Long-time CurlTalkers write often about the no shampoo method. But many newcomers may need a crash course on exactly what that means.
Long-time CurlTalkers write often about the no shampoo method. But many newcomers may need a crash course on exactly what that means.
The no-shampoo method is also referred to as co-washing or conditioner washing. Sometimes it’s even called the curly girl method (CG) form Curly Girl: The Handbook, a book written by Lorraine Massey and Deborah Chiel which helps people embrace their natural hair texture. With that objective in mind, Massey described a new and revolutionary routine to get healthy, well-behaved waves, curls and coils.
Although the very best way to do this routine is after reading the book, we understand that many people just can’t wait another day because their hair is begging for help. Here are the basic guidelines of the routine to help you get started.
MORE: Curly Girl: The Handbook
Why No Shampoo?
Most commercial shampoos contain sulfates and surfactants that are too harsh for our hair and tend to rob our hair of moisture. Curly hair tends to be more porous than straight hair, which makes rinsing out all traces of shampoo virtually impossible and causing frizz. Many conditioners also contain mild surfactants which, paired with a little manual friction, can lift off dirt, debris and excess oil from our scalp and hair.
To make a shampoo free routine work, you should eliminate the use of most silicones (‘cones for short) from your hair care routine since most can only be removed with harsh shampoos. Washing with a conditioner while using them would cause them to quickly build up on the hair, which results in dull, matted hair and poor curl definition.
MORE: Sulfate Free Shampoos
Choosing a Conditioner
It is very important to choose a good conditioner if your going no shampoo. Here is what you should look for on the label:
Emollients
Emollients soften, smooth the hair and give it shine. There are hundreds of them, including such natural emollients as vegetable oils and nut butters. Widely used emollients include glycerides and liposomes.
Proteins
Proteins temporarily “repair” the hair and/or protect it. Occasionally proteins will build up on some people’s hair, especially on healthier hair. In this case, alternate with a protein-free conditioner. Examples of proteins include silk, soy, wheat, keratin or individual amino acids (components of proteins).
Humectants
Humectants absorb water and hold in moisture. They are absolutely crucial in a conditioner for curly hair. Panthenol, vegetable glycerin, sorbitol and honey are just a few humectants to look for on the label. Moisturizers soften and control to curly hair. Amino acids and aloe vera are two great moisturizers.
How to do a Conditioner Wash
- After wetting your hair thoroughly, pour a dime-sized amount of conditioner in your hand. Use the pads of your fingertips, apply to one spot of your scalp and massage well, just as you would with shampoo.
- Repeat until you’ve scrubbed all over.
- Rinse all the conditioner off with plenty of warm water, still gently massaging with your fingertips so the friction will dissolve any residue.
- Pour more conditioner into your hand, rub your palms together and apply over the length as you normally did in the past.
- Detangle with your fingers or a very wide-toothed comb.
- For extra moisturizing, clip your hair up and continue with your shower. When you’re done, set the water as cool as is comfortable to you, rinse for just a second or two, and gently squeeze the excess water off.
MORE: Co-Washing Conditioners
Styling Your Curls
- Choose a silicone-free gel, and one that’s clear, to allow the natural shine to come through.
- Don’t ever brush your hair.
- Detangle when your hair is soaking wet. Use a wide-tooth comb, or just your fingers.
- Never rub your hair with a towel. Instead, gently blot the water using scrunching motions.
- Gently apply product, preferably by scrunching.
- Air dry your hair or diffuse partially to avoid frizz.
- Don’t touch your hair while it’s drying.
Clarifying
Sometimes residue from gels and oils may not rinse off with water and conditioner and result in a little buildup. You might notice right away that your hair feels “gunky,” but other times, your hair just stops responding to the routine. It may begin to tangle easily or curls loose definition and shine. Clarifying will refresh them and usually bring the bounce back.
MORE: Clarifying Shampoos
No Shampoo Routine for Wavy Hair
Massey concedes that some people may have to continue using shampoo (hopefully a lot less often than before) because of an oily scalp. This is usually more common in those with wavy hair. To avoid drying the hair, here’s the CG way to use shampoo:
- Wet hair under a gentle shower.
- Take a tablespoon of conditioner, and using your fingers, lightly coat your hair from the ends to the mid-shaft. This hair has been around longer than the hair at the roots and needs more lubrication. The conditioner protects the hair by not allowing shampoo to penetrate and dehydrate the shaft.
- If you’re using shampoo, squeeze a half teaspoon (no more) onto your fingertips and apply it gently to the scalp and roots only. Don’t use your nails. Start at the forehead and work around the scalp, then rinse thoroughly.
- Add a half teaspoon of conditioner to your hair and work it through with your fingers. Then rinse quickly, for just a few seconds. Now you’re ready to blot-dry your hair.
Does the no shampoo method work for your hair? Leave your comments below and let us know!
This entry was posted on Saturday, June 16th, 2007 at 10:37 am and is filed under Care Methods, Curly Hair (Type 3a), No Shampoo & No-Shampoo Cleansing, Products. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment.
May 13th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
[...] is bad for your hair and that his products clean without stripping moisture. Sounds a lot like the deva curl system to me, which I never tried in earnest because I tried some of their styling products (like [...]
September 24th, 2008 at 6:10 am
[...] hair, which is also naturally fragile hair, which I’ve made more fragile by coloring it. Some recommend that you don’t use shampoo at all, set it with clips, airdry, use a diffuser, et cetera. I could spend time and money straightening [...]
October 25th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Bummer… the links on this entry are broken. Who can we ask to have them repaired?
November 19th, 2008 at 12:53 am
[...] Enter this tutorial. [...]
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
[...] If you have curly or even just dry hair, you may not need to shampoo your hair. Sound crazy? Well, I’ve been doing the no-poo routine for six months now, and my hair has never been healthier. Really, it works! Read all about it here. [...]
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:43 pm
i’ve been doing the no-shampoo routine for months and loving it
January 16th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
[...] All about the No ‘Poo Routine [...]
January 25th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
I would like to start the no-poo thing but I need some advice and a little help.
We are supposed to avoid products with sulfates in them correct? Do some conditioners have sulfates as well? And if so which ones don’t. Currently, I am living in South Korea teaching English, and everything on the back of my conditioner and shampoo bottle is in Korean so that means I can’t read it. I am using Pantene pro-v. Can anyone tell me if that is ok.
Also I would like to clarify a couple of things. So in the no-poo method you wash your hair with conditioner once or twice a week, so the other days that you are showering, do you just use conditioner regularly? Thanx for the help.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Do you no-poo everyday???
May 12th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
I do- I’ve gone 8 years without shampooing my hair. Scrubbing your scalp with conditioner works well, as does the brown sugar scrub, and it doesn’t dry out and frizz up hair like shampoo does.
It does take a while for the process to take hold, but once it does you’ll love your hair and never look back.
September 26th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
I can’t seem to get beyond 2-3 days of no poo before I get flake build up. It’s kinda gross.
December 31st, 2009 at 7:42 am
[...] to get all the 2009 gunk out of my hair. I know I need to use a clarifying shampoo. I follow the no-poo routine, so the word “shampoo” doesn’t really excite me. I immediately start worrying about how dry [...]
April 23rd, 2010 at 12:33 pm
[...] A little goes a long way. Smells good! Works with the no poo/curly girl method. [...]
May 2nd, 2010 at 8:33 pm
I haven’t been rinsing conditioner out of my hair after shampooing because it has always made my hair less frizzy and more moisturized. Should I not be doing this?
May 2nd, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Also, I have seborrheic dermatitis on my scalp and use Neutrogena T Gel Stubborn Itch, which doesn’t list ingredients. Is it bad for my hair (fine, high porosity)? And is leaving my conditioner possibly making my condition worse?
May 10th, 2010 at 9:12 am
I am new to this and in the process of transitioning and I am very excited! Thank you for the tips I cannot wait to go to the beauty store tonight to start this process. Thank you for the tips and motivation!
May 11th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
@curlyjille I also have SD with the condition its important to keep the scalp clean so u can cowash I do everydayI wash my hair once a week with a natural soap bar. Also I apply scalpin scalp after I wash it or cowash. Also don’t use alot of oil on your hair try to use raw shea butter. Its the excessive oil that is causing the condition.
June 1st, 2010 at 1:39 am
[...] carrot cream stuff and we try leave-ins and I’ve even tried to convince my mom to start the no-poo method with her, but nothing helps. I even tried shingling about an hour ago. Also, her hair is very [...]
June 1st, 2010 at 9:34 am
[...] Shari: I am starting the no-poo routine, but have a question. I have dandruff and need to use a shampoo that will control it. What do you [...]
June 9th, 2010 at 9:54 am
[...] a haircut help keep the frizz away? Will mineral oil or coconut oil help eliminate frizz? Is the CG/No-Poo method going to help with frizz? Find the answers to these frizzy mysteries [...]
June 23rd, 2010 at 12:43 pm
[...] everyone is trying to avoid. To try and prevent product build-up, many curlies have embraced the no-poo (aka Curly Girl) method. Cleansing is just as healthy for your hair as it is your body. Try [...]
July 21st, 2010 at 1:41 pm
[...] discovery that my hair is actually somewhat curly when I treat it right and horrified my mother by throwing away both my hairbrush and shampoo, although I can only get away with this when my hair is chin-length or shorter, I’ve [...]
November 29th, 2010 at 6:54 am
Been doing this for about 4 months now and the results are amazing! My hair is way more moisturized now than it’s even been before. Also stopped using heat on my hair and it’s made a major difference.
January 31st, 2011 at 6:26 pm
[...] way you can help keep your hair hydrated is to co-wash (washing hair with only conditioner). This no poo method is an amazing way of keeping your hair moisturized and clean. Conditioner has enough detergent to [...]
March 16th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
[...] method!The “No ‘Poo” MethodA while back, one of my friends mentioned the “no poo” method, an idea she got from Lorraine Massey’s Curly Girl. The basics, as [...]
April 22nd, 2011 at 12:52 am
Shampoo should be used but twice or thrice in a week.We should also use a shampoo which is best for our hair type according to texture and natural hair type.Follow blindly others can harmful for us and.
Disney
April 23rd, 2011 at 1:01 pm
[...] Don’t shampoo every day because the hair needs the oils. When you do, make sure to use a more moisturizing formula. Or you can go no shampoo. [...]
April 26th, 2011 at 11:46 am
[...] curly girls are lucky enough that they need no shampoo at all and can get away with only using conditioner (co-washing). If you are not sure if you fall [...]
May 8th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
[...] No-poo links =) Lorraine Massey: 7 tips for going 'no poo' : The Mommy Files Is The No Shampoo Method Right For You? | NaturallyCurly.com No poo – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia No ‘Poo: New & Improved! | One Green Generation [...]
June 10th, 2011 at 9:35 am
[...] cleanser, to wash out all the excess. Curious about the shampoo free routine? Find out if the shampoo free method is right for [...]
July 9th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
[...] All About the no Shampoo Method, Todo acerca del método del No Shampoo : http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curl-products/all-about-the-no-poo-routine-2 [...]
July 19th, 2011 at 1:00 pm
[...] But don’t shampoo too often, says Veronique Morrison, director of education for Mizani. And when you do shampoo, make sure the shampoo isn’t too alkaline. Mizani’s PuripHying Shampoo and BotaniFying Conditioning Shampoo, which remove chlorine, salt and sweat without stripping the hair of its natural moisture. [...]
July 29th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
[...] curlies, however, may not even need to shampoo. The no shampoo method works well with the tightly curly method as well. Keep in mind, however, that if you have recently [...]
August 8th, 2011 at 10:26 pm
[...] All About the no Shampoo Method, Todo acerca del método del No Shampoo : http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curl-products/all-about-the-no-poo-routine-2 [...]
August 14th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
[...] drying with a towel, I did the “finger combing” (recommended by Naturally Curly Website here ) instead of actual brushing while working in about a dime size more of the Argan Oil (which smells [...]
August 25th, 2011 at 9:24 am
[...] the no-poo routine for your best curls. When using conditioner, apply the conditioner like you would shampoo. The lack [...]
October 13th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
[...] Is the no shampoo method right for your hair? » [...]
February 20th, 2012 at 9:55 pm
[...] Not sure about poo or no poo? - http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curl-products/all-about-the-no-poo-routine-2 [...]
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:43 am
[...] Not sure about ‘poo or no ‘poo [...]
February 28th, 2012 at 1:52 am
[...] to learn more? Click on the link to learn “All About The No Shampoo Method!” Filed Under: Featured← The 10 Prettiest Hair and Makeup Looks From the Fall 2012 New [...]
March 5th, 2012 at 8:56 am
[...] I Googled “Curly Girl Method” and found some nice step-by-step instructions on how to start the (Curly Girl Method). [...]
March 23rd, 2012 at 6:16 am
[...] Type 3C and 4 hair will require a bit more maintenance, especially after a chemical relaxer or straightening treatment which can cause excessive damage to your hair. Many women recommend braiding, twisting, or adding extensions to your hair while waiting for it to grow out. All of these work, but you need to be gentle since kinkier hair has more of a tendency towards breakage. Be sure that you are deep conditioning often, and either reducing the amount of time you wash, going with the no-shampoo method. [...]
March 27th, 2012 at 9:04 am
[...] All About the No Shampoo Method [...]
April 2nd, 2012 at 3:46 am
[...] All About the No Shampoo MethodDeva Curl products range from styling products to shampoos and conditioners that … Deva Curl products help maintain moisture but still keep curls defined and … [...]
April 22nd, 2012 at 2:20 pm
[...] it off: Unless you are a stickler to the CG (curly girl) method, you have probably already figured out that silicones aren’t a bad things for wavies. Aside from [...]
April 29th, 2012 at 7:36 am
[...] methods used to clean curly hair can boost shine, reduce frizz and make detangling a breeze? The Curly Girl method (CG) allows your hair to retain some of its natural oils while removing the majority of the extra [...]
June 19th, 2012 at 11:24 am
[...] Then read about the No Shampoo Method. Make sure you read all five pages, even the parts about how to towel dry your hair. http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curl-products/all-about-the-no-poo-routine-2 [...]
July 20th, 2012 at 1:19 pm
I use the Pro Naturals Moroccan Argan oil Conditioner (I got mine online at beyas) and it’s a silicone free conditioner that is based on argan oil to really hydrate and moisturize your hair. I love it
Although I occasionally use a sulfate-free shampoo too, but with the no-poo method this conditioner is the best. 
July 30th, 2012 at 10:59 pm
[...] Type 3C and 4 hair will require a bit more maintenance, especially after a chemical relaxer or straightening treatment which can cause excessive damage to your hair. Many women recommend braiding, twisting, or adding extensions to your hair while waiting for it to grow out. All of these work, but you need to be gentle since kinkier hair has more of a tendency towards breakage. Be sure that you are deep conditioning often, and either reducing the amount of time you wash, going with the no-shampoo method. [...]
August 14th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
[...] [...]
August 15th, 2012 at 12:03 pm
[...] you’re doing without shampoo or using one on a regular basis, you need to cleanse your waves regularly. Use a lightweight, [...]
August 15th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
[...] All About the No Shampoo Method. Rate this:Share this:FacebookTwitterLike this:LikeBe the first to like this. [...]
August 15th, 2012 at 11:13 pm
[...] surprisingly, the “no poo” movement is a growing trend that has celebrities and hair stylists alike jumping on the [...]
September 28th, 2012 at 5:41 pm
[...] choosing the no poo method.These days, women with all different hair types are proudly using the no poo routine to clean their hair. And they’re finding their hair is much healthier as a result!Going [...]
October 19th, 2012 at 7:35 pm
[...] of their curls and what regimen works best for them. There’s the Rake and Shake method. The Curly Girl method. The Twist Out Method. The Live Curly Live Free Method. It took me until college to finally [...]
October 20th, 2012 at 2:07 am
I did this for months then realized my hair grew way slower than normal. I have seborrheic dermatitis, so I need more cleansing than most people, I think. It did “look clean” and never smelled bad though.
October 22nd, 2012 at 11:55 pm
[...] did more reading. I learned about the no-poo method, or co-washing as it is sometimes called. I did 2 things: 1)I started using conditioner instead of [...]
December 19th, 2012 at 2:05 pm
[...] For a more detailed description of the method, check out their book titled “Curly Girl: The Handbook“. For a short description of the no-shampoo routine involved in the Curly Girl Method, check out this article. [...]
January 7th, 2013 at 12:02 pm
[...] For a more detailed description of the method, check out their book titled “Curly Girl: The Handbook“. For a short description of the no-shampoo routine involved in the Curly Girl Method, check out this article. [...]
March 21st, 2013 at 7:58 pm
[...] MORE: All About the No Shampoo Method [...]
April 18th, 2013 at 10:12 pm
[...] see in this photo, it’s much more wavy than I usually leave it. I’m going to be trying this method out for a while to see if it gives me back the curl on all my hair. Having curly hair on the [...]