There is a trend buzzing around the web at the moment that is surprising to some: washing your hair without shampoo, or no poo for short, is the new catchphrase when it comes to healthy hair care. There is no question that washing your hair frequently and using the wrong products can lead to an irritated scalp. But: can washing your hair without shampoo be the solution?

Hair care is skin care

Our scalp is normally covered by a large number of hairs and is therefore better protected from environmental influences than the rest of our skin. However, it can often react irritated with excessive or incorrect care. The reasons for this are diverse. On the one hand, the environment and skin type naturally play a role, on the other hand, many people tend to wash their hair too often and sometimes not wash out the products used thoroughly enough. In the long run, shampoo and conditioner residue can collect on the scalp and clog the pores. The result is irritated, itchy or excessively greasy skin, and stubborn dandruff can also result.

Is washing hair without shampoo the solution?

The question now is what really helps against problems with the scalp and hair. Just do without care products containing silicone and banish chemicals from your head completely? If the advocates of the No Poo trend, i.e. washing hair without any shampoo, have their way, the answer is: yes!

No Poo hair care completely dispenses with any artificial ingredients and relies on old household remedies, above all water, baking soda and apple cider vinegar. These are intended to help bring the scalp and hair back into balance so that the body's sebum production can be rebalanced.

How exactly does No Poo work?

The switch to No Poo sometimes takes some getting used to. Classically, you simply start by not washing your hair regularly until your hair starts to get greasy. Only then is it washed for the first time – only with water. In the second wash, some baking soda comes into play (ratio of about 1 spoonful of baking soda to a cup of water). If your hair starts to feel clean again, the next step is rinsing it off with apple cider vinegar. Regular brushing of the hair is just as important to remove dirt and better distribute protective sebum in the hair. If you decide to use this method, you should definitely make sure not to use too much baking soda, otherwise the hair dries out, colored hair can even fade. Alternatively, rye flour or earth from lava can be used instead of baking soda.

Alternatives to No Poo?

You don't necessarily have to go to extremes to have healthy hair. Basically, professionals recommend washing your hair two to three times a week and using mild, silicone-free care products. Natural shampoos, for example, can be used here. These do not contain any surfactants, which remove dirt from the hair but can irritate the scalp at the same time. Instead, for example, sugar is used. Chamomile (in the form of chamomile tea or an essential oil), coconut oil or peppermint are also suitable as home remedies in between, which can soothe an irritated scalp.