Simply put, no poo means no shampoo. The no-poo method emphasizes on cleaning your hair without the conventional shampoo. The shampoos that are available in the market today didn’t debut until the 20th century. Before that, people used mud, herbs, and natural extracts to wash their hair. Commercially made shampoos were introduced in 1914. Thanks to marketing tactics, they became a household staple. People loved how shampoos made their hair feel squeaky clean. However, people have now realized that shampoos contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), an ingredient that is also used in commercial and industrial cleaning products. This is the reason why hair feels so clean after shampooing.
Dangers Of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate:
SLS is very harsh and its strips your hair of its natural oils. Your scalp reacts by overproducing oil. This leads to hair issues such as hair fall and dandruff. As per the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, sodium lauryl sulfate is a moderate hazard which has been linked to neurotoxicity, skin irritation, skin irritation, and cancer. SLS is basically a foaming agent and an emulsifier. It is found in most soaps, laundry detergents, body washes, toothpaste, and of course shampoos. Even though SLS is not acutely toxic, some people develop an allergic reaction to it over time. That’s where the no poo method comes in.
The Benefits Of No Poo:
No poo or low poo methods encourage people to either give up on shampoo altogether or switch to SLS free or low SLS alternatives. This ensures that the PH level of the hair is maintained and its natural oils are not stripped away. The balanced amount of oil promotes healthier hair and scalp. It can even make your hair more voluminous and give it more texture. By adopting the no poo method, you will lower its exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. You will also break free of the artificial cycle of shampooing which makes your scalp produce more oil, tempting you to shampoo your hair more often.
No Poo methods:
1- Baking Soda And Apple Cider Vinegar:
Mix 1 part baking soda with 3 parts water. You can adjust this amount depending on the length of your hair. Apply this mixture to dry or wet hair and let it sit for around 3 minutes. Rinse with warm water and follow with an apple cider vinegar rinse. Combine 1 part apple cider vinegar with 4 parts water. Rinse your hair with it and follow with a cold water rinse.
2- Egg Wash:
Egg yolks contain an emulsifier called lecithin. It cuts through the grease and dirt in your hair. Beat an egg and apply it on your hair. Let it sit for 20 minutes before washing it off. You can follow with a conditioner if the smell of eggs bothers you.
3- SLS Free Shampoos:
If natural remedies seem too much of a hassle to you, you can opt for SLS free shampoos instead. There is a growing number of shampoos available that cleanse your hair without relying on sulfates.
If you have been experiencing hair fall, visit a dermatologist right away. You can book an appointment with a top dermatologists in Rawalpindi, Karachi and Multan through oladoc.com. You can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your health concerns.
