Shampoo

Cleaning our hair is very important...The question is what to use? There are so many methods of cleaning, and I've tried a lot of them...

No-pooing (shampooing with conditioner only)

Shampooing (shampooing with...shampoo...)

Lo-pooing (mixing a little shampoo in your conditioner)

ACV rinses (rinsing hair with apple cider vinegar to clarify and get the goop out, followed with conditioner or even shampoo...)

When choosing cleaning products (sounds like a Pine-sol commercial...), we have to start paying more attention to the ingredients in the product. A lot of times I get questions regarding "dry hair" and itchy scalp, etc...I always ask...What products are you using??? Sometimes it's not some serious, God awful "something" going on with our hair. It's the products that we've been using for so long that is causing the angst. When transitioning, a lot of times people keep using the same products that they've used when their hair was relaxed. Not a good idea. Those 2 textures are going to rebel, and the harsh detergents in shampoo is NOT going to help.

First things first...Step away from the shampoos that contain sulfates. There are soooo many readily available shampoos out there that do not contain sulfates. Here's a list of some really good shampoos. My favorites (*)...

*Curls Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream

*Aubrey Organics Primrose & Lavender Scalp-Soothing Shampoo

*Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Shampoo
*Oyin's Grand Poo Bar

Carol's Daughter Tui Herbal Shampoo
Qhemet Biologics Egyptian Wheatgrass Cleansing Tea

Giovanni Smooth As Silk Shampoo
If you're going to follow a no-poo or low-poo regimen, pay attention to the silicones in the products...They're not bad, but they can attribute to build up which can lead to dandruff, styles not working "right", coated hair...Silicones in conditioners generally end with -cone...If you start experiencing the above, give yourself an ACV rinse to clarify your hair (1/2 cup to about a quart of water).

If considering a no-poo or co-wash (conditioner wash), you don't necessarily need to buy an expensive conditioner...I like Suave an V05 products...They get the job done believe it or not. Just choose something that is very creamy and provides lots of "slip" which will provide ease in the detangling department.