For those who no-poo and use minimal body care products...

I know that a lot of people here on 30BAD use either none or minimal amounts of body care products...

I was wondering at what point in your journey you gave things up. Is it harder at the beginning? ... I am talking about skin becoming too dry, and hair becoming really gross. I have been working at 811 for over a year now, and I have not been perfect. I no longer need to use deodorant, or soap... However... I am having trouble ditching the shampoo. I have used Dr. bronners but it leaves an awful residue, does baking soda and water leave a residue?.. and my skin gets SOOOOO dry. I deff. should drink more water. But being one of those girls that has a lotion in every room, car, and bag.. I am having the most trouble with dry skin.

Anything I can use besides a really expensive organic lotion? (which I am already using) I really havent experimented much... but seeing all of those hair care threads lately, makes me wonder! ...

I have become a COMPLETE minimalist.. My boyfriend and I live in a 12x12 room! ...ALL of our belongings, including my blender and juicer, and all of our food is in it too! ... When we move into our own place this summer we can practically do it in 1 trip in my car! :) lovin it. Now ditching the 18 bottles of lotion I have, and not having to buy $12 organic shampoo would be WONDERFUL! :)

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Permalink Reply by Ellen on March 1, 2010 at 11:15pm

I use coconut oil on my face and skin as needed...

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Permalink Reply by DaSaint on March 1, 2010 at 11:39pm

I stopped using shampoo about 6 months ago. I would say it took me about three months for my scalp and hair to get used to it.

I always had super dry / damaged hair that would be full of knots. I couldn't comb trough it with my fingers or I would get stuck. I always lost a lot of hair and always had hair on my clothes and coat.

Now my hair and scalp have gotten used to the new routine and I can't believe I didn't do this any sooner. My hair feels and looks great. It always used to fall flat on my head and now it has way more volume and stays in shape a lot better.

I don't loose hair anymore and hardly ever have knots.
I can comb my fingers trough my hair without a problem because the natural oils from my scalp keep my hair nourished and protected.

I can't wait for all the hair I lost (all those short strands I still have) to grow back.

It's a little daunting to give up shampoo and it does get worse before it gets better. But it is totally worth it.
I never bothered with the baking soda etc. I just went for the short pain.
It was the best decision I could have possibly made.

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Permalink Reply by Silly bananas on June 23, 2010 at 9:35am

Yes, I agree with all this, I had a similar experience. I must be in month 3 now I think. Loads more body, the hair doesnt look flat onto the scalp and it even looks good in the morning when I wake up!!
Combing or brushing to spread the oils is important.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah H on March 2, 2010 at 1:13am

I have VERY very very... very... THICK.. hair, and it gets VERY greasy. Being that I am a complete dirt phobe, I am known for washing my hair twice a day because greasy hair makes me feel gross. so I dont think I will ever use ONLY water.

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Permalink Reply by DaSaint on March 2, 2010 at 1:35am

Your hair becomes greasy BECAUSE you wash it.
Washing it removes the natural oils so your body needs to replenish those. The more often you wash your hair the faster and the more oil your body needs to produce. Resulting in a vicious cycle of greasy hair.
If you only wash your hair once or twice a week the oils don't need to be produced by your body at such an insane rate and amount and your hair won't get so greasy.

It's not that you need to wash your hair because it is greasy. It is greasy because you wash it so often.

Adjusting does take some time however.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah H on March 2, 2010 at 3:43am

ohh nooo ..is that so? ...Ive been torturing myself!

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Permalink Reply by hannah on March 2, 2010 at 12:01am

i gave up most everything before 811, but you adjust pretty quickly!

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Permalink Reply by Lucas on March 2, 2010 at 12:44am

As far as lotion goes try just using coconut oil, it works great for your hands, face, everywhere. In the winter it gets really dry I will buy a big bottle and put some in a little bottle if I need to bring it somewhere.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah H on March 2, 2010 at 1:14am

I will deff try coconut oil! thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Move2Grow on March 2, 2010 at 1:27am

i don't know about others but my skin tends to get dry if i don't do enough sports....my skin gets really perfect when i sweat a lot at least 3-4 times a week! even in this cold weather right now my skin doesn't get dry and i do 2-3 hour bike rides nearly every day ( outside ).

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Permalink Reply by meganthevegan on March 2, 2010 at 3:12am

This is a very good point, I agree

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Permalink Reply by meganthevegan on March 2, 2010 at 3:12am

I tried the no poo thing a while back with no success, as my hair was getting too oily. Then I talked to friends who don't use shampoo and asked what they were doing. Washing their hair with BAKING SODA! Hahaha I couldn't believe I hadn't been putting ANYTHING in my hair, it was so greasy. So I took their advice and started washing my roots/scalp with baking soda in the shower. AHA! That has been the key to my success now! I've been at it for about 3 weeks now. I mentioned it to some of my raw friends who also use Dr. Bronners, and they said my hair looks great. Feels great too!

As far as lotion goes...I just use cold pressed organic coconut oil. :)