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[Mengy]

This is an interesting thread. I'm going on a two week Harley vacation in August with a few guys, and I've decided that for those two weeks I will only shower and wash with water. No soap, no shampoo. At the end of the two weeks I'll see how I feel about this.

I figure what the hell, if I stink then so what, I'm on the road with a bunch of guys on Harleys. LOL!

 

[Alucrid]

I'm wondering how long people's hair is that are doing this.

 

[JesusTom]

I'm wondering how long people's hair is that are doing this.

That's what I was thinking. I have shoulder length thin hair, so it has a tendency to get greasy. Definitly going to try though

 

[lunchtoast]

I haven't used shampoo for a couple months. Haven't noticed much of a difference, but I only used shampoo a few times a week anyways. Hair was greasier for awhile but I can't tell a difference on look. I also have had small flakes of dandruff since I was a kid. It's not so bad now, and I didn't notice a decrease since I stopped using shampoo, but it would probably work better on those with a bigger problem.

Haven't used much soap since this topic, only a small amount on the pits and crotch area. I used to have to apply lotion on my back and shoulders after showers or it would dry out and itch, but that almost seems to be gone. Still have to moisturize my face but that's probably because of the water temp.

Also have told my girlfriend to let me know if I smell bad. So far she says I smell fine.

 

[PaddyOCanager]

I have skin that gets very oily - I use an astringent twice a day because it bothers me. My hair is long and gets oily as well. I also struggle with breakouts on my chest and back. Anyone else with similar skin type try the no soap/shampoo method? I can't imagine it going well for me....

 

[leroidys]

I don't know, I think the results are only surprising because people use such garbage personal care products. If you're using something like 100% olive oil soap, take short showers, exfoliate with a washcloth, only wash your hair once or twice a week, etc., you're not going to have these problems anyway, AND you won't smell like shit. The body is not some amazing completely self-regulating machine, some care is required.

This is coming from someone who's tried most of this stuff, or lived with people that have BTW. Not washing your hair with soap does not work out in the long run. You should definitely limit how often you do it though, and this is all highly, HIGHLY dependent on how physically active you are.

I have skin that gets very oily - I use an astringent twice a day because it bothers me. My hair is long and gets oily as well. I also struggle with breakouts on my chest and back. Anyone else with similar skin type try the no soap/shampoo method? I can't imagine it going well for me....

If you stop using severe facewashes and instead get religious about a good scrub down with a sisal/hemp/whatever fibrous washcloth, then both your face and hair will become less greasy. Afterwards, use a witchhazel toner. Also, stop touching your hair and face completely, this makes it VERY greasy. Even running your fingers through your hair, fixing your bangs several times a day, etc. will impart quite a bit of grease.

 

[lunchtoast]

I have skin that gets very oily - I use an astringent twice a day because it bothers me. My hair is long and gets oily as well. I also struggle with breakouts on my chest and back. Anyone else with similar skin type try the no soap/shampoo method? I can't imagine it going well for me....

My nose/forehead gets pretty greasy throughout the day. I also stopped using face wash for this. Greasiness hasn't gone down at all. I should probably buy a light scrubber for my face like above the above user.

 

[Zoe]

I'll test this out for a couple days. I use a very expensive special shampoo because of my scalp condition. If I use normal shampoo for even a couple days, it goes from flaky to cracked and bleeding.

I'll go without until the weekend and see what happens. I don't expect good things.

That probably won't be enough time for your scalp to adjust.

I'm wondering how long people's hair is that are doing this.

People with long hair are usually the advocates for "no 'poo."

 

[GhaleonEB]

That probably won't be enough time for your scalp to adjust.

If the damage is being done by the use of shampoo and conditioner, then removing those things should stop the damage. If my scalp is cracked and bleeding in a few days from not treating it with the medicated shampoo, then I think it's safe to conclude I need to use it to treat a scalp condition that exists independant of the damage done by its use.

I set the bar very high - at 'cracked and bleeding' for a reason. FWIW, both hair and scalp feel fine so far today. I can usually tell right away on a day when I run out of the medicated shampoo.

 

[way more]

People with long hair are usually the advocates for "no 'poo."

And their fellow co-workers and carpoolers are all advocates for "poo."

Hi-yoooooooo

 

[kehs]

People with long hair are usually the advocates for "no 'poo."

Why don't they just tie their hair up instead to avoid getting dirty?

 

[Salsa]

Over a month now and apparently i'll have to stop doing it and using a special shampoo and soap for an allergies issue i ussually get with this weather (winter here).

I can say i saw no difference at all really.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

Haha. This is the same as "I cut my own hair and people say it looks great!"


Be as delusional as you want to be.

Are you people that are trying this out just going to wait for someone to come up and say, "you stink?"

We live in a more polite society than that.

At the minimum I think you owe it to the world to not smell and wear clothing and people here can't even do that.

Edit: Civilizations can all agree on at least one thing, keep your stank to a minimum. This is really pushing the bounds of politeness and you are requiring that your co-workers and neighbors endure uncomfortable environments. I've worked with "no-soap" believers and share a apartment porch with another. You can tell.

For the love of God, is soap so much to ask? Buy mild Tom's of Maine soap, and use body lotion if it's so "unnatural."

Well, if you can't smell yourself that's all the proof I need.

And their fellow co-workers and carpoolers are all advocates for "poo."

Hi-yoooooooo

Keep on trollin'

 

[way more]

Keep on trollin'

I'm the poor guy that has to work with you people. Let me at least act like a jerk here of all places so the workplace/apartment party/bus ride can be civil.

 

[bionic77]

How the hell was anyone supposed to tell that was a joke?

Okay man...

I usually make it pretty obvious...

 

[Adent]

I started today. So far I miss the feeling of being squeaky clean. I scrubbed down much more than when I used soap so truthfully I'm probably cleaner. I'm still going to use deodorant, cologne, and hair gel.

 

[Dr. Malik]

So are you not allowed to use gel/mousse? I don't think just water can wash it off

 

[KevinRo]

You guys realize soap or no soap, shampoo or no shampoo your body regulates itself no matter what and equalizes to a stable state.

So, if you're use to shampooing and using soap a-lot it'll get use that routine, just like if you didn't. The problem lies within breaking that routine.

Now if you're arguing the benefits of having clean hair and clean skin, then you start to realize if you have a routine of using soap and shampoo every now and then SPARINGLY, you can get away with just rinsing yourself off inbetween.

Also, if you think you stink but you can't smell if you stink, then you stink. ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT.

 

[FleckSplat]

After just over a month of no soap (except hand-washing) and only conditioner, I can say this works like a charm!

My skin glistens like morning dew, and I have historically had "alright" to "bad" skin that dried out easily. For example, I used to be able to rub my ankles right after exiting the shower and dead skin would come off (I know it's gross, but it's for the greater good of illustration). Now, no such thing. The skin is soft and strong.

Now, I am also working out regularly. As part of my strength training I am on a high protein diet that I stick to very closely. This may play a role, but I've been on such a diet for over two months. I didn't notice the glistening skin until about two weeks ago. Take that as you will.

I recommend this technique!

P.S. I take two showers a day: one in the morning and one after the day's workout. I do not need deodorant at all and I don't stink (at least, no one has even hinted that I do stink, let me put it that way).

 

[Alpha-Bromega]

Well, if you can't smell yourself that's all the proof I need.

LOL you think I judge my own smell? olfactory shutdown or whatever, we aren't our best judges in that department.

check it, it's easy as asking "hey do I smell bad?"
"um no, why do you ask you weird fuck?"
"no reason!"

pretty crazy huh!

you think maybe that all your naysaying which has no grounds is kind of silly? It's like you don't understand the basic premise of this. Those stinky people on the bus/work/wherever? they probably don't shower at all, you think of that?

 

[Angry Fork]

So what happens to your hair after a month or so of doing this? Once I didn't shampoo my hair for a couple days and it turned greasy as hell. I mean it was cool being able to put your hair in any shape you wanted like gel, but still it felt kind of gross. Does this go away after a while? What happens to your hair at 1-2 months of doing this? The other posts i've seen here basically say it 'feels great' but i'm not really sure what that means relatively speaking.

 

[Alpha-Bromega]

The grease goes away after 2 weeks.

It's basically our bodies re adjusting itself in one big way, like how when we are quitting coffee or fast food our body kind of goes into this major slump before we feel like champs.

not to equate the two

 

[GhaleonEB]

An update after about a week.

If I'm using regular shampoo instead of my medicated shampoo for more than a couple days, it gets very flaky, cracked and even starts bleeding. I've always thought this was due to the scalp condition. So, I went into this expecting things to be hell by the start of the weekend.

Not so. My scalp is actually perfectly fine, no issues. To me, that proves the hypothesis that my scalp has been reacting to regular shampoo, rather than having a condition that requires treatment.

This is consistent with what happened when I stopped using soap on my face many years ago. I used to get these red, sensitive blotches on my face, and tried a lot of different approaches to dealing with them until I just stopped using soap all together. Then, they went away and my skin is fine.

I still use body wash for my nether regions, and have continued to do so during this experiment. I have limits.

The hair is okay, but greasy and a bit hard to manage. I have very, very greasy hair naturally, so I expected this. I have taken to using very hot water at the end of the shower to help wash some of it out, then toweling it down thoroughly to get some of the excess out. It's not horrible, but feels a bit heavier and has a flat appearance to it. On balance, I'd rather use my (expensive) medicated shampoo and have hair that feels and looks better than it does now. It's leaving me a little self-conscious.

I see people saying to give it a couple weeks to my body can adjust and self regulate a bit more, so I'm going to do that and see how it goes. I'll make a call next Sunday night whether it's improving at all or whether to go back.

All in all, it's been much more successful than I thought. My experience has me convinced we're basically being sold soap to wash out our body's natural oils, and then conditioner to put some oils back. For most people, going without either will work just fine.

 

[Tunesmith]

All in all, it's been much more successful than I thought. My experience has me convinced we're basically being sold soap to wash out our body's natural oils, and then conditioner to put some oils back. For most people, going without either will work just fine.

Pretty much the genius of the industry.

 

[iamaustrian]

You guys realize soap or no soap, shampoo or no shampoo your body regulates itself no matter what and equalizes to a stable state.

So, if you're use to shampooing and using soap a-lot it'll get use that routine, just like if you didn't. The problem lies within breaking that routine.

Now if you're arguing the benefits of having clean hair and clean skin, then you start to realize if you have a routine of using soap and shampoo every now and then SPARINGLY, you can get away with just rinsing yourself off inbetween.

Also, if you think you stink but you can't smell if you stink, then you stink. ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT.

the problem is that most (like 90%) of people don't use pure soap but those shitty shower gels. These are full with chemicals, ruining your skin(and probably the rest of your body).

The human skin or/and hair needs nothing but water. I am 32 years old and I never ever used any sorts of skin cream in my life. I never had problems with my skin while my cream-using friends suffer a lot of symptoms(dry skin, oily skin, pimples etc etc).

It's really a vicious circle once you start: since childhood you get teached that your skin needs all sorts of creams etc to look fresh, young, blabla. You start treating your skin with moisturizer which gets rid of your dry skin but also gets you oily parts in your face. These you treat with another cream and so on and so on.
your skin doesn't need any kind of this shit. Like you already said, it regulates itself. The chemical cocktail in shower gels and (most) creams disrupt this natural process. things get out of hand.

People use tons of shower gels/soap and wonder afterwards why their skin is so dry(seriously, I don't know any woman who doesn't use cream after shower). So they start smearing moisturizer. You need to break this circle.

edit: (mostly) beaten by "2 posts above"

 

[santouras]

I only usually wash my hair with shampoo/conditioner if I've gotten mud or something else in it, or if I'm going to get it cut. Other than that, just water is fine. I'm finding myself washing myself with soap less and less as well, and there really is no side effects. Can't say I've ever had anyone complain to me about my smell (I work with the kind of people that would) and on the contrary I always get compliments about my hair.

 

[Tonche]

I basically do this.

Occasional body wash / shower gel but definitely no soap (except on the man-parts of course).

As for shampoo / conditioner, my hair goes terrible when I use them so I hold off until I've got a quiet weekend at home until I can 're-dirty' it with hair product. Probably do a proper hair wash once every 3 months or so.

Hair is great, skin is great, no smell.

 

[Zoolader]

Ah good luck with that if you have acne

 

[DonMigs85]

the problem is that most (like 90%) of people don't use pure soap but those shitty shower gels. These are full with chemicals, ruining your skin(and probably the rest of your body).

The human skin or/and hair needs nothing but water. I am 32 years old and I never ever used any sorts of skin cream in my life. I never had problems with my skin while my cream-using friends suffer a lot of symptoms(dry skin, oily skin, pimples etc etc).

It's really a vicious circle once you start: since childhood you get taught that your skin needs all sorts of creams etc to look fresh, young, blabla. You start treating your skin with moisturizer which gets rid of your dry skin but also gets you oily parts in your face. These you treat with another cream and so on and so on.
your skin doesn't need any kind of this shit. Like you already said, it regulates itself. The chemical cocktail in shower gels and (most) creams disrupt this natural process. things get out of hand.

People use tons of shower gels/soap and wonder afterwards why their skin is so dry(seriously, I don't know any woman who doesn't use cream after shower). So they start smearing moisturizer. You need to break this circle.

edit: (mostly) beaten by "2 posts above"

Sorry, but I couldn't help myself.
Anyway I plan to try this experiment at some point too, but my hair does also get flat and matted when greasy.

 

[G.O.O.]

I decided to try washing without soap when I first saw this thread a while ago (still using shampoo).

When I told my gf about it, she tried to smell my skin and said that I should use soap again. But when I asked her again later, pretending that I returned to using soap (I didn't), she answered "indeed, you smell better".

Conclusion : goodbye, expensive thing !

 

[Anteater]

1 week without shampoo, I don't find it to be that much different other than that my hair become a bit more "rough", but at the same time it's not as greasy as I'd imagine it, and sometimes I feel that it's a bit more dry since I wash it for longer due to me being paranoid, but definitely feels more normal than when my hair used to be too soft and flat and greasy by the end of the day.

It's a bit oily in the morning but still pretty manageable but not like it wasn't like this before, but it didn't seem to get especially greasy after a week like it did for other people.

My head used to get a bit itchy at night and irritated and at the end of the day I would find it to be really greasy, I haven't experienced that since I stopped using shampoo. I guess this could be the solution to my "can't find a shampoo that suits me" problem...

As for soap, I don't really feel that different to be honest.

 

[iamaustrian]

Oh boy, what an embarrasing mistake.

 

[Naked Snake]

Ah good luck with that if you have acne

Actually it's great if you have acne. Putting chemicals that dry your skin and then using more chemicals to fix the dryness caused by the first chemicals irritates your skin. Irritated skin = worse acne.

 

[web01]

I tried this and there is no way in hell it can work for me.
After a few days hair feels disgusting and heavy. Due to oily buildup.
My hair is alot longer than the average short haircut which may be a significant factor.

What I have been considering is washing my hair with a small amount of bi carb soda disolved in warm water. Apparently it is not as harsh as all the chemicals found in shampoo. Anyone tried this before? Alot of websites seem to advocate this.

 

[Pikmindictator]

Tomorrow it will be three weeks since I've stopped using soap and shampoo. I only use water every day. Skin feels a little bit better but it wasn't really bad before. As far as hair goes it feels like I've been going through these greasy then dry periods but overall it's definitely greasier then when I still used shampoo regularly. But I hope that it will stabilize soon. Since I have curly hair I kind of like the greasier hair though. So far no smells, no itches and no dandruff so I'm sticking with it.

More as it develops...

5 weeks in. Hair seems to have stabilized. With help of the internet and some experimenting I've found a way to get my hair the way I want it. Really happy so far.

 

[Zoolader]

Actually it's great if you have acne. Putting chemicals that dry your skin and then using more chemicals to fix the dryness caused by the first chemicals irritates your skin. Irritated skin = worse acne.

I seriously doubt you've had bad acne before. If I don't wash my face at night I have atleast 3 new pimples in the morning. That's with a strict diet and using face wash that doesn't have any harsh chemicals like alcohol or benzoyl peroxide.

 

[ipukespiders]

No shampoo for a month and it's been successful. I shower everyday, sometimes twice. The wife, despite seeing that it works for me, will not try it.

Here's 2 major pluses. No more dandruff, and no more itchy scalp. I like wearing a ball cap but I would find that I would always be fucking with it (taking it off and scratching all the time) just found it uncomfortable for any length of time. Not so anymore.

I'll probably give up the soap in the shower next.

Wow, first low carb eating, now this. What else have I been missing out on? What else are we being sold that we don't need, or in fact, makes things worse?

 

[Joe]

i've been using nothing but water for about a month and i probably won't go back to using soap constantly. i use soap and shampoo probably 1 time per 2 weeks and i use benzoyl peroxide on my face twice a day.

i can't shake this dandruff though and i don't know what it is! i use head and shoulders when i do use shampoo and that helps a bit but it comes back. i usually only get dandruff in the winter because of the dry air but it's humid as hell out and i never, ever get flaky scalp in the summer so i'm a bit perplexed.

 

[clearacell]

Looks like we've found our celebrity endorser

Robert Pattinson fluff piece about his haircut

The superstar has said he never uses shampoo to wash his hair. "I just use water. No one ever believes me, but it's true."

 

[Power Glove]

Looks like we've found our celebrity endorser

Robert Pattinson fluff piece about his haircut

Alright, now we just need to bottle some water in a shampoo bottle and call it Sparkle in the Sun - Shampoo Water and we'll be in business.

 

[The Lamp]

Looks like we've found our celebrity endorser

Robert Pattinson fluff piece about his haircut

No wonder his hair looks greasy and gross.

 

[-Babyteks-]

i've been using nothing but water for about a month and i probably won't go back to using soap constantly. i use soap and shampoo probably 1 time per 2 weeks and i use benzoyl peroxide on my face twice a day.

i can't shake this dandruff though and i don't know what it is! i use head and shoulders when i do use shampoo and that helps a bit but it comes back. i usually only get dandruff in the winter because of the dry air but it's humid as hell out and i never, ever get flaky scalp in the summer so i'm a bit perplexed.

I'm black so my hair is pretty fragile. Shampoo can be too strong on it so for years I've only used conditioner to wash it. At times I only use water but in that case I also use essential oils.

castor oil or jojoba for strength, peppermint to get down into the root
lemon juice for cleanliness. For your dandruff I'd recommend them.


it's a fruit salad up in my hair at times but it's better than the chemicals found in soap, I think.

 

[Ether_Snake]

What do you guys suggest to get rid of bacne? I still get this crap all the time on my upper back, it's annoying.

 

[Mister Wilhelm]

Wow, first low carb eating, now this. What else have I been missing out on? What else are we being sold that we don't need, or in fact, makes things worse?

Fiber supplements + extra water daily, fish oil + vitamin D, taurine. All of these are things that together changed my life.

In terms of personal hygiene, a tongue scraper works wonders for your breath.

 

[-Babyteks-]

What do you guys suggest to get rid of bacne? I still get this crap all the time on my upper back, it's annoying.

I swear I'm not a holistic freak or whatever but I'd also look into essential oils for that. Rose oil for scars and black nigella oil for acne come to mind.

I personally swear by castor oil (though i don't have bacne...) since it pretty much acts as a painkiller, hair protectant, skin moisturizer & boy magnet all in one.

(Except the boy magnet. I don't need extra help )

 

[Ether_Snake]

Well the thing is my upper back gets oily, and then pimples form easily. The only time I remember this clearing up was when getting tanned, which I think was making my skin less oily.

 

[Frankfurt]

It goes a lot further than that. Your sweat loses all smell if you cut sugar and "refined" foods. You can avoid cavities altogether by avoiding processed foods, no need to brush (breath would depend on what you eat/digestion too). I eat garbage on the weekends, so
I do brush and use deodorant, by the way.

Most health-related issues we have are due to "supermarket" food. And we buy other products and medicine to keep those in check. Good digestion is the most important thing for the body (and mind).

 

[-Babyteks-]

Well the thing is my upper back gets oily, and then pimples form easily. The only time I remember this clearing up was when getting tanned, which I think was making my skin less oily.

The way I understand it is certain oils moisturise your skin and remove the need for your body to produce oil to keep hydrated. If you are dehydrated it'll work double time to produce more oil. If you use castor oil (again...I swear I'm not a sales rep lol) it should eventually (a week, maybe two) remove that need and you should see progress. I don't know about total removal though. Shea butter is very good, too.

Also they're all less expensive than doctors so even if they don't work for you , you won't go broke. I went to a dermatologist twice, got topical creams, pills and stuff and nothing worked. That's 100 euros or so down the drain.

 

[GhaleonEB]

Anoher update.

At the end of week 2, my hair is better. It turned a corner around the 10 day mark, getting a bit less greasy and 'heavy'. Now, it feels quite natural and has lost the slightly dull look that came with the start of the experiment.

I got a haircut this week, and that helped further; I was a bit on the shaggy side. Shorter hair definately helps in this department.

My previously flaky, itchy scalp has been entirely fine the entire time, and I'm not using expensive ($6-7 for a small bottle) shampoo to keep it in check. My wife has noticed no odors of any sort; I smell a bit better now because the medicated (coal tar based) shampoo was pretty bad.

I might not go back. I feel like I've been snookered for 34 years.

 

[ipukespiders]

It goes a lot further than that. Your sweat loses all smell if you cut sugar and "refined" foods. You can avoid cavities altogether by avoiding processed foods, no need to brush (breath would depend on what you eat/digestion too). I eat garbage on the weekends, so
I do brush and use deodorant, by the way.

Most health-related issues we have are due to "supermarket" food. And we buy other products and medicine to keep those in check. Good digestion is the most important thing for the body (and mind).

I suspected all this as well, another part of the reason for my low carb whole food change.