Results of my experiment with soap/shampoo

This is the second, but most complete stage of experimentation I've done with the use of shampoos and soaps and has completely satisfied my curiosity in regards to their uselessness. I'll share my findings for all those interested.

Beginning in February I decided to run an experiment wherein I would forgo any use of soaps or shampoos and study the results. My suspicion was that these products create their own demand through their continued use. My hypothesis, based on past experience and research, was that it is the very use of soaps and shampoos that causes our bodies to require the use of them, and that being vegan, with a thoroughly clean system, there is no need for the use of soaps.

Prior to giving up soaps/shampoos, my skin was often dry and flaky, my scalp would get occasionally itchy and I would have dandruff (not heavy, but noticeable, especially when scratching the itch). The hair on my head following shampoo use would be dry and dead/limp, and after a day or two without shampooing it would become quite greasy.

My theory was that these symptoms were all brought on by the use of shampoos and soaps, and that the greasiness of my hair after a few days of not using shampoos/soaps was the result of my body's attempt to recover from the damage done by the shampoos, but that it would regain natural balance over greater time.

I've tried many brands and types of soap over the years, but had settled into using Doctor Bronner's products... seeking as 'natural' a product as possible. I'm aware of many alternative products, but my belief is that the results of my experiment would be similar for any such product. My previous experiment was with standard products and yielded almost identical results (though at that time I was vegetarian, not vegan, and the results were not as optimal).

So, to my current results. During the first week to two weeks my skin continued to be dry and flaky and my hair was almost unmanageably greasy. I spent more time in the shower than usual, scrubbing with my fingers under hot water to try to 'rinse the grease away' before going to work (as a server)... but that did nothing to alleviate the condition. However, after about a month, the grease levels balanced out naturally and now my hair feels clean and soft to the touch and no longer becomes greasy. My skin is no longer dry; my hair no longer itches, and I no longer get dandruff. On all accounts, my hairs is as healthy as it has ever been. It also appears relatively thicker, though I think this may be due to the thickness of the hairs as opposed to new hairs having grown in. I'll continue to keep an eye on that over time, though.

My conclusion is indeed that the use of shampoo strips our hair such that our bodies react to it, causing the conditions that lead us to desire the use of shampoo. My conclusion for soap is the same. I have noticed no increase in 'dirtiness', greasiness, etc., of my skin (in any sense), and being vegan I have little to no noticeable body odor. Both products appear, to me, to be completely useless.

So, here's my testimony, from experimentation, that I believe these products are unnecessary, and, in fact, are a sort of self-fulfilling product - both the cause of and 'solution' to the conditions requiring their use. As someone who appreciates testimony as much as data or scientific evidence, I hope this helps others on their journeys. There are several discussions on 30BaD with both testimonials and science on these topics, if anyone wishes to run a search for them.

Here's a starter search to get you going.

Tags: conditioner, experiment, shampoo, soap, vegan

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Comment by sir seeksalot on January 31, 2013 at 3:25am: I agree that the ocean can make your hair feel pretty mucked up. I believe the best thing that can be done about it is a thorough rinse with freshwater. Or if you can dry it immediately with a towel that helps sop up some of the salt. For me even with longer hair I didn't mind it once it dried and I could work my fingers through it again.

Currently I shower only once in while. I like the idea of bathing more often but I don't since I don't need to and the only water conveniently available is chlorinated.

I do agree that using a towel (even if you haven't gotten your hair wet) can work to get out any excess grease.

Comment by Jon Fergus on January 30, 2013 at 9:59am: Hmm... I wonder if the salt water has an effect on your hair. I'd be interested to hear if any other 'ocean goers' have gone no poo and if they noticed any effects from the salt water.

What's your shower/cleaning routine? I've noticed little things in my own experience - like if I get out of the shower and don't dry my hair, it'll seem greasy/sticky all day, but if I get out and vigoursly dry it it'll seem clean and non-greasy all day. Perhaps just try changing up your routine a little, experiment with subtle things like that.

Comment by PeachyPie on January 30, 2013 at 9:42am: I am in Costa Rica and swimming in the ocean a lot. Now my hair is always sticky and really gross, and itchy. Is there any way to get rid of it, or will it eventually get used to it? I have not experienced the awesomeness of being no-poo yet, and I have been no-poo for over 3 months. What should I do?

Comment by Jon Fergus on December 1, 2012 at 11:36am: Hi Danny.

i have been using head and shoulders about once a week and that seems to help but symptoms return after a few days hence the reason i continually use it.

Ya, that's the trick they get you with! Locks us into a cycle where we 'need' their product.

This topic just came up in another thread, here: http://www.30bananasaday.com/forum/topics/winter-scalp

I'm intrigued by the guy who recommends squeezing an orange on our hair.

I've actually been having a bit of dandruff myself lately - it's very dry where I'm living now and I'm needing to drink more to stay hydrated (but some days not drinking enough). So make sure that you're fully hydrated: if you're peeing 8-12 times per day, and your pee is clear, then you're hydrated. If less, and if your pee is colored, then drink up the H2O. :)

Comment by Danny on December 1, 2012 at 10:16am: hey guys, i have been on the 811 since july now. all in all, i'd say i've been about 95% or more raw. i have dandruff that acts up sometimes; it's been an issue that started about 2 1/2 years ago. i have been using head and shoulders about once a week and that seems to help but symptoms return after a few days hence the reason i continually use it.

anyone know a "natural" solution to this? would going no shampoo work?

Comment by Tobias on October 12, 2012 at 2:58pm: Very interesting, I've been wondering the same questions. As soon as I noticed my body odors went away... I kind of started to wonder why I would even use shower gel (even the PH neutral ones which I've used mostly before 811).
And then whenever I did use them during 811, my skin would be really dry.

I think for me a shower with plain water a day + after activities/exercise makes sense. How often do you guys do it?

Comment by Jon Fergus on September 14, 2012 at 12:41pm: @Haakon. Ya, definitely give it another try. When I wasn't HCRV the results weren't near as good either. I do think having a cleaner diet makes a big difference.

When you do give it another try, let us know how it goes.

Comment by Haakon on September 14, 2012 at 11:59am: I did 14 months of no shampoo recently. The greasiness never really went away for me. I did go back and forth between cooked and raw several times in the period, though, so I think that could have had a negative impact.

I'm going to give it another chance once I've been 100% raw for a decent period of time.

Comment by Jon Fergus on September 14, 2012 at 11:15am: Heehee... PK, I don't think I fit in your folder ;P

Comment by PK on September 14, 2012 at 10:20am: Thanks for sharing Jon.

I am going to start a folder for males experiencing improvements in their baldness and or people seeing good results with thinning hair and alopecia;-D

It seems many people, even females, come to us with this problem, and a few do have good results if they "just do it 100%" and give it time and patience.

Peace, PK