Hair

Irrespective of your gender. You must have abused your hair sometime in your lifetime. By abuse, I mean coloring, perming, straightening, and even doing nothing. 

Hair strands are dead. But their roots are alive. That means they are susceptible to hurt. 

The sad part is that the damage to the roots is visible on the dead strands. 

That means that the damaged hair show telltale signs of abuse. That includes:

• Split ends
• Thinning hair
• Grey hair
• Limp hair
• Over oily
• Super dry hair

[Read more…] about How to make conditioning damaged hair a simple task

Are you smitten with the natural hair care bug? Well, I am an avid natural beauty enthusiast. 

More than 2 years ago. I threw all that I knew as cosmetics with harmful ingredients down the trash. 

The list of products that I parted ways with is long. It includes all colored cosmetics, eyeliners, and mascaras. 

Even the body lotions, sunscreens, anti-aging creams went the same route. I did the same with the toiletries.

I let go off the various shampoos, conditioners, hair serums, and styling gels. 

Hair oils that had mineral oil also saw the same trash down fate. Well, a lot of people consider me crazy for doing this.

But if you understand the havoc that the ingredients in these products bring. Then, you too would do the same. 

If you ever spend time reading the labels of your favorite cosmetics. You will end up reading the chemical synonyms of petroleum by-products. 

Mineral oils and SLS are the ingredients of most of the commercial beauty care products. 

Even if the products carry certifications from governing bodies. I do not feel good about using products akin to kerosene on my body.  [Read more…] about How to make a simple no poo shampoo for curly hair

How to Make Conditioner with Minimal Efforts

Some posts back I shared my simple DIY recipe to make conditioner. This post carries a follow up with a little-advanced conditioner. 

Do not get me wrong. The simple apple cider vinegar one is my all-season favorite. I use it after each routine of once in a week hair wash. 

But at times I get a little bored with its simplicity. Yes, at times, I wish for some extra flavor in my usual after shampoo routine. 

So, at times I spice up my conditioner recipe with some added elements. The mention of spice makes me think of adding wonderful spices to the recipe. Though cinnamon makes a wonderful add on spice to hair products. But I thought of bringing in various herbs as well. 

Carry on with me to know how the inclusion of herbs creates a wonderful hair conditioner recipe. [Read more…] about How to make conditioner with absolutely lowest efforts

The recent craze is towards a natural and organic lifestyle. No wonder that it has entered not only our diet. But also on our external well-being and hygiene. That includes cosmetics and products of personal hygiene and toiletries in general.

That is the reason many of us have shifted away from chemicals stuffed products. These products are petroleum by-products based. They also contain other harsh chemicals.

Most of such products create damages. The harm can range from mild irritation to cancer as well.

But with the counterpart cosmetics and toiletries made with natural ingredients. One can expect the same effect as it comes from the harsh chemical-based products. Though the damage to the environment as well as for the user are zilch.

What are the low poo products?

Poo is a term for the hair product that has SLS and parabens. Since most of the commercial hair care products contain these surfactants and chemicals. Thus, all the usual hair care products are poo. That includes shampoo, conditioners, serums, hair packs, hair colors, etc.  

So, the hair products that do not contain these chemicals are sans poo. The popular term for them is no poo.

No poo refers to no presence of harsh chemicals in a hair product. By that I mean the product can be as simple as a simple honey wash. Apple cider vinegar wash. Baking soda wash. Or even simple water only wash.

I know that sounds bizarre. To wash hair with nothing but plain water.

I have done it a few times. So, I know it works. Though with my kind of lifestyle and location. It does not get the desired results.

I travel a lot. Also, most of the times I am in pollution and dust-filled environment. So, the water wash does not work for me. But I know it does work for many.

I know the water only wash overwhelms many. Not to forget the plain honey or the baking soda wash too.

That is why there are low poo products.

Consider them the mean path between the harsh hair products and the simple ones. Thus, the low poo lies in-between no poo and poo. For more clarity on this topic, you should study the difference between low and no poo. 

What are low poo products made of?

Now that you know that there exists a zone of sanity between the extremes of poo and no poo. Then, why not explore more in the middle zone – the low poo.

As the name suggests. The low poo products contain surfactants of mild strength. These lower strength washing ingredients are not the petroleum byproduct prodigies. Thus, safe for use.

They are biodegradable as well. Hence, they do not tamper with the earth’s topsoil. Thus, there is no impending fear of screwed up water tables.

The usual constituents of low poo products are:

1. Pure Oils

2. Saponification Ingredient

The above 2 combine to form a low poo product. The outcome is also known as a castile soap.

Castile soap has its origin in Spain. It refers to the pure mild soap made from olive oil.

Oil converts to a castile soap through the saponification process.

In today’s times. Castile soap refers to any pure mild soap that has nothing but oil in it. It does not matter much which specific oil. As long as the oil is a pure and organic one.

So, it could be mustard/rapeseed, coconut, castor seed or even the olive oil in a castile soap.

Low Poo Shampoo List

The post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase any of the products mentioned in this article through routing via the links in this post. Then, I may end up receiving a certain monetary percentage from the sale. Though the one who purchases through the link does not end up paying anything extra apart from the mentioned MRP on the product. Full disclosures on the Affiliate Page.

DRY TO NORMAL HAIR CARE

1.     Forest Essentials Bhringraj and Shikakai Hair Cleanser

The extracts of bhringraj and shikakai help with the hair issues. It also contains licorice that prevents dandruff. It is a good product for anyone facing issues of hair fall with no poo/ low poo.

2.     Kama Ayurveda Rose & Jasmine Hair Cleanser

If you suffer from post chemical hair treatments. Then, this one is one of the best low poo products for you.

Extracts of rose and jasmine help with procedures like bleaching, straightening and perming. A must for detox hair journey. For a complete detox, you can receive my detox infographic from the sidebar.

 

3.     Forest Essentials Dasapushpadi Baby Hair and Body Wash

Although the product is for babies. But that specifications make it an ideal choice for anyone with dry to normal hair types.

Soapnut extracts provide mild cleansing. While no presence of artificial colors and aromas help people with an itch prone scalp.

 

4.     WOW Organics Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

The presence of pure organic apple cider vinegar in the shampoo says it all. The vinegar protects from the scaly build up. It also provides the optimum acidity to keep scalp protected from infections. The hair shafts also get a layer of protection from the vinegar.

 

5.     Soulflower Neem Henna Shampoo Bar

This one is my personal favorite. I was regular with this shampoo bar before I stumbled upon DIY no poo method.

The product has neem extracts that help prevent scalp infections. While henna calms the stress. The peppermint and rosemary essential oils nourish. While shikakai extracts clean without over-drying the scalp and hair. Plus the aroma of the bar is refreshing to look at. It kind of heightens the experience of hair cleansing.

 

If you feel that your hair still needs a conditioner after using these mild shampoos. Then, you can use one from this list of low poo conditioners.

NORMAL HAIR CARE

 

6.     DevaCurl Low-Poo

This is the most popular low poo shampoo. It guarantees for no sulfates and parabens in it. The brand has its grain in providing a complete chemical free hair care range. That is evident from the positive reviews it garners. Thus, a must for organic beauty enthusiast.

 

7.     Kama Ayurveda Himalayan Deodar Hair Cleanser

Ingredients include aloe wood, hibiscus, deodar tree extracts, and Indian gooseberries. The product is devoid of parabens, SLS compounds, and petroleum byproducts. You can use this shampoo on all hair types.

 

8.     Forest Essentials Madurai Jasmine and Mogra Cleanser

The brand Forest Essentials promises chemical free natural toiletries. It goes without mention that it is SLS and artificial color/fragrance-free. Jasmine and mogra extracts induce a natural aromatic experience. The best part is that you can use this on your body as well.

 

9.     WOW Organics Miracle 10 in 1 Shampoo

The shampoo claims to fight 10 common hair problems. That includes cleansing, nourishing, strengthening, and volumizing as the major issues. It includes rosemary that helps with balding issues. Tea tree extracts help fight germs and infections.

 

10.    Soulflower Let Your Hair Down Shampoo Bar

I am not sure about you. But I am a huge fan of shampoo bars. I find them sturdy and more effective in cleansing hair in comparison to shampoos in liquid form. 

That is the reason I make my own low poo shampoo bars. 

If shampoo bars excite you as well. Then, this one is for you. Coconut and olive oils provide suppleness. Though the lemons lower the ph alkalinity. The bar also has ginger that helps with hair regrowth.

 

NORMAL TO OILY HAIR CARE

 

11.     DevaCurl DevaBrown Chocolate Lust Low-Poo

Infused with chocolate, caramel and espresso tones. This one is sure to pep up boring days. Also, the product is mild enough for all hair types. That includes variants for the oily as well as color.

 

12.     Kama Ayurveda Sanobar Hair Cleanser with Oils of Cypress and Orange

This shampoo has neem, French Cyprus, and citrus extracts. Thus proves perfect for people with oily hair. 

 

13.     Forest Essentials Japapatti and Brahmi Hair Cleanser

The principal ingredients of this shampoo are Hibiscus and Brahmi. I am a huge fan of hibiscus. That is why I include its flower and leaves in most of my hair care preparations. This product also has nagarmotha that helps retain the hair color. 

The product is suitable for people with normal to oily hair types. 

 

14.     Satliva Hemp with Argan and Activated Charcoal Shampoo Bar 

This bar claims of a zilch amount of harmful chemicals in it. Rather it boasts of argan and lemongrass oils that condition the hair. Though the presence of activated charcoal in it cleanses the hair and scalp.

 

CURLY HAIR CARE

 

15.     DevaCurl Low-Poo Original

This one is tailor-made for people with curls and waves. The ingredients are perfect for taming the frizz and knots. Chamomile soothes. While hops clean. In addition, the Devacurl brand promises no sulfate/ silicone/ parabens. 

 

 

COLORED HAIR CARE

 

16.     Deva Care Low Poo Shampoo for Normal To Oily Colored Hair

This one is in specific for color treated hair strands which are more on the oily ends. The absence of sulfates and dirt agents ensure no stripping of hair color. 

Moreover, the specifications for over sebaceous oil glands are also in consideration. Going shampoo free with colored hair never was so easy for the oily hair ones.

 

17.     WOW Organics Hair Strengthening Shampoo

The chemical treatments from coloring, straightening or perming leave strands weak. This shampoo with rosemary and tea tree extracts restores vitality in hair. 

 

18.     Soulflower Sandalwood Geranium Shampoo Bar

This shampoo bar has the goodness of oils from sandalwood, almond, and jojoba. They help restore the lost shine from harsh chemicals. While shikakai provides the cleansing properties without hurting the hair shafts. 

 As an experiment, you can also make a handmade shampoo for colored hair yourself.

DANDRUFF HAIR CARE

 

19.     WOW Organics Anti Dandruff Shampoo

This mild shampoo provides relief from the dry, itchy and flaky scalp. Cedarwood and tea tree extracts fight the infection. 

The product has organic certifications. It is also sulfate and paraben free. The price does not hurt either.

 

In Conclusion:

The no poo shampoo method is a rave these days. Why would it not be? 

It makes the hair beautiful. That too without subjecting it to harmful ingredients. The components that are in plenty in the usual hair care products. In specific. They are the principal ingredients in hair cleansing products such as the shampoo. 

The sad part is that even when you know about the damages of shampoo. You do not abandon their use altogether. 

The reason in part is due to the inconvenience associated with natural means of shampoo. Not everyone finds comfort in the idea of rubbing white powder on the scalp every week.

That is when low poo products provide a rescue. These products bridge the gap between poo and no poo well.

They are simple and hassle-free to use. Plus give you the peace of mind of not being harsh to your mane and scalp. 

This article lists the curated products to make your DIY beauty journey a little easier.  Irrespective of your hair type or the hair condition. The list will have at least one resource for your low poo needs.

 

 

Image Source: Pixabay

Do you suffer from a no poo itchy scalp? 

If you do not. Then, you must have spent time reading and implementing a good no poo book.

But if you keep scratching your head without any eureka moment. Then, you are much like most of the other beings. 

Yeah! The itch on the scalp is real. Most of us suffer from it. Though it is common with a no shampoo method of cleaning the hair.

When you go on to experiment with various no poo shampoo methods without knowing their pH levels. Then, you run into a risk of getting an irritated scalp.

An itch on the scalp comes within days of a wrong no poo shampoo method.  

This itch might make you chuck the no poo method. And you might want to go back to those expensive salon shampoo bottles? 

No. Do not give up on no poo till you read further. 

What Is A No Poo Itchy Scalp?

The itch on the scalp is its reaction to the no poo method of hair wash. The scalp takes time to adjust to the newfound ways of cleaning.  

On a more common term. It is the no poo transition time that follows the no poo method of hair wash. 

Moreover, the skin on the head turns dry due to the cleaning. Hence, it signals its discomfort with an itch. 

After a no poo shampoo. You can experience a little discomfort. Though the issue happens in the initial phase of making a shift towards the no poo. 

But in some cases. The itch may continue for longer periods as well. 

If you are a newbie on a route to no poo. Then, you know the susceptible reason for the itchy scalp. 

But the itch can happen to others as well. More so for the ones who use the regular methods of shampoo. 

Popular Reasons For An Itch On The Scalp:

Although the itch due to a shift towards natural means of cleansing hair is normal. At least it is normal in the initial days of transition.

But as a matter of fact. The itch on a scalp can happen even when you do not use the no-poo methods.

In fact, I often find people who are regular with the usual methods of shampoo suffer more from it.

The reasons can be as follows:

     1.     Acute dryness

You must be familiar with the discomfort that comes with dry skin. The skin becomes parched and creates irritation. 

A similar feeling happens when the scalp turns dry. 

Blame it either on your dry skin tendencies. Or on the excessive squeaky clean capability of your shampoo. 

The result is an irritable scalp. Most of us know the situation as dandruff.

     2.     Infection

An external agent is bound to make your scalp irritating. Also if the agent happens to be a bad guy like an infection. Then, you are in trouble. 

It can be dandruff. Or can be some other infection on the scalp skin.  

Some regions have a humid climate. Some other places are nearby industrial and pollution sources. 

This causes the infection in hair. In extreme cases, the infection advances to lice infestations as well. Yuck. 

This is a situation no one wants to be in. The tiny insects using your head as a breeding joint is horrendous to even think of. 

     3.     Build up

This is by far the most common reason for an itch on the scalp. Build up refers to the accumulation of any foreign material on the scalp. 

Be it dirt and dust. Or even the leftover stuff from hair care products. 

The regular SLS-induced products cause a lot of build up. But even with no poo cleansers. The build-up can happen.  

In particular, if the no poo cleaner is too basic. For instance the no poo baking soda method. Or the rice cleansers. 

To keep things simple. Build up refers to a mere accumulation of stuff that does not get wiped off with usual cleansing. Rather, gets added more and more with each cleansing schedule.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase any of the products mentioned in this article through routing via the links in this post. Then, I may end up receiving a certain monetary percentage from the sale. Though the one who purchases through the link does not end up paying anything extra apart from the mentioned MRP on the product. Full disclosures on the Affiliate Page.

How To Reduce A No Poo Itchy Scalp:

As per the reason for the itch. So, is the respective solution.

     1.      Dryness Induced Itch

For combating the dryness induced itchiness. You can apply some conditioning agents to your scalp.

A potent oil best cuts the solution. You can use any of your favorite oil. Though the heavier oils may make your hair strands full of grease. This may further prompt you to wash your hair again. Thereby starting the chain of itch and dryness again.

To skip this routine. Whipped coconut oil provides a solution. In a whipped state, coconut oil feels less greasy. In fact, it seems almost like those hair pomades. An electric hand blender does the whipping job well. Be sure to use a good quality organic coconut oil. Else, you will expose your scalp and hair to mineral oil and silicones. These will cause itchiness and also cause hair fall and other damages.

Hence, it works best for all sorts of dryness. Including the no poo dry scalp.

     2.     Infection-Induced Itch

In the worst-case scenario. If you end up with an infection on your scalp. Then, do not think and wait much.

The situation needs quick action.

Use some disinfectant oils like neem and tea tree to get relief from the situation.

You can mix these oils with your regular oils. That way they will spread in an even manner all over your scalp. Also, using a handmade wooden neem bark comb will also help ease the itching issue. It increases blood circulation to the scalp and also keeps infections at bay.

     3.     Build Up Induced Itch

Chelating products are the need of the hour for getting rid of product build-up.

Most often the build-up is alkaline in nature. On the other hand, the chelates are acidic.

Chelates cling to the basic products on the scalp. Thus, forming a bond. This bond suspends in water and hence gets removed. Thereby, setting one free from both the buildup and the associated itch.

Acidic ingredients like apple cider vinegar work best for this situation. Adding disinfectant essential oils to vinegar heightens the therapeutic properties.

Cure The No Poo Itchy Scalp Forever

The best way to cure a no poo itchy scalp is to prevent it from happening. You can always use moisturizing coconut oil or a disinfecting tea tree oil. But the best way is to test the pH of no poo shampoo before using it. 

Determining the pH of shampoo is a broad subject. It is explained in detail in the No Poo book that I refer to. You can read it to make informed decisions regarding your no poo journey. Else, you will remain stuck in the transition phase and end up spoiling your locks. The book works as a fast pass to getting a deep dive into natural handmade hair care. 

Conclusion

Everyone suffers from an itch on the scalp. Irrespective of how often you shampoo. Or what you use as a shampoo.

The scalp tends to develop an irritation within days of a shampoo.

It may be due to excessive dryness. If not dryness. Then, it could be due to an infection.

Moreover, at times, the product gunk could also be the culprit. It becomes a buildup with the consistent use of hair care products.

This buildup from the cleansing products causes itch. The act of cleansing associated with the products breaks up the product’s bonds.

A broken part sticks to the dirt/ oil on the mane and scalp. The other part remains stuck to the scalp.

This leftover remaining part causes the itch. If left that way, it will stay on your head for long. It does not get wiped off on its own. Also, it even does not wash off with water.

The solution to their removal is by attaching them to an acidic ingredient.

It is because most of the buildup is basic in nature. Thus, it builds up an affinity with the acid stuff. And when you wash both of them together. They do get washed off. That is why understanding the pH of the shampoo is essential.

Below Image Courtesy: Pixabay

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I started on my journey of abandoning commercial cosmetics about 2 years ago.

Since then I have neither bought nor used any store bought cosmetic products.

I am pretty proud of doing that. Not only it gives a sense of living a minimalist life. But also it is embracing an inexpensive and toxic free lifestyle.

Though the best part remains the beauty and health of my physical self.

I guess the physical well-being has touched upon my mental health as well.

[Read more…] about Know how to make the best low poo shampoo easily