Back to No-Poo: Day 4

After my last post, I was feeling really guilty. I caved in and washed my hair after only 3 days when some people go weeks without doing it. I mean, what a wuss.

So, after my last washing, I started up with No-Poo.

Today is Day 4 again. Instead of giving into my old ways and washing with shampoo, I gave the whole baking soda scrub followed by vinegar rinse thing a try.

Here are the results:



Did it work? Why, yes, it did.

In a small plastic container, I mixed 1 cup water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda (as directed by the no-poo community). Put a lid on it, shook it up really well. Then, I poured it bit by bit onto my head, working it into my scalp and neck nape as well as I could. The baking soda really did cut down the grease significantly. But rinsing with vinegar is a MUST. My hair felt so terrible after the baking soda. It immediately tangled up and felt coarse. As soon as the vinegar touched it -- happiness. Silky, smooth, detangled. Amazing!

The chemistry behind this: baking soda is basic (meaning, on the pH scale, it has a pH value greater than 7. Seven is neutral). Vinegar is acidic (meaning its pH is less than 7). If you mix an acid with a base, it will neutralize into two byproducts: salt and water. And that, my friends, is why you rinse with vinegar -- to neutralize the baking soda. Make sense? I hope so.

*Chemistry buffs, correct me if I'm wrong

I finished with a teensy bit of Herbal Essences conditioner, just to rid myself of the vinegar smell.

Then, I blow-dried it, and my hair did something very strange. The top half got very curly, while the bottom half went straight! Huh? Not sure why.

So, I did use a flat-iron to wave out the straight parts. And the above picture is the finished product.

Since the baking soda/vinegar thing worked out for me, I feel empowered! I can do this no-poo thing. I'll keep you all up to speed (although I don't feel the need to post a daily picture anymore). I can do it!