey with a couple tries of clay and apple cider vinegar… and this week I started something else.

Again, thank you all SO much for all of your help with this hair experiment. Your support has kept me going, and your advice has helped to steer me in the right direction. Here’s a look at the past week in my no-commercial-shampoo adventure.

Day 12: I took a break from washing today — it was a snowy snowy day and I just didn’t feel the urge. Instead, I threw my hair in a low bun, popped a beanie on my head, and called it a day! I think it’s good to have days like this in order to move the transition period along. (PS. Sorry for the tattoos… I was working on this blog post, haha!)

All black, temp tattoos

Day 13: I did the normal honey wash this morning. Maybe the break I took yesterday was not such a good idea. My hair feels as greasy as ever… gross. My week 2 blog post went up today, and after reading some of your comments, I think I’m going to make a change. A few of you have told me that I’m not listening to what my body is telling me, and that I need to do just that. I couldn’t agree with you more. I’ve recently taken on that mindset — ever since I got involved with Ayurveda (see my Ayurveda journal) — and you’re so right in that I should apply that same thinking when it comes to natural beauty. If it feels like the honey isn’t cleaning my hair, it probably isn’t. I need to switch to something that will do a better job. After work I went and acquired my new haircare products. As per many of your suggestions, I’m setting the honey aside in favor for Dr. Bronner’s castile soap and some avocado oil (mixed with vitamin E) for my “shampoo” and “conditioner,” respectively.

Dr Bronners Lavender

Day 14: Today I washed my hair with a few drops of Dr. Bronner’s, rinsed, and then worked some avocado oil into my strands, focusing on the tips. I definitely feel like my hair got somewhat of a cleaning, which is something I haven’t felt in quite some time (woohoo!), but after drying, it still seems quite oily. This could absolutely be due to the avocado oil. I’ll be sure to use less next time. I used some arrowroot flour to soak up some of the excess oil — this stuff has been such a savior in this experience.

Honey week 3

Day 15: I washed again today with the castile soap, and then applied just a little bit of avocado oil to my ends after I got out of the shower. Definitely less greasy than yesterday, but still somewhat greasy. I also feel like the soap is drying out my hair a bit (although nowhere near what the clay did to it last week). Has this happened to anyone else? I feel like my hair is a little dry and a little greasy at the same time. It’s hard to explain!

random2

Day 16: I took a break from washing today — just used some arrowroot flour! It’s hard to believe it’s been 16 days since I’ve used a non-natural product to wash my hair. It feels good knowing this, and definitely makes me want to continue!

random3edit

Day 17: I washed with castile soap, and then used a bit of coconut oil on my ends in the shower to condition them. After I got out, I put a little avocado oil in the ends to help protect my hair when I heat styled. I’m definitely liking this castile-soap/avocado-oil method better than the honey. While my hair doesn’t look or feel 100% how I’d like it to… I think it’s getting there. :)

Honey week 3 2

As always, any tips are more than welcome! Do you think I should continue with castile soap and avocado oil? Should I switch to some of the Lush products you have mentioned, or stay with this method for a while? I’m open to anything!

If you’re just joining us, see my recap from week 1 and week 2, as well as my original post about why I wanted to go no ‘poo to begin with!

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Erica
10 years ago

Brigette,
Don’t know if you wanted to switch back to “shampoo” but lush’s solid shampoos are awesome. I use “Seanik” Its blue and smells awesome and works just as good as a regular bottle of shampoo. I follow up with their “American Cream” conditioner. They also have solid conditioner, which I’ve heard is great too, but I have not tried it. I tried the no poo thing for like 3 days before I gave up; it was causing my face and back to break out and my head was too itchy!

10 years ago

So I haven’t washed my hair in a year and a half. It’s great, my hair has never looked better and friends keep switching because they’re impressed.

What I do is slather a non-sulfate, no alcohol etc conditioner on my hair, tie it into a doofy looking top knot, shower, and then rinse it out. Never greasy.

I suggest a Lush conditioner, or something similar. I tried using coconut oil once in a pinch and was greasy for days..

Hope that’s helpful,

C

Jessie
10 years ago

I also recommend Lush’s solid shampoos. I’ve been using the “New” bar for quite some time (because it helps strengthen hair and promotes growth which is something I’ve been desperately needing for the past year) but every now and then I switch to “Godiva” which has the most wonderful jasmine scent!

For about 6 months or maybe more, I did skip shampooing every day in favor of every other day but after a while, I realized it didn’t seem to do much for me. My new goal has been to not use chemical dyes on my hair. After going from dark brunette to blonde two summers in a row, my hair basically quit on me so I started using henna (also from Lush) instead and it has been the greatest hair decision I’ve ever made!

10 years ago

I would stick to this method for a while, then switch to lush! I have heard great things about lush hair products.

http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com

Marie
10 years ago

I would definitely recommend you stick with the castile soap, it’s worked wonders for me! I wash my hair with a mix of about equal parts castile soap and coconut milk, and add a tablespoon or so of baking soda. The feeling you’re talking about in your hair–the greasy yet dry texture–is a result of the ph of the shampoo. Castile soap is an EXTREME base, so to fix that, just do a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse to even out the ph. The result is gorgeous hair, I promise!

10 years ago

I still say soap nut powder.

Becky
10 years ago

Lush is perfection.

10 years ago

I did not like Dr. Bronner’s on my hair. I may not have diluted it enough, but my hair felt dry. Has anyone tried the LUSH solid soap on colored hair?

Maren
10 years ago

If you wash your hair with just soap, you sould always rinse it with something sour/acidic afterwards to neutralize. For example two table spoons of lemon juice or white vinegar in 1l of cool water. Otherwise the soap, even if it cleans your hair, can leave a coat behind that makes your hair feel greasy and dull. At least that’s what my grandmother did in her days ;)

Kara
10 years ago

I have heard to use 1/4 cup baking soda on head (only on scalp) while in the shower, to create a paste, for the shampoo. Coconut oil for conditioner (only on ends), and an apple cider vinegar rinse 2x per week (helps condition). Cheap and you can find all of the items at trader joe’s.

Lisa
10 years ago

I heard that if you use castile soap with hard, unfiltered water, it will leave a heavy film on your hair. I would invest in a shower head filter if you are going to use castile soap.
If you don’t want to buy shower filters (like me) I heard soapnut powder is the way to go.
I’ve been following this girl’s blog about her transition. http://almostexactlyblog.wordpress.com/2013/04/24/extra-thoughts-on-going-no-poo/
I love following your blog as well. I’m trying to get my research dialed before I go no-poo.
Hope this helps!

Alexis
10 years ago

I say get a tiny bottle of Lush “Rehab”. I use it once every week or so after not washing my hair for days until the grease is to the point I can’t stand, and it’s so clarifying and the mint is really rejuvinating. If you want to try a dry shampoo bar, the Godiva has been a godsend for me as well… I do use the Happy Happy Joy Joy conditioner on my ends, with coconut oil overnight. I’m a big Lush advocator after putting lots of pantry products, mayonaise, olive oil, beer and egg yolks in my hair (though I never did try honey). I really love following your journey and your blog, and I am curious and interested to see what you try next… But with that said, the Lush is a good last alternative when the going gets too tough. :)

Tonya
10 years ago

I would be careful with Lush products. Most all their products have some really questionable ingredients. For instance, artificial dyes in the seanik (FD&C Blue No. 1), Ibiza has Propylene glycol and parabens. Just to name a few.

If you want a truly natural bar shampoo check out a couple of the ones I just found. I haven’t tried them but their ingredients are safe.

http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com/

http://www.applevalleynaturalsoap.com/shampoo-bars/

My experience with the bar shampoo has been positive, as I have really, really thin hair and it definitely gives it more fullness and takes very little to suds up. Can’t think of the brand name at the moment, but my guess is that they are all pretty similar, except for fragrances.

Alexis
10 years ago

DO NOT USE LUSH. LUSH WILL RUIN YOUR HAIR!! IT RUINED MY BEAUTIFUL LONG HAIR IT ALL HAS HENNA IN IT AND IF YOU EVER WANT TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR HAIR OR CHANGE OR DYE YOUR HAIR IT WILL SIZZLE AND SMOKE YOUR HAIR RIGHT OFF THE MINUTE THE LIGHTER DYE OR BLEACH HITS YOUR HAIR!! LUSH WAS MY FAVORITE UNTIL I TRIED TO PUT HIGHLIGHTS IN MY HAIR HENNA IS SOMETHING THAT WILL STAY IN YOUR HAIR UNTIL YOU CUT IT OUT WHICH MEANS YOU USE THEIR SHAMPOO OR CONDITIONER ALL OVER YOUR HEAD. NEXT THING YOU KNOW YOU HAVE HENNA FROM YOUR ROOTS TO YOUR TIPS AND UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETELY GROWN IT OUT TO A LENGTH YOUR WILLING TO CHOP IT OFF YOU ARE STUCK!! PLEASE PASS ON!! LUSH IS AN AWESOME PLACE UNTIL YOU REALIZE WHAT IT REALLY DOES TO YOUR HAIR!!

10 years ago

I agree with everyone above about the wonders of Lush products. While I was backpacking through Europe for two months, I used their solid shampoos and conditioners. No only were they awesome for travel purposes, but my hair and scalp were in amazing condition! I tend to suffer from itchy scalp and I have dry curly hair (yet my scalp can seem oily at the same time…), but these products worked like a dream for me. My go-tos are Godiva and Jungle.

10 years ago

I definitely think that the honey rinse is something for girls with hair that tends to be a bit drier and less oil. I have very thick curly hair that is naturally dry so I feel that I should try the honey solution at some point. Thanks Bridget!

Sevi
10 years ago

As I Am makes an amazing co-wash! SO cheap (under 6 dollars) and, in my opinion, doesn’t leave hair greasy. I have literally never felt so good about my hair. P.S. thanks for offering up your hair to these experiments! salute!

Anais
10 years ago

I don’t trust Lush…They’re too big to be trustworthy to me, speaking in terms of natural/environmental friendly products. I mean you can find their shops in every big enough cities in developed countries, I come from France and they’re there too….my intuition tells me they can’t be good.
Over the Christmas holidays I tried castile soap with a bit of baking soda and lavender oil, and my hair was great! I haven’t continued with this because I have 2 bottles of organic shampoo left that I don’t want to throw away, but after that I’ll definitely go with that method.

Britta
10 years ago

I have been washing with a Baking Soda paste and although it sounds strange it is the perfect shampoo substitute! My friends rave about it… only about 1/4 cup will do.. make a paste and rub on the scalp, it is naturally rough so it actually cleans the root, although it is a bit salty. I would suggest just cleansing the scalp for the most part, hold up the bottom of your hair as it rinses through. It cleans your hair without stripping it, and will allow for fewer washings per week once you become regular. Finish with an Apple Cider vinegar rinse but be sure to comb your hair before doing that, as it wont be very silky like when using fake conditioners with tons of additives. Comb hair and put a little unrefined coconut oil on the ends to condition… a dab will do it. Try this method next week! I think part of the point of going natural with hair cleansing is moving away from purchasing expensive hair products such as Lush. You may have to tinker with the portions of baking soda and vinegar that work best for your hair. Use an essential oil spray to scent your hair if needed.. although the vinegar smell will fade after your hair dries.

Sheridan
10 years ago

Hey Brigette!
So if you end up deciding that the no shampoo thing isn’t working out, I know lots of companies that have real ingredients and not all of the yucky chemicals that shouldn’t be on our bodies or in our hair. I really like “the honest company” and their products. I completetly trust their ingreadients!

Milka
10 years ago

You have to dilute the castile soap. If you use it straight out the bottle it’s too pure. You can dilute it with AC vinegar or just water. Start with 1/4 soap and the rest water and work your way up if you feel you need more soap. For conditioner I use avocado oil for deep conditioning because it also is too much for daily use. Try coconut oil instead or sweet almond oil just on the lower half and vinegar on the roots. Also, give it a little time since you just switched methods. GOOD LUCK!

Natasha
10 years ago

Hi Brigette
I’ve been using baking soda/vinegar to wash and condition my hair extremely successfully for coming up two years. The key to getting it to work seems to be in figuring out whether you live in a hard water/soft water area. You’ll know if you have hard water if your soap doesn’t lather up easily. I live in a part of NZ with hard water and this is my routine.
I take two 400gm glass jars, place two heaped teaspoons of baking soda into one, and quarter fill the jar with boiling water and stir until dissolved. I then top up the jar to the top with cold water, and that’s your shampoo, good to go. In the other jar, I half fill with cold, then quarter fill with vinegar, and top up with boiling, so it’s warm. That’s your conditioner. Use them soon while they are still warm!
Now for the washing part. I get in the shower with dry hair, and massage the baking soda jar, slowly bit by bit, onto my scalp. You’ll know when you’ve got the right baking soda ratio for your water, because you hair will feel slippery, almost like soap. Massage it in concentrating on your scalp. Rinse well under the shower, and squeeze out the excess water. Then apply the vinegar jar all over, and don’t rinse out, just squeeze out the excess when you’re finished in the shower.
I wash my hair 1-2 times a week in this way, and it has never looked or felt better. After lots of trial and error, the key seems to be DISSOLVING the baking soda thoroughly, and getting the amounts right for you hard/soft water until you get that ‘slippery soap’ feeling. You may need more baking soda for soft water and vice versa. Don’t skip the vinegar rinse either, as you need it to take the PH of your hair back to acidic after the akaline baking soda. If you leave it alkaline it will dry out horribly and look rough and dull.
It’s worked so well for me, I just had to share! There are natural ways to wash your hair for sure, you just need to experiment to find the one that works for you :)

Nichol
10 years ago

I have tried a gamut of things and here is what I’m currently using that seems to work. I am using Goldie’s chamomile shampoo (sulfate free) and sage conditioner. They both are chemical free and super gentle. My hair is fine and oily and this combo seems to get rid of the excess oil without stripping it, The conditioner is hydrating and light, good for getting out tangles but won’t leave your hair greasy, I try to shampoo every 2 days or so. I use coconut oil or argan oil on the ends. Also shampooing just at the root area will prevent stripping too much oil from the older drier ends. Goldie’s makes a great argan oil and dry shampoo as well.

Nichol
10 years ago

also as far as lush goes, while the products may smell good, they are full of parabens and sulfates :-(

emilypansy
10 years ago

I only use the LUSH solid shampoo and it works fine with my color treated hair. However the solid shampoos still contain sodium lauryl sulfate to create a lather when you wash your hair. This is of course a sort of controversial ingredient as some believe that it is linked to cancer.