So You Think You Can No-Poo

The "No-Poo Method" has become the new thing in haircare; have you heard of it? Unfortunately it has been misunderstood and has taken on a life of its own.  "No-Poo" was originally a term coined by Lorraine Massey, author of Curly Girl: the Handbook, later becoming the cleanser in the DevaCurl haircare line. Lorraine says that No-Poo is called such because it doesn't have all the "poo" in it that regular shampoos have, such as sulfates, silicones, and parabens. 

More and more I am seeing clients coming in who have been practicing what they call the "No-Poo Method", cleansing with baking soda and "conditioning" with ACV (apple cider vinegar). The problem with this is that baking soda has a very high alkaline pH, and is also very abrasive to the cuticle. The people I am seeing who are using this method have very dry brittle hair, exactly the opposite of their intent!

You might find this article helpful. It is about the pH of baking soda and I found it to be very informative and easy to understand. For the DIYers there are some options out there, but for convenience and peace of mind, all the shampoos and conditioners I carry in my salon follow these standards. If you are not in my area, look up my colleagues in the Curly Hair Artistry. They can also provide you with safe alternatives to baking soda! Now go forth and cleanse properly!