Lately hair care companies are creating a plethora of new products designed to clean your hair differently than normal shampoos. This article about a new hair powder by Buttercream Cosmetics illustrates the latest example.
They’ve even coined a new term “shampowder.” Well, 
1. Shampowder – Best Dry Shampoo
option?
What is it? We’ve previously discussed powder shampoos so read that for more info about dry shampoos. But basically, you spray or sprinkle a powder (cornstarch) on your head and it is supposed to absorb the oil. To finish the cleaning process you comb the product out.
Does it work? Yes, the dry shampoo works for absorbing oil. It also is scented so it’ll leave a bit of that fragrance behind. But it doesn’t clean your hair nearly as well as a regular shampooing. It also may leave a white residue and can leave hair feeling gross. However, if you want to skip a shampooing day or two this product is good in a pinch. It’s also good for color treated hair because it will help reduce the amount of color lost.
2. Conditioner Cleaning
What is it? Believe it or not, some people just wash their hair with conditioner. As some have figured out, conditioners contain surfactants just like shampoos. The difference is that they are used at much lower levels in the formula, they don’t clean as well, and there is more oily materials in the conditioner.
Does it work? For everyday cleaning you’ll likely be disappointed by using conditioner as your hair cleanser. It can start to build up on hair and feel heavy. It will also attract a lot more dust, pollen, and dirt from the air. But again, it will work. Your best bet is to use a conditioner that does not contain silicones. In this case, cheaper products like Suave and VO5 would work better.
3. No-Rinse shampoos
What is it? Here’s a weird way to wash your hair without water. The formula is a real shampoo except you don’t rinse it out. The most popular brand is No-Rinse. The formula is much runnier than a regular shampoo so you don’t need water to make it foam. Just put it on dry hair, work through with your fingers and watch it foam. Then wipe out the foam with a towel for clean hair.
Does it work? This formula will work better than the powdered shampoos. It can clean your hair better than a conditioner. But it won’t be nearly as good as a regular shampoo. But if water is in short supply or you just don’t feel like hopping in a shower, this no-rinse shampoo might be for you.
4. Body wash all over
What is it? As we discussed in this post, body washes and shampoos are similar formulas. If you wanted to, you could use your body wash to wash your hair.
Does it work? A body wash will clean your hair almost as well as a moisturizing shampoo. It’ll even provide a little conditioning. Don’t use it if you’re looking for deep cleansing but for everyday shampooing, it can work just fine.
5. No ‘Poo
What is it? Just what it sounds like…just stop using shampoo. According to the folks at Nature Moms, if you stop using shampoo your hair will be fine. (Unfortunately, this website propagates myths about toxins found in shampoos so feel free to ignore that scaremongering.) Here are some other interesting stories by people who have tried to go some time without shampooing.
Does it work? You don’t actually have to shampoo your hair. Of course, it won’t be clean either. It will be healthier and probably look more shiny. However, it may also look and feel greasy, smell funny, and be difficult to style in any way except laying flat on your head.
The quest for clean hair is never ending. Dry shampoo, No-rinse shampoos, and other products provide options Now you know that you don’t have to always be stuck using that same old shampoo.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve been trying out no-poo for a good two months now. I find that once I got over the initial rebellion my hair gave me (first two weeks), I had softer, more defined hair, no smell, and have started learning to love the natural curl instead of forcing it to be straight. I’ve looked up ways to use baking soda and vinegar to clean my hair should it need it, and it’s all quite fascinating really. I have never been a slave to the “omg I must look good or else I can’t go out” because I’ve always had awful hair and awful skin and awful face… so maybe it’s easier for me.
In any case, it doesn’t hurt to try it. Costs nothing, after all :>
I tried no ‘poo about 4 years ago – which wasn’t too bad – but as I have fine hair I found my hair was limp (probably great for curly or thick hair). After a few months I started using bi-carb to wash with a vinegar rinse. I haven’t used anything else since. I don’t find it too harsh – as I only use about 2 tablespoons mixed into a cup of water. When I’ve been to the hairdressers I always get comments on my “lovely” hair, and my hair doesn’t get oily as quickly as when I used shampoo/conditioner. I do still use conditioner sometimes, but don’t need it every wash.
As Rose says – it’s worth a try!
http://web.mac.com/jfmori/iWeb/nz/No%20Shampoo%20Experiment/No%20Shampoo%20Experiment.html
oh that’s not my blog by the way – but worth a look
I have been no ‘poo for several months now and I would like to point out that while you start the section on this with advice to ignore scare-mongering about chemicals in shampoos only to proceed with scare mongering of your own in the “Does it work section.”
Most people who try this do experience a “detox” period due to the fact that typical shampoos strip oil out of our hair and our scalp produces a larger amount of oil to make up for that. It might take a couple of weeks for your hair to reduce oil production but for some people it’s faster.
My hair was always ridiculously oily using typical shampoos, dry shampoos didn’t work with my hair. I experienced frizz and oil simultaneously, my hair was always flat to my head and would not hold a style even with product.
I did not experience a detox period and I am happy to say that my hair has more volume than ever before without having to use products at all. My hair does not smell, it styles more easily and retains the style better. As far as my hair not being clean, the majority of people use dilutions of baking soda as shampoo followed by a vinegar dilution rinse. If you can clean a sink with those items how is my hair not clean?
I do like the “No Shampoo Experiment” but it isn’t active so if someone has questions, the community I linked to on live journal is very helpful.
All these alternative ways, but I don’t see why regular shampoo is so bad.
Right now I have a dry scalp so I guess the ‘no poo’ method could work for me. Right now I could wash my hair only once a week or less but I cannot imagine not using any shampoo at all.