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Random Internet dude goes over a year without using soap/shampoo. Surprising results
- Thread starter entremet
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IISANDERII
Member
Damn, going all in. No shampoos, no soaps, no hot or even warm showers. How many other spoils have you defeated?
Where do you live?
You are not human.
Pikmindictator
Member
uhmm well I used to be a fat kid. I lost 25 kilograms a couple of years ago.
In the Netherlands
Humans in the past didn't have hot water either. At least not all of the time.
Mengy
wishes it were bannable to say mean things about Marvel
Yeah, circumstances like that I'd use soap too. That's why I still wash my hands with soap, especially after handling raw chicken or meat and such. But for generally cleaning it's just not necessary, and in fact it does the skin more harm than good. I'm still not sure entirely HOW it does the skin harm, but my skin is certainly more healthy since I've stopped using soap, can't argue with the results I've had.
QueenOfThorns
Member
I'm about a week and a half into using no shampoo. I feel dead inside. The plan is to wait it out for a month for it to get back to normal, right? I'm unsure if I can hold out. I had a dream last night about using shampoo.
Mistake
Member
I've met a couple people recently that made me think about this, and read some posts in this thread to confirm it. Is there a natural smell that society looks over? Do opposite genders take more notice? And do different ethnicity's make a difference? I met a Turkish girl that I was really attracted to, but part of it was her smell. It was different, and I could tell it wasn't from any shampoo's or soaps. Of course we know about pheromones and all that, but not exactly how powerful they can be sometimes.
However, there are people out there with just a bad funk, who should shower more often. I had a friend where his odor would actually infect things. He gave me some of his stuff and it took me at least a year to get the smell out.
Anyway, I'm on week 3 of no soap. I noticed that I have less body acne, though it wasn't exactly an issue anyway. I can't go without shampoo for more than 3 days, since it just makes me feel bad and greasy after that. And I don't have a significant other to tell me about smell, but I haven't heard anything negative yet either. So far so good I guess. I'll switch to warm water instead of hot, and maybe that will do something. I still use deodorant of course, wash hands, etc, that everyone else here does.
Hm I shud consider going back to doing this. i did this for like a month or so. I didnt smell bad (If you smell bad it means your eating poorly, stop eating garbage). though my hair remains an indifferent mess. would save me alot of money on soap. but for good measure shud still just use soap on hands, pits, family jewels and arse.
Though I read from a fellow paleo man that just using water for balls, arse and pits works just fine. no bad smell, itches or anything. but ive not tried it myself.... yet.
its very important to shower daily. do not miss a day. no excuses.
oh and finally, if u want the best benefits for your skin and hair...
Cold showers. not warm, not lukewarm, not cool water. Has to be cold only dont turn on warm water at any level. Embrace the Cold water. Taking cold showers also improves ur immunity system, energy levels, and surprisingly increases metabolism/promotes weightloss.
And ofc Cold showers are the best in waking a person up in the morning. Coffee? lol no i dont drink mud water.
my 2bits.
edit: just for the record I have yet to take cold showers during winter season. But this year I intend to take cold showers regardless. I'll bump this thread when that time comes to let ya guys know of whether taking cold showers during winter is a good idea or not.
Though I read from a fellow paleo man that just using water for balls, arse and pits works just fine. no bad smell, itches or anything. but ive not tried it myself.... yet.
its very important to shower daily. do not miss a day. no excuses.
oh and finally, if u want the best benefits for your skin and hair...
Cold showers. not warm, not lukewarm, not cool water. Has to be cold only dont turn on warm water at any level. Embrace the Cold water. Taking cold showers also improves ur immunity system, energy levels, and surprisingly increases metabolism/promotes weightloss.
And ofc Cold showers are the best in waking a person up in the morning. Coffee? lol no i dont drink mud water.
my 2bits.
edit: just for the record I have yet to take cold showers during winter season. But this year I intend to take cold showers regardless. I'll bump this thread when that time comes to let ya guys know of whether taking cold showers during winter is a good idea or not.
Mr. Enigma
Member
I've never used soap in the shower since I was kid. However, I have always showered daily and used shampoo every time. I do use deoderant daily. Never had any body odor issues.
I've always had light dandruff and as I've gotten older, my face has been getting dry patches on it.
My face always feels like someone is trying to yank it off after I get out of the shower. I've noticed it feels so much better the longer I go without showering. The problem is my hair gets greasy fairly quickly, so I always rush to the shower.
I might try this out and see how I react to it.
I've always had light dandruff and as I've gotten older, my face has been getting dry patches on it.
My face always feels like someone is trying to yank it off after I get out of the shower. I've noticed it feels so much better the longer I go without showering. The problem is my hair gets greasy fairly quickly, so I always rush to the shower.
I might try this out and see how I react to it.
Gave up after about 2(?) months. I asked for my lady's honest opinion while I tried this out. It was fine at first, but well into it, she said I smelled bad. Apparently, I smelled fine after the shower, but smelled bad by the time I got home and especially the next morning in bed. My guess is diet, hormone, usual daily stress, and the polluted city air weren't helping matters.
Maybe the occasional shower with soap would've balanced things out, but I just fully quit and went back to daily shampoo and soap.
Maybe the occasional shower with soap would've balanced things out, but I just fully quit and went back to daily shampoo and soap.
Mengy
wishes it were bannable to say mean things about Marvel
Interesting point. I eat fairly healthy, lots of fish and fruits and vegetables, with very little processed foods or junk of any kind. My diet may be part of why this works so well for me, hadn't really considered that before.
Yeah, sometimes I even shower twice a day. The really nice thing though is that showers take much less time than before. It's literally get in, scrub down, get out. I can shower thoroughly in five minutes or less now. With showers being so quick it's not a big deal to do it everyday or even twice daily.
Okay, I'm hardcore enough to forego shampoo and soap, but I need my shower temperature at least warm. I've tried the brutal totally cold water shower, and Dear Lord that is hard to do. Yeah it wakes you up, because you are freezing to death! Doesn't help that I have well water and my house water is like 45 degrees naturally.....
Maybe I'll try it again to tonight just as an experiment...
I also started this experiment sometime in July. I suppose that's roughly around 3 and a half months now, and I'm trying to keep this up for about a year. Stopped using soap and shampoo for bathing purposes, while I still use soap to wash my hands. I cannot verify whether or not this is a "healthier" way to live, or will this lifestyle have unintended consequences in the future. So far nobody has mentioned that I stink. I have also asked both my bio and chem professors about this experiment, and neither of them has pointed out the hazards (if any) of going on without soap. So between this and growing out my hair to be donated, I'm probably well into my way to finish my 1 year goal.
On my phone so I can't selectively quote parts of post. The reason for cold showers for hair in particular is that warm/hot water iirc strips essential hair oils from scalp/hair. Sam e for skin too i believe.
In any case, ftr i used to be warm hot water myself. I know its but once ye can adapt to cold water believe me ye wont regret making the switch. What I suggest to help transition from warm to cold is to start off warm but gradually work yer way to cool water. then to as cold as ye can handle it.
In any case, ftr i used to be warm hot water myself. I know its but once ye can adapt to cold water believe me ye wont regret making the switch. What I suggest to help transition from warm to cold is to start off warm but gradually work yer way to cool water. then to as cold as ye can handle it.
Laughing Banana
Weeping Pickle
It's pretty much the norm here where I live....
Anyways, I heard somewhere that bathing in cold water is actually better since hot water washes off your skin moisture or some shit.... don't know whether it's true or not though, hahaha.
Naked Snake
Member
For the past few days I have been exclusively showering in cold water.
Feels incredible.
I've enjoyed a cold shower once in a blue moon in the past, but this is the first time I've been doing it continuously for days. What's strange now is that I feel absolutely no intimidation before going into the shower; I'm confident that I can handle it without discomfort and that it will be enjoyable.
Not sure what caused the sudden improvement in my "cold tolerance"; I was having some health issues lately; I've been eating paleo for years, but my fruit and honey consumption has creeped up a lot lately and I think it played a role in my problems. So I drastically cut out all carbs and I feel better. I started taking Trans-Resveratrol a few days ago, an interesting supplement, and I'm tempted to attribute my newfound superpowers to it, but it's too early to tell (could be placebo/unrelated/short-term).
I wonder if I'll be able to keep up the cold showers well into the cold winter months.
Feels incredible.
I've enjoyed a cold shower once in a blue moon in the past, but this is the first time I've been doing it continuously for days. What's strange now is that I feel absolutely no intimidation before going into the shower; I'm confident that I can handle it without discomfort and that it will be enjoyable.
Not sure what caused the sudden improvement in my "cold tolerance"; I was having some health issues lately; I've been eating paleo for years, but my fruit and honey consumption has creeped up a lot lately and I think it played a role in my problems. So I drastically cut out all carbs and I feel better. I started taking Trans-Resveratrol a few days ago, an interesting supplement, and I'm tempted to attribute my newfound superpowers to it, but it's too early to tell (could be placebo/unrelated/short-term).
I wonder if I'll be able to keep up the cold showers well into the cold winter months.
So, basically, you do use soap.
adamsappel
Member
I'm on vacation this week and forgot to bring any soap (just for pits and crotch) or my vinegar hair wash. Still good with just water after 3 days.
thought i'd like to bring up this up. for those who still use soap to clean oneself, pls do not use detergents. may I recommend dr bronner's liquid or castile bar soap. either will do fine. its what i use. most commercial soap is garbage, wudnt wash my dog with it if i had one.
as for shampoo.... well it varies but a long time ago i used terressentials. since it was unique shampoo, conditioner is not required. organic shampoo or make sure u condition ur hair after using shitty shampoo.
any shampoo with sodium laurel sulfate or sulfates in general are bad for ur scalp and contribute to balding/is very reason why peeps start going bald early. true story.
as for shampoo.... well it varies but a long time ago i used terressentials. since it was unique shampoo, conditioner is not required. organic shampoo or make sure u condition ur hair after using shitty shampoo.
any shampoo with sodium laurel sulfate or sulfates in general are bad for ur scalp and contribute to balding/is very reason why peeps start going bald early. true story.
Jim E. Rossler
Banned
I haven't washed my face with anything but water for 4 years
SteveWinwood
Member
true story.
IHaveCandy
Banned
I've gone weeks without shampoo before. My scalp felt like an ant mound was on it.
Uncle0wnage
Member
Week three of no shampoo/soap during showers, and my friends haven't noticed any bad smells or greasy hair. My hair is way more manageable, no longer needing product to tame it. The acne on my back and shoulders has decreased substantially, and my skin is more healthy, at least it seems that way. I use deodorant daily and wash my hands with soap after using the loo and before meals. I will report further in the next few weeks.
Soodanim
Member
I've had a few compliments on the softness/smoothness of my skin. It's only now I re-entered the thread that I've realised that it's likely thanks to this thread.
I used a bit of some shower gel on my nether regions yesterday and the smell of the gel (I think it had lemongrass in it) was horrible. I must have just been used to the smells of these products, and now I've lost the tolerance.
I used a bit of some shower gel on my nether regions yesterday and the smell of the gel (I think it had lemongrass in it) was horrible. I must have just been used to the smells of these products, and now I've lost the tolerance.
EightBitNate
Member
I tried doing this a year ago. I think results may vary. My face broke out and my hair got really greasy. NY dandruff was worse than ever. Didn't really notice any change in sweat, but I naturally don't sweat very much. Try shaving your armpits more often. Hair is like an insulator of gross smells.
That might be it. As gross as this may sounds, I have never trimmed or shaved my armpits.
A year ago I started using shampoo only every 2-3 days. I've always stuck with Trader Joe's 'natural' shampoo with herbal bullshit.
My hair still becomes greasy if I don't shampoo, but not as bad. I think I'm going to increase the time between shampooing to 3-4 days.
Either way I'm losing my fucking hair. What the hell's the point...
My hair still becomes greasy if I don't shampoo, but not as bad. I think I'm going to increase the time between shampooing to 3-4 days.
Either way I'm losing my fucking hair. What the hell's the point...
Grimm Fandango
Member
Don't shave your pits unless you need to for a sport/profession. Just trim them.
Same here. I tried it for two months and my body basically went into shock. There's no way I'd go out in public with the results I got. They were awful.
I have a pretty strong inkling this won't work for everybody depending on their oil output.
Mengy
wishes it were bannable to say mean things about Marvel
I've been doing it for almost a year now, and it's been life changing. My dry scalp and dandruff that I've had my whole life is gone, I smell better than ever, my skin is more healthy than ever, I sweat less, I itch less, it's been amazing for me (and for my gf). I'll never go back to using soap or shampoo. Except I still do use soap to wash my hands, I don't think I'll ever stop that.
Snytbaggen
Member
I've been going without shampoo or soap during showers for over a year, and my hair and skin is good and I don't smell. I have some light dandruff (which I've had all my life) but it's generally OK. I've had to use shampoo once or twice because I had gotten stuff in my hair that wouldn't come off with just water, and after that the dandruff was horrible for a few days. In general my hair and dandruff is a lot better than when I used shampoo. I still wash my hands with soap, and that's something I'm not gonna change.
I've been on the no shampoo thing and I think the length of hair makes a huge difference. When mine was shorter, it just flat out was better than shampooing.
As it's grown out, it's a little more difficult. I usually have to put a little product in it to avoid it being too dried out. Of course I usually did that regardless. Shampoo + conditioner + product or just nothing + product. I feel it is still a good move for me.
As it's grown out, it's a little more difficult. I usually have to put a little product in it to avoid it being too dried out. Of course I usually did that regardless. Shampoo + conditioner + product or just nothing + product. I feel it is still a good move for me.
One thing I noticed I started this in July 2012. If I don't use deodorant, I don't even get musty until about 2 days later. Even if I'm outside doing something and I sweat, there is no "must" smell. Has the absence of soap exposed to my armpit pores affected the smell? I'm not too sure.
I still use deodorant anyway though.
I still use deodorant anyway though.
How do you think?
Is warm water really enough? Honest question.
D
Deleted member 17706
Unconfirmed Member
I'm wondering what you think soap actually does.
What are the requirements for something to attain "cleanliness" for you?
If you're using hot water and a washrag to scrub and clean your entire body, and then you dry yourself off after getting out of the shower, your skin takes over and does the rest of the job. The natural oils in your skin just kind of "re-excrete". When you use a lot of soap you wash all of that useful bacteria off.
Your private areas are cool with just using hot water, I am not saying that merely "rising" yourself off in the shower is enough.
Your private areas are cool with just using hot water, I am not saying that merely "rising" yourself off in the shower is enough.
Mengy
wishes it were bannable to say mean things about Marvel
Yeah, you need to scrub along with water. My skin feels awesome after a good shower and a scrubbing. Always reminds me of the movie Gattaca how Ethan Hawke had to scrub off his dry skin cells every day in the shower, lol.
Valkyr Junkie
Member
That was no shower, my friend.
Shaving pits reduces smell and sweat by a small amount, but that amount may be a make or breaker, so it's worthwhile.
entremet
Member
I think I'm coming back to this, my skin isn't as nice as it used to be when doing this experiment.
I'm gonna do that natural shampoo this guy did, though, as dandruff is an issue for me.
http://www.freefitguy.com/2011/03/07/my-no-soap-no-shampoo-experiment/
I'm gonna do that natural shampoo this guy did, though, as dandruff is an issue for me.
http://www.freefitguy.com/2011/03/07/my-no-soap-no-shampoo-experiment/
Snytbaggen
Member
I've come to the conclusion that it works when your hair is short, and not nearly as well when it's longer. I used shampoo and conditioner today for the first time in a long while and my hair hasn't been this good in many many months. I have curly hair, and stretched out it covers about half of my eyes. Dunno if my hair type has anything to do with it.
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