Water-only hair washing, also known as the no-poo method, is a natural approach to hair care that uses only lukewarm water to cleanse the hair and scalp. This technique eliminates the need for commercial shampoos and helps maintain the hair’s natural oils. It is the purest approach within the No Poo method and involves rinsing the hair with lukewarm water without any cleansing agent.
Water-only hair washing is easy to follow, as it requires no shampoo, conditioner, or anything else. The process involves scrunching strands, gently rubbing fingertips on the scalp to break up oil and trapped dirt, pinching them, brushing, washing the hair, switching to cool water, and drying the hair.
The Water-Only (WO) hair washing method uses warm water instead of shampoo to cleanse dirt and excess oils from the head. It is recommended that hair be rinsed daily to prevent dryness, minimize breakage, and leave the hair feeling hydrated.
For new water-only hair washers, scalp massage and brushing are key to release oil from building up. The water wash involves saturating the hair with water, then focusing on one section at a time, soaking, massaging the scalp, and stroking the hair in a circular motion.
Water-only hair washing works best with curly, coily, thick, and coarse textures that are prone to dryness. To ensure the best results, it is essential to follow the steps in the Water-Only method before switching to this method.
📹 How to Wash Your Hair with Water Only – TheSalonGuy
Thesalonguy #hairtutorial #hairtips How to wash your hair with water only. Buy My Hair Products! USE EXCLUSIVE CODE: …
Is wetting your hair without washing it bad?
Repeated wetting of hair can weaken the cortex and cuticle layers, leading to hygral fatigue. Overwashing can result in greasy, unhealthy hair. Skipping a few days of washing can be beneficial, as long as it isn’t extreme. The duration between each wash, whether every other day or once weekly, should be considered based on several factors. It’s important to avoid overwashing and to avoid overheating to maintain healthy hair.
What is the no poo method?
The no-poo (or “no shampoo”) method is a hair-cleansing technique that eliminates shampoo from the routine. Instead, followers use alternatives like apple cider vinegar, a cleansing conditioner, or plain water. This method is beneficial as it helps nourish the hair and scalp by removing dirt, sweat, grime, and oil from the hair and scalp. Overusing shampoo can strip these natural oils, leaving the hair and scalp dry and flaky. The no-poo method ensures a balanced and healthier hair and scalp.
However, the main concern among anti-pooers is that it leaves the hair and scalp feeling oily. If done correctly, the no-poo method can balance out the amount of oil produced in the long run, making it a popular choice among its followers.
Is it healthy to only use water to wash hair?
To survive 30 days without shampoo, it’s essential to create a healthy haircare routine that provides essential nutrients for hair health. Natural remedies like rinsing with rice water, which has gained popularity on TikTok, can help keep hair soft, shiny, and easier to detangle. Co-washing or co-cleansing is another technique that can help replace shampoo, but it’s not suitable for all-natural haircare.
The journey of washing hair without shampoo has been a journey of ups and downs, with some feeling satisfied and others wanting to use shampoo. Finding the balance has been challenging, but the transformation has been amazing, especially for straight, thin hair that lacks volume.
During the initial days, washing hair only with water was a bad idea, as it dried out the hair and made it appear dull and dehydrated. Instead, consider using a combination of natural remedies, such as rice water, co-washing, or co-cleansing, to maintain hair health and texture.
How to transition to water only hair washing?
To phase out shampoo, start by stopping daily hair washing and gradually adding days between washes. Rinse your hair with cool water to preserve oils, and then scrub with warm water every 7-10 days. Use a cool water rinse to remove sweat between weekly rinses. Each person’s body produces oils differently, so try alternating with another detergent-less method until your scalp calms down.
The water-only method involves getting your hair dirty and allowing it to get a bit greasy before washing. The longer you wait between washes, the calmer your scalp and the more nourished your hair will be. It’s important to note that each person’s body produces oils differently, so it’s best to experiment with different methods until you find the one that works best for you.
Is it possible to wash hair with water only?
Hair professionals generally do not recommend using water alone for hair washing due to its waxy and smelly nature, which can be problematic for those with scalp conditions or a predisposition to scalp conditions. Water alone also does not help the sebum move down the length of the hair, especially for curly hair. In February 2021, a natural hair enthusiast tried the WOHW method, which involves daily massages, scritching, preening, and rinsing. They found that using a shower head was effective for moving the sebum down the hair’s length, but their hair felt dry after two weeks.
They opted for beanies and turbans to retain moisture, but they still enjoyed product-free hair. The traditional method recommends daily massages, scritching, preening, and rinsing, but the lazy natural tried the WOHW method instead.
Can you wash with just water?
The fundamental objective of a shower is to cleanse the body. However, the mere presence of water is inadequate for combating bacterial pathogens. To achieve this, it is recommended that soap and water be used, as they provide the necessary antibacterial properties. It is not advisable to use a body wash for general hygiene purposes.
Does wetting hair every day damage it?
Daily hair wetting can have several drawbacks, including moisture loss, product buildup, and disruption of curl pattern. Excessive water exposure can strip hair of its natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage. It can also accumulate styling products and environmental pollutants, resulting in a dull appearance. For those with curly or coily hair, daily wetting can disrupt the natural curl pattern, causing frizz and loss of definition.
To maintain healthy hair, it is essential to find the right balance between wetting and retaining natural oils and moisture. Some tips include adjusting frequency based on hair type, using dry shampoo on days when not wet, incorporating conditioning treatments after wetting, and protecting from heat and UV exposure. By following these tips, you can maintain healthy hair and prevent further moisture loss and damage.
Is it OK to wet your hair with water everyday?
Natural African American hair can be wet daily to maintain moisture and prevent dryness. However, washing hair with shampoo is not recommended as it can dry the hair out and stress curls. Natural hair has Type 3 and Type 4 curls, which can become dry and tangled during the day and night. To maintain these curls, use a spray bottle filled with water and hydrating ingredients like coconut oil, coconut milk, or rose water. These ingredients provide hair hydration, softness, and shine, while rose water has a pleasant, sweet-smelling aroma.
Apply the mixture to the hair and scalp, massage gently, and continue styling. Alternatively, rinse the hair completely in the shower to remove tangles and apply curl creams and other hair products. This method allows for a smoother, more manageable hairstyle.
What are the disadvantages of washing your hair with water only?
The excessive use of water-only hair washing can result in the accumulation of oil and product residue around the hair, which may impede the delivery of nutrients to the scalp. It is possible that certain hair types may experience more favourable outcomes with water-only hair washing.
Is just water OK for hair?
Frequent exposure to water without shampooing can result in the development of hair dryness, scalp odor, and the loss of essential oils. This is particularly prevalent in individuals with naturally dry or curly hair, which can lead to the formation of frizz and potential damage to the hair’s natural oils.
Does washing hair with water damage?
Hard water is water containing dissolved magnesium and calcium compounds and can contain metallic elements. These minerals can leave a film on hair, making it difficult for hair products to clean and moisturize properly. Showering with hard water can make hair extra dry and susceptible to breakage, leading to hair thinning. Hard water affects public water and well water in many areas.
Signs of hard water include a film on skin or hair after showering, white spots on kitchenware, soap scum on shower doors and bathtubs, white film on faucets and fixtures, and low water pressure in pipes. These minerals can build up in pipes, shrinking the diameter of the pipes, reducing water pressure. It is crucial to be aware of these signs and take steps to protect your hair from the harmful effects of hard water.
📹 How I Wash My Hair – Minimalist Zero Waste Hair Care – Water Only No Poo Method
As a minimalist, I also try to be really mindful when it comes to the products I use in the bathroom. Therefore the water only no poo …
Hi! I have long hair, medium thick hair. It’s been probably over a year since I’ve used shampoo. I just use plain tap water, and also I swim in the ocean (so like…sea water too?). Once in a long while I use honey, but it’s mainly just for fun. My hair doesn’t smell bad…someone recently commented they thought my hair “smelled like shampoo”! I was like…I haven’t even used it! 😄 My hair isn’t oily. I don’t get dander unless I have gone way too long without cleaning my hairbrush, which is extremely important whether you use shampoo or not. It took a long time for my hair to adapt to no shampoo but I started with no-sulfate shampoo and slowly weaned off till I didn’t need it anymore. 😊
I went 3 months without shampoo and conditioner. My hair felt really dry and frizzy, so I decided to give “no poo” a try. I’d already switched to shampooing only once every 3-4 days with some improvements. At first, I went through a very greasy phase that lasted 3 weeks. After that, my hair’s oiliness reduced to a level that I liked, but still oilier than baseline. Ironically, for a lifestyle choice with little in the way of products, it turned out to be very high maintenance! I had to be on top of cleaning or I’d begin to smell a bit foul. One of the “no poo” methods is to use vinegar mixed with water. I discovered that that method worked really well for me, (I used white vinegar). Any odor was completely eliminated and my hair was soft and smooth after. I ended the 3 month streak a week ago when I went to get a haircut. Although my hair smelled fine at the time, I especially didn’t want to stink bomb the person cutting my hair, so I shampooed only, targeting the scalp. They said my hair was excellent but with a fair amount of oil. I’m probably going to re-introduce shampoo on a weekly basis once my summer break ends, since the effort required to keep the smell out is just not worth it in comparison to the convenience of shampoo.
I have washed my hair with only water for 2 months. I have thin, dense, blonde hair. Medium long. It doesn’t look greasy at all and doesn’t smell bad (comments from other people also). I always had problem with dandruff and it seems that it has also helped against it but I have to wash it regularly or it comes back temporarily. I noticed at first when I stopped using shampoos that it would get greasy after only 3 days. Now tho, I can go minimum for a week before it looks even a little dirty and then it isnt at all at the same level where I feel disgusting, greasy and itchy. I wash my hair with only cool water and always scrub my scalp while I wash it and squeeze the water out of the hair for about 5 mins to thoroughly clean it and I think that’s important to really get all the dirt out so you dont smell which I suspect alot of water-only washers with bad smell ignore. If you have short hair you should really try it out if you can manage the first 2-3 weeks. This method works better than any shampoo ive tried and im so happy I tried it out. I will for sure continue with it.
I have pin straight, thin, dense, medium length, blonde hair. Ever since i tried washing with water only i only realized how well it worked out for me. I only shampoo 1-2 times a week and my hair has looked the waviest, thickest and healthiest ever. Ive gained volume, texture and wave which are the key parts of my hairstyle, highly recomend you do the same if you also have thin straight hair! (ps: my hair is not that oily so if yours is maybe consider shampooing more often)
I need to find a happy medium, I’ve tried washing with just water and it’s not for me, my hair takes on this waxy texture and I just felt gross in general. But when I wash with shampoo and conditioner (I use high end and for my hair type) it’s almost ‘too’ clean, like my hair is fine and wavy and washing it makes it literally fly everywhere and gets quite frizzy. I’ve tried using frizz-ease and oil on the ends and, it helps a little but not enough. I wish I knew how to add some density and weight to my freshly washed and dried hair
It is filled with endocrine disruptors. I did it for 5 monts and my scalp smelled like pure dust. If i went trough my hair with a comb it would litterally take out dust out of the hair. It did look great though i did need to wash it daily it had way more volume. I kind of liked the period but yesterdat i washed it again with shampoo and came to be shocked that they way the hair feels is entirely different. Instead of a thick mass of hair, i know have silky smooth with little volume hair. So yeah that was my experience. It is worth noting that i showered with ice cold water during the period so that made rinsing a bit harder. If i were to restart no poo i would definitaly just take a 2 minute lukewarmshower daily and follow the tips mentioned in the article.
I can’t wash my hair with water only. I get mineral buildup with the hard water we have here. So I compromise and wash my hair with gentle shampoo every 3-4 days. Used to wash every other day but now I have pixie so don’t need to wash it as often. I also saw how my mother’s hair looked when she lived in a nursing home during covid. It was all wooly looking, very unmanageable. They didn’t have the staff to wash her hair very often, unfortunately but it was also difficult to manage her with her dementia. Her hair never used to look like that when she washed it regularly. If I ever decided to give up shampoo on myself I’d use a vinegar rinse. Better than nothing.
I have always been critical of the whole no shampoo thing myself. But I recently found that I am allergic to a chemical that is in basically all shampoos. The few out there that seem not to have it have other things that I have a history of reacting to or are way more expensive than I can afford. I was looking up how to wash hair with just water properly in hopes that using a good technique could increase the chances that I can make this actually work for me. Allergies are no fun. Allergies that you can’t accomodate by simply switching to a different product are even worse. My hair and scalp are naturally very oily. I’ll see if this works or not. Regardless I will need an alternative to regular commercial shampoo because of allergies.
If I have any product on my hair (especially any heavy products like pomade or paste, some clays, etc.) I definitely will wash my hair with shampoo every day. I have to. Otherwise it’s gross and I don’t want to lie my head down on my pillow with dirty hair and risk that getting on my eyes and face and causing any irritation or breakouts. If I only use lighter product (like a prestyler, or Olaplex) I may leave it for a day or two without washing. If my hair is slightly dirty but not too dirty that I can’t bear it, then I will wash it with a hair cleanser for the in-between days as they are not so harsh an intense for the hair. But if I don’t have any product at all in my hair (I try to give my scalp a break at least once a week) then I’ll just wash it with water. Only for a day or two, depending how dirty it gets. If I go to the gym for a workout then I wash it with shampoo as well. I haven’t been shampooing as often as I used to though, and that’s cause I found that if I shampooed too frequently my scalp became too oily too often. However, I still at the very least will wash it with water. Using too much product too frequently will cause you to need to wash your hair with shampoo more often because it’s really needed.
I used to barely wash my hair with shampoo. I have really thick curly hair and i wanted to see what my scalp looked like when I put my finger against my scalp there was so much oil buildup it was disgusting. Also if you dont shampoo your hair if it gets wet and it barely dries. I used to get my hair wet in the morning and it would be wet forever. Just use shampoos invest in a good one
People evidently love their own stink these days and/or are obsessed with being “natural,” I guess. What has worked fine for me for years is a one-lather wash with a mild shampoo every three days or so, rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a towel. I spray on a diluted conditioner and work that through my fine hair. I then air dry till it’s more damp than wringing wet, then I old school roll it. I’m good for another three days with a minimum of product, maybe a little hair spray (unless I do some serious sweaty physical work and need to wash it before three days are up).
Curiosity!! Interesting! This must be such a drastic shift from your own approach that you find it…baffling. I understand, it can be easy to engage in poorly-performed water only washing. Hair can get pretty gross regardless of care techniques! However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it doesn’t work at all. It’s simply different and unusual. Water only hair care is not dissimilar to other forms of hair care in terms of the final result. Some people do it well, and some people don’t; there’s a spectrum to it. And like you say, if the bald genes run in your family, that plays an independent role as well. A shower filter is a must. Otherwise, the mineral build up from your tap water in your hair can harden your sebum and make it waxy. And that IS gross. Sebum, in it’s natural state, is healthy for your hair. So experimenting with water only washes is a good thing! Especially if your de-tangle and brush your hair out thoroughly beforehand, wooden combs/brushes and BBB’s encouraged. Full sebum coverage makes a difference in the health of both your scalp and hair! It’s what your scalp wants to do with it’s sebum in the first place.
Thanks for sharing this! I use a boar bristle brush before showering. I also use just warm water about twice a week, except once a month or so I wash just the hair near my scalp with a paste of rye flour and water ( I do this because I get buildup after awhile and my hair starts to look dull, so I can always tell when it’s time ). It is nice to hear someone talking about our natural oils and how they are a part of the body’s natural mechanisms.
Alot of people believe you cam just go cold turkey from shampoo. The truth is for most people you have to train your hair to handle it . Also when doing no poo you have to do maintenance. Like wearing a silk or satin hair bonnet at night when you go to bed . Using a 100 percent boar bristle brush to move your hair oils down the hair shaft. So it don’t build up in one spot. Also when ends get dry you need to use oil on the ends. I now only rinse with water and rarely I will use apple cider Vinger rarely. But I had to work to get that way by hair training . The beginning was rough but I never want to go back it was worth it and cheaper .
So interesting to hear your experience! It is similar to mine. I used the baking soda & ACV method for six years, but wanted to get even more minimal after hearing people on the internet rave about water-only. I tried that for two years (?! I can’t believe I kept going that long) but my hair was always oily. Eventually I realized that even though it was minimal, having greasy hair was making my life worse, so I went back to baking soda and I love it!
First of all I want to say: Your hair is your choice. Your long hair looks good. I hope you keep it as long as you like it. But on the other hand I was really happy that you also adressed the idea of shaving your head some time. I did it a few times, and for me it was a very strong experience of decluttering. I usually couldn’t get enough of it, and I ended shaved down to the skin more than once. For me it is something like the ultimate minimalist hairstyle, and I think it works for men and women. Maybe even more for women, because you need more courage and determination to go there. When I see a woman with a shaved head, I do not only think “Wow, that looks good”, but also that she is a confident person who knows what she wants. A radical minmimalist approach can be to shave it down to zero, not care about it any more and let it grow again. I have done it in that way. But I am also thinking about the challenge of living without hair for some time. It was some time ago when I read about people trying it for nine months. I discoverd your website a few days ago, and I find your thoughts and your lifestyle very interesting and inspiring. Everyone has his/her own way to herself/himself. Maybe my experiments with hairstyle can also be an inspiration for someone here…
I was using rice water & grapefruit oil, I loved how it smelled but it caused a build-up. Now I’m washing my hair with Dead Sea Salt Water & it’s amazing. The salt is a gentle softener & does remove build-up & it leaves a beautiful natural smell. I’ve only been using it the last month but so far I’m loving it (no build-up)
Hi- I just found you and so I’m perusal a few of your posts daily. I live in USA near Canada. HAIR: I’m elderly w. never dyed hair the same length as yours and a bit wavier. I did try no-poo but after a month or so did not like the way my scalp felt. Now I use Dr. Bronner’s liquid baby soap once a week and every 3 weeks rinse w. ACV mixed w. cold water, about 1 ounce vinegar to 8 oz water. I shampoo 1x a week, always rinse w. cold water and let my hair dry naturally. But while still wet I put coconut oil (food grade that I also use in kitchen) on the ends of my hair to avoid split ends or dryness. I also might put a little shea butter or jojoba oil on my palms and then lightly run it over all my wet hair. I find long hair easy as I can braid it or pull it back. I had snipped the very ends every 6 months or so but decided to just let it grow w/out snips from now on to see how that works.
Hey, another solution to try. I have tons of long hair, and I change up routines aat times. I se grapeseed oil lightly through my hair before I shampoo. A few minutes or half a day, if time permits. I use baking soda mixed with water. I use a lot for so much hair. Most only need 2-3 tablespoons in a large jar of water. No suds, and rinse wilh vinegar. My hair isn’t as tangled. Usually, I have to use Infusium 23 for the major tangles.
Liebi Lia, your hair looks gorgeous! I would love to see a photo with dreadlocks 😏 I had a very similar experience with no poo also for about 2 years and eventually threw it out the window. I am now using a solid shampoo and got back to washing my hair every other day AND it is so much faster and easier and more convenient for me aaaah. Do you cut your hair yourself?
Ive washed my hair with only water for a few months now and its just great. I only had bad hair days before iI started the water only hair washing and I tried hundreds of products. The only problem I’ve had since washing with just water was when I went on holiday and the water there didn’t seem to agree with my hair. My hair is so soft now and healthy looking. I am hoping that bad hair days are over now.
I’ve gone no-shampoo for a few weeks now… I wash daily, gently combing my hair as I wash it under the shower, and rinse with bay leaf water. I do use some oil when it gets sort of dry-ish, once in a while, especially when I have an appointment, or gathering or party. Then once a week or sometimes, two weeks, I revert to diluted shampoo. Intend to wean myself off shampoo completely, and so far, fabulous results.
This is very interesting. I make apple cider vinegar (out of apple scraps – I have two kids who love sliced apples!) for cooking with and for feeding to my chickens. After perusal I’m feeling inspired to try using it to rinse my hair 🤔 We have very hard water here and I also have super oily hair. I wash my hair once or twice a week and I use a packaging free shampoo bar. How much vinegar do you use for a rinse? Do you rinse with water afterwards? Does it leave a vinegary smell??
I currently only use water, and weirdly the first two days after washing my hair is the greasiest? After that it bounces back to regular, clean-looking oil levels and for the rest of the week it’s fine. My hair naturally doesn’t really get oily, and i mostly just wash it to rinse out the sweat (lol) so the greasiness is extra mysterious Weirdly when using apple cider vinegar after washing with only water it makes my hair even oilier, which doesn’t make any sense bc i’ve been using it to counteract the hard water before, back when i was still using shampoo bars and it worked fine then? hair is weird🤷♀️
I shaved my head twice. Once 10 years ago when I was 16 and once during this quarantine in April. Both times it felt liberating and awesome. The only thing I don’t like is that my hair is spiky when it grows so it sticks out. But yes I think it would be so cool if you did. Both times I shaved it no2 so there was still a tiny bit of hair left 😊
This was such a helpful and timely article, Lia. I have been giving some thought, as I practice minimalism, as to how often I should wash my hair, how I should go about my hair care routine. I have wanted to try using apple cider vinegar for awhile now…I wanted to ask, when you make your diluted apple cider vinegar rinse, what is the ratio of water/vinegar you use? I have very hard water where I live as well, and I would love to try this. Thank you so much for making these articles!
My hair is very short and purple now 😅 I used the last of my avocado co-wash bar from Lush yesterday. I don’t know if I will buy it again because it doesn’t lather 🧼 very well not like the other shampoos I tried from them. So I also need to buy a shampoo. I’ll probably just buy a shampoo from Lush again
Washing with water and vinegar rinse doesn’t work for me so far. The problem is that my hair doesn’t get oil free, after washing with water it is even a bit oilier than before. I have no idea how people get their hair oil free or almost oil free just with water and hands? I already give my best. Once I took almost 10 minutes but it just didn’t work and I really don’t want to use so much water. I tried hot water, medium and cold water, strong massage, less massage, head down or up … brushing before and not … nothing helped.
I was until recently living in the Mediterranean where the water is so hard! Now I am back in my home country, Norway, and my hair finally feels normal again. I mainly use a shampoo bar from Lush, which works well for me, and I haven’t bought a plastic bottle of hair care product in over a year, but now during summer, back in Norway, I did buy a conditioner that works well for my hair, for a transition time to let my hair heal a little, after years in the harder water. I am sad I haven’t found a perfect zero waste routine yet, but I dont feel guilty about this one conditioner bottle either, as I think we should allow ourselves to adapt. Great article, I liked it alot, and I will try to use some apple cider vinegar! All the best xx
I have recently seen your Youtube article about hair washing without shampoo and just with water. I was therefore wondering if it would be at all possible please for you to provide me with some very detailed tips and tricks with regards to how to go about this. I myself have very long hair (down to about my nipples), which is reasonably curly. I am more than happy to send a photograph or two if you feel that could be of any assistance. It would be greatly appreciated if I could please hear back from you soon. Kind Regards, Harry
Another suggestion: have you already tried to use chickpeas flour (Kichererbsen Mehl) as a “shampoo”? I tried a couple of time and I want to try more. So I think it clean sooo good, my problem is just that with my curly hair is difficult to rinse out. But I think that for you should be easier. If you never heard about it, there are maaany articles. I prefer what the website Fairyland cottage shares (youtu.be/uhuEHZzcseA). I know that you want to use only water, but maybe this can work good for you, and you can use the flour also for cooking, so you don’t have to buy it just for your hair, exactly like the apple cider vinegar 🙂
A few monthsa ago I switched to homemade shampoo because of all the recalls on hair products and I made it with 1/2 cup castile soap 1/2 cup water I used spring water and 1 tablespoon of oil I used olive if you have oily scalp use 1/2 teaspoon oil I’ve also used a mix of argan and jamacian caster oil