Going 'Pooless

A few months ago, I came across this article on MarksDailyApple.com about ditching the shampoo bottle. I was intrigued (hmm, maybe I could live without the sodium laureth sulfate, tocopheral, cocamide DEA and cyclopentasiloxane). So, heck let's give it a self experimenting go at it to see wha'happens! I am always in search of simplification. I believe that we can live happier and healthier when we dial it back to the basics and let our body do its job.

The rationale is simple. Unregulated chemicals, first gently caressed into your head, then washed down the drain into the world beyond. Sounds like something I could do without. Jacqueline Krohn M.D., author of The Whole Way to Natural Detoxification: The Complete Guide to Clearing Your Body of Toxins, notes that “Caustic chemicals, such as alkaline solutions, can…penetrate the skin. Once a chemical has penetrated the stratum corneum (the most superficial layer of skin), it moves through the epidermis and into the dermis. Then, the rich blood supply of the dermis readily transports the chemical into the bloodstream.”

Typical hygiene starts with shampoo, which while leaving your locks smelling like a ripe apple (still not sure why this is desired) does a swift and clean sweep of all of your hair's natural oils, leaving it bone dry and pissed about it too. Now, dont forget to "rinse and repeat" (read: "use faster, buy more often!!"). So then you need to follow it up with conditioner to replace those innocent oils. Which leads to the need for another product which necessitates the need for another and another and so on. So what seems like a trivial savings/product minimization at the onset, actually has quite a significant impact when its all said and done.

A quick primer:

Alcohol, isopropryl (SD-40) - Found in Anti-freeze. Ingesting less than an ounce is fatal. so rubbing into your scalp is good why? Can actually work as a “carrier,” helping other harmful chemicals penetrate your skin. Has been linked to headaches, dizziness, depression, nausea, vomiting, and coma.

Propylene glycol (PG) and butylene glycol
Both of these shampoo ingredients are known as petroleum plastics which work as wetting agents and solvents. Having this duo penetrate your skin can possibly weaken your protein and cellular structure. PG and butylene glycol are commonly used to make herb extracts and remove barnacles from boats. Yes, you read that right.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
These chemicals are what supposedly cleans your locks, also known as detergents and surfactants. Not only do these multi-talented toxins clean your delicate hair, they are also used in car washes, garage floor cleaners, and engine degreasers.

So, I got a 35 lb bag of Sodium Bicarbonate aka Baking Soda at Costco. It should last me a year and is of course a natural mineral. I put about half a handful in the palm of my hand and add a tiny bit of water. I then rub it in my hands creating a paste, then massage into my hair with my finger tips. You'll need to find the right method/mix for you if you're interested in self experimenting. There are several different methods and recommendations. The first few days, my oil producing glands were still on hyper-drive, overproducing to catch up from the train wreck shampooing process mentioned above. It will take your body a few days or maybe a few weeks to adjust. In these first few days, my hair was indeed pretty oily, but alas, I pressed on.

I have been shampoo free for two months now, and see no reason to ever go back. My locks are golden and flowing. I dont feel the least bit greasy. I'm avoiding chemical exposure, doing my part to minimize my environmental footprint and saving money. What's not to love about going 'pooless??

For further reading and other testimonials:

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/going-poo-less/

http://www.ewg.org/news/wash-mit-out-your-hair

http://boingboing.net/2011/01/04/i-havent-used-soap-i.html

http://freetheanimal.com/2009/12/paleo-i-dont-care-i-like-no-soap-no-shampoo.html

http://freetheanimal.com/2010/02/no-soap-or-poo-update.html

http://seeadamtrain.wordpress.com/2010/02/04/see-flipping-switches-and-turning-dials/