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[Joe]

tried it for the first time...gonna see how my naturally greasy hair holds up over the weekend. i didn't use any soap or shampoo but i did use a face wash.

i usually shower twice a day so that'll help me out a little i guess.

 

[CoffeeJanitor]

I did this for about 2 weeks or so, except just with the shampoo. Feels good man.

 

[MacGurcules]

I use practically no soap when I shower and I've done it for years. Just warm water and a little bit of scrubbing. I've tried no shampoo a few times. It makes my hair nice but after a few weeks I get pretty bad dandruff, so I always go back to my Head and Shoulders. Only time I break out the soap is if I'm actually filthy. Truth is most people usually don't get all that dirty throughout the day. Sweat and dead skin wash away fine with water.

I also keep all of my hair nice and short. All of it. It really cuts down on the places that can trap sweat and oil.

If you do habitually use soap and you're considering trying without, it will probably be bad for a while. Soaping up every day strips off your oils so your body is likely overproducing them. After a couple of weeks, the level of sebum production will settle down.

 

[NullPointer]

I'm sure the French guy who sat next to me on a 9 hours flight back from Spain also thought he didn't smell.

hahaha. Aint that the truth.

 

[flyover]

But do all of yourselves a favor and buy a sulfate free body wash and shampoo. There are cheap brands out there too, don't be discouraged by expensive markups, I get some at Trader Joes.

Yep. TJ's is the place to go for cheap, good toiletries. I use their Oatmeal and Honey soap every day -- as a shower soap and shampoo. The detergents in regular shampoo destroy my hair. You wind up basically using conditioner to undo what you just did with the shampoo. The Honey and Oatmeal soap is mild on skin, smells good, and is easy on the hair. So long as TJ's keeps making it, I doubt I'll ever go back to shampoo.

 

[low-G]

I shower every day AFTER working out and use mild soap and shampoo that doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. I feel so fresh.

 

[Ether_Snake]

Soap is pretty overrated as water cleans the skin well enough but going without shampoo? I couldn't do that. My hair gets a bit oily if it goes too long without shampoo.

Buzz cut.

Done deal.

 

[MaddenNFL64]

Not gonna stop using soap & shampoo until everyone else stops. I'm conservative when it comes to hygiene. Everyone has to stop doing that shit, then I will .

 

[MadraptorMan]

People who talk about getting oily hair if they don't use shampoo should realize that the reason your hair gets oily so quickly is exactly because you use shampoo. It throws off your body's chemistry or whatever the fuck it is so when you stop using shampoo it goes out of whack temporarily and over compensates with the oil. If you can beast through that period things are supposed to calm down again, or so they say.

EDIT: I forgot to mention the one thing that I have managed to completely do without: shaving gel. That stuff is a straight up unnecessary product and a ripoff to boot. All you need is hot water. And you don't need to keep buying new blades, either, as long as the one you've got can be cleaned out easily enough.

 

[MaddenNFL64]

People who talk about getting oily hair if they don't use shampoo should realize that the reason your hair gets oily so quickly is exactly because you use shampoo. It throws off your body's chemistry or whatever the fuck it is so when you stop using shampoo it goes out of whack temporarily and over compensates with the oil. If you can beast through that period things are supposed to calm down again, or so they say.

EDIT: I forgot to mention the one thing that I have managed to completely do without: shaving gel. That stuff is a straight up unnecessary product and a ripoff to boot. All you need is hot water. And you don't need to keep buying new blades, either, as long as the one you've got can be cleaned out easily enough.

Oh shit at your edit... Only thing i'm a hygiene oddball in is that! I use fucking liquid soap to shave. It fucking works great dude. Soft as hell, and a clean shave with no nicks all the way. Haven't used shaving cream or gel in about 2 years.

I discovered this liquid soap deal from having to shave at work (lazy, running late etc eh, it is what it is) using disposable razors and that shit in the public bathroom soap canisters .

 

[MacGurcules]

Oh shit, if we're gonna get into shaving, do it like a boss.

 

[duk]

this is stupid lol

 

[kittens]

I never use shampoo, and I only use soap when I'm really dirty or when I use the bathroom. I only use deoderant when I first start dating somone new -- and then when I'm confident that they like me, I stop.

I've never had any health problems. My hair is way healthier, actually. My own natural oils make a nice appearance and texture.

 

[BankaiZaraki]

I couldnt do this at all. I love being clean/smelling clean.

 

[RebornYeti]

I think I'm gonna try to stop using shampoo for a while to see how that turns out. My hair is pretty frizzy and it's gets all poofy when it dries, so I wonder if the lack of shampoo will help get my hair the way I would like it. But there is no way I'm gonna stop using soap.

 

[mt1200]

I don't think so. Deodorants have aluminum which could cause cancer. They also have other toxic chemicals that get absorbed into your body.

It might make sense, japaneses and koreans dont wear deodorant, and their cancer rates are very low.

I havent used shampoo in months, my hair feels the same.

 

[way more]

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.

 

[CriginsMcJuggs]

Im gonna try it, hopefully my dandruff doesnt come back without the head and shoulders

 

[Big Chungus]

People really do not read OPs do they?

See title, mash reply, jam comment.

of course I read the op, that's why i said "disgusting".

 

[Earthstrike]

I couldnt do this at all. I love being clean/smelling clean.

I think the argument here is that not using soap makes you be clean and smell clean.

 

[PflargBlarg]

I'm gonna try this out starting tomorrow. We'll see how it goes. I do like the people just dismissing it completely without even thinking about it. Does it not seem even slightly plausible to you?

 

[Terrell]

Actually, my hairdresser recommended not using shampoo more than twice a week. Warm to hot water will rinse away excess oils and most contaminants in the hair (but not all, hence his recommending not to give up the shampoo entirely, but suggesting a light peppermint-based organic shampoo). Overly oily hair is often caused by shampoo stripping the hair of its essential natural oils and your body being urged to over-compensate due to its current "environment". So I tried it, and my hair has never been better. Soft to the touch, very manageable, less need to put products in my hair to style it (dampen with warm water, sets in place when air-dried after styling) and takes a day and a half at the earliest for it to appear noticeably oily.
And I heard that the best way to clean your skin is actually the traditional Japanese way... wash and scrub off the top-most dirt and dead skin, bathe afterwards to allow your body to release excess oil and toxins. Perhaps that would be the way to make this "no soap" concept work to full effect for a wider range of people.

 

[siddx]

I use very little soap (and no anti-bacterial soap) to begin with, so going soap free (other than to wash my hands, I work with kids, who are just giant germs wearing children's skin and I wash my hands obsessively) wouldn't be too hard. However if I'm going to be placing my dick in my girlfriend's mouth, I think it's only fair I clean it with soap. So I can't do this 100%

 

[xxjuicesxx]

I actually stopped soaping the year after high school because I realized everywhere I soaped starting drying up to hell. It was getting bad I would be so itchy dry after showers. It quickly reversed after I stopped but I never could stop shampooing it just felt so dirty not cleaning my hair everyday, now that theres gentle lather like Dove for Men and lots others I don't really do the whole no soap thing...Pretty easy decision.

I started the whole thing because I was reading Soap kills good bacteria off the skin that helps defend against a lot of things, I did feel healthier when I started but then I stopped...so I don't know. Everyones just trying to get by, but try not to smell while you do it.

 

[DXPett1]

Not surprised about the hair. The chemicals in shampoo are f**king harsh and I find they dry the hell out of my hair (constant frizz ).

Body wise I think he should of just swapped to a better soap/body wash that uses more natural/organic ingrediants

And I heard that the best way to clean your skin is actually the traditional Japanese way... wash and scrub off the top-most dirt and dead skin, bathe afterwards to allow your body to release excess oil and toxins. Perhaps that would be the way to make this "no soap" concept work to full effect for a wider range of people.

Don't they soap up in the scrub, rinse and then hit the bath?

 

[MickeyKnox]

I like the fact that people in this thread actually think the soap they use kills the bacteria on their skin. Only very specific types, that are clearly labeled and marketed towards doing this, actually kill bacteria.

The majority of soap and bodywash people use, from old-spice and Nivea, to Dove and Axe, does nothing but foam up, and put a scent on you. It covers you in a think coating of shit, that makes your skin "feel" smooth and soft. This coating wears off, and your dry, fucked skin is exposed under. Thus making you feel like you need a shower again.

This is especially true in shampoo's. The chemical that is used to make the shampoo foam up, strips all the beneficial oil from your air. Coating it in in garbage. It actually completely destroys your hair, and makes you dependent on shampoo.

A lot of people use Apple Cider Vinegar in their air. It completely gets rid of virtually all scalp problems, and cleans the FUCK out of your hair, but keeps all the beneficial oils.

Anyway. I just wanted to post this to those who actually think they are killing some type of bacteria when they smother their body in old spice body wash.

Somebody failed basic Biology in High School.

 

[PflargBlarg]

All this referencing to 'toxins' sounds like bullshit to me. What are these so-called toxins? It just sounds like those detoxification diets to me which are nonsense.

 

[DrFunk]

Doing the no-shampoo starting today. I've always hated how it dried my hair up

 

[captive]

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.

i do cut my own hair, in fact several coworkers and friends i know either cut their own hair or their SO helps them cut it. My SO spot checks the back that I can't see. I in fact have gotten compliments on my own hair cuts and the people didn't believe me when i told them i did it myself.

Only women with expensive taste and metrosexuals get their hair cut at expensive places. Its hair, not rocket science, just requires some practice.


Anyway back to the thread, I have tried this the last two days, I don't feel any different than using soap which may be a good sign. First real test though is tonight after softball where i'll get sweaty and dirty.
Still use deodorant

 

[entremet]

I'm thinking of trying this for a week. If I start smelling, I'm bailing out. If I don't, I'll continue on it. I'm also using deodorant.

 

[triplestation]

No thanks.

 

[BigKaboom2]

Im gonna try it, hopefully my dandruff doesnt come back without the head and shoulders

When I tried this several months ago for a few days, my dandruff initially came back. I wonder if it would have gone away after the 2-week period...might try it out again.

 

[GiJoccin]

I have only used soap on my crotch and armpits for as long as i remember!

 

[Bisnic]

I have only used soap on my crotch and armpits for as long as i remember!

Same, there is no point in using soap on any other body parts unless its actually dirty. And by dirty, i dont mean "oh noes, there is small bacterias on my leg!"


But i do use shampoo everyday, otherwise my hair gets greasy and itchy if i skip it for more than 2 days.

 

[PflargBlarg]

Mid day update.

As expected my hair is oily from yesterday. I scrubbed it pretty good in the shower so it's actually not that bad overall except for right in the front. I don't think it looks disgusting or anything so it seems to be alright so far.

The real test will be tomorrow.

 

[way more]

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.

 

[white dynamite]

Actually, my hairdresser recommended not using shampoo more than twice a week. Warm to hot water will rinse away excess oils and most contaminants in the hair (but not all, hence his recommending not to give up the shampoo entirely, but suggesting a light peppermint-based organic shampoo). Overly oily hair is often caused by shampoo stripping the hair of its essential natural oils and your body being urged to over-compensate due to its current "environment". So I tried it, and my hair has never been better. Soft to the touch, very manageable, less need to put products in my hair to style it (dampen with warm water, sets in place when air-dried after styling) and takes a day and a half at the earliest for it to appear noticeably oily.
And I heard that the best way to clean your skin is actually the traditional Japanese way... wash and scrub off the top-most dirt and dead skin, bathe afterwards to allow your body to release excess oil and toxins. Perhaps that would be the way to make this "no soap" concept work to full effect for a wider range of people.

I've been looking for a good, light shampoo to use. Could you (or anyone reading this) recommend me one? Which one do you like?

 

[Yo Gotti]

Just gonna chime in and say I stopped using body soaps months ago. It's true they do nothing but dry your skin out and cause it to flake.

I still use shampoo tho, my black man hair gets oily and smelly after a couple days even if I rinse it thoroughly.

 

[beje]

Been doing this since Thursday (daily shower, I only use soap on armpits, crotch and ass for obvious reasons, scrub the rest of the body with a soft exfoliant sponge) and my (really bad) skin actually feels better than before. Let's see how this turns out but I really have noticed that maybe all this time I've been fucking up my skin with soap to fix it back afterwards with copious ammounts of moisturizing cream. Now my skin doesn't scream for moisturizing after a shower.

And yes, I've warned my roomate and told him to immediatly warn me if I start smelling. We're confident enough with each other so I don't think I will have any problem in that regard.

 

[MarkMclovin]

I'm willing to give this a try, but if you don't wash your hair with shampoo, won't it end up looking like this shit?

 

[John Dunbar]

haven't used shampoo in months, and even back then used it seldom. i prefer it when i don't use it. will now test how it feels to not use soap.

 

[seanoff]

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki BSc (Physics) BSc (Maths), MBMedeng, BMed, BSurgery. he's very passionate about his science and amazingly well informed about science.

washes with Sorbolene except for his bottom and his hands.

http://books.google.com/books?id=Rw...&resnum=4&ved=0CDMQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false

go back and read from Pg 96

 

[Mista Koo]

Buzz cut.

Done deal.

I still had to use shampoo after getting buzz cut. As a kid I thought I could get away with it

 

[iamaustrian]

No shampoo is going to lead to greasier hair. Not sure if that's very appealing.

no

it just gets a little more greasier which it actualy should be. without shampoo washing away the natural regulators, the scalp and hair can recover.

I stopped using hair shampoo 7 years ago and since then I got rid of pretty much all of my scalp and hair problems. No more dry hair, dandruff etc

still use soap but only for armpits and downstairs though.

edit:

I'm willing to give this a try, but if you don't wash your hair with shampoo, won't it end up looking like this shit?

no, this is what it looks like when you stop combing it.

 

[Prine]

Im addicted to the shower fresh feeling, like i am with the pain you feel post workout. It means i shower every day (twice on gym days) and workout about 5 times a week.

I feel depressed if i miss any of these 2 processes. I could never do this, but im interested in peoples tests.

 

[∀ Narayan]

So, is it okay to scrub your body when you do this? Just without soap, right? Also, can you use lotion and stuff afterwards?

 

[Stabby McSter]

I use shampoo like once a month. My hair is so much better now.

I'm sure it smells, but OH WELL.

 

[bionic77]

This is gross.

 

[pj]

People who talk about getting oily hair if they don't use shampoo should realize that the reason your hair gets oily so quickly is exactly because you use shampoo. It throws off your body's chemistry or whatever the fuck it is so when you stop using shampoo it goes out of whack temporarily and over compensates with the oil. If you can beast through that period things are supposed to calm down again, or so they say.

Overly oily hair is often caused by shampoo stripping the hair of its essential natural oils and your body being urged to over-compensate due to its current "environment".

This makes no sense to me. How does your body know that you've stopped using shampoo and your hair no longer needs an extra helping of oil?

 

[beje]

So, is it okay to scrub your body when you do this? Just without soap, right? Also, can you use lotion and stuff afterwards?

It's what I've been doing. According to what other people are stating, should get rid of dry sweat and dead cells pretty much OK.

This makes no sense to me. How does your body know that you've stopped using shampoo and your hair no longer needs an extra helping of oil?

More or less when it "realises" you're no longer attacking it several times a week with shampoo. The skin is also an organ of your body and as such it can be affected by a lot of external agents and may need some time to be re-educated.