The one Paleo area I've been completely avoiding has been the whole No Shampoo & No Soap issue. I recently had my hair done for my Birthday and I was quite shocked by the number of products I was smothered in (my hair didn't look that amazing after either):
- Shampoo
- Colours for highlights
- Shampoo
- Toner
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Leave in conditioner
- Spray to make my hair soft
- Spray to give my hair volume
- Wax to give my hair texture, and
- Hairspray
This trip to the hairdressers has forced me to think about the other chemicals I expose myself too. It’s all well and good being strict with my nutrition, but surely reducing exposure to chemicals like this, is of great importance too.
The ingredients list in a typical bottle of shampoo or shower gel often reads like a chemistry text book. Given that skin is our largest organ, it’s a reasonable assumption that chemicals are going to be able to transfer from the products to your bloodstream.
I just looked up the ingredients of a Pantene shampoo I often use. I can't even pronounce some of these chemicals: –
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Tetrasodium Edta, Panthenol, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone
When researching the ingredients used in commercial shampoos and soaps all sorts less than favourable articles came up. Many of the chemicals are irritants and have many properties I just don’t want in my system.
A lot of Paleo people go entirely without shampoo and soap, but I just don’t think I'm ready to go this far, yet. My main problem with camping is not being able to wash my hair every morning; the thought of voluntarily doing this from the comfort of my home isn't a terribly attractive proposition!
The harsh chemicals in shampoo seem to strip away the scalps natural sebum, drying it out – and greasy hair appears to be the scalps compensation for this overly dried out scalp! From what I’ve read and from speaking to Paleo friends who've gone no ‘poo, it seems like the first week or two is not a good look – but then your hair is supposed to become soft, shiny and wonderful!
A lot of people use natural products such as eggs, apple cider vinegar and baking soda, so perhaps that would be a good place to start.
Why Going “No ‘Poo” Might Be Worth a Try
While the idea of ditching shampoo might seem extreme at first, more people in the ancestral health community are re-evaluating what they put on their bodies just as critically as what they put in them. With rising awareness of endocrine disruptors, synthetic fragrances, and chemical preservatives, it's no surprise that traditional hair care routines are being questioned. And just like processed food, many hair products offer a short-term effect at the expense of long-term health.
Going no ‘poo — or even low ‘poo — is about giving your scalp a chance to regulate itself naturally. Rather than stripping it with detergents and masking it with silicones and synthetic conditioners, you let your hair find its balance. For many, this shift leads to healthier, shinier hair and far less reliance on product cycles that leave you needing to wash more often, not less.
Understanding the Detox Phase
It’s true that the transition period can be awkward. When you first stop using shampoo, your scalp may overproduce oil as it adjusts. This oily window can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your hair type, climate, and how often you previously washed. During this time, your hair might feel waxy, limp, or greasy — but this is not a sign that it’s not working. It’s a sign that your scalp is healing from years of being told to overcompensate.
Some people choose to use natural alternatives during this period to help manage appearance and reduce discomfort. Popular options include:
- Baking soda and apple cider vinegar rinse: Baking soda gently cleanses while apple cider vinegar restores pH and adds shine.
- Raw egg mask: Eggs are rich in protein and lecithin, which nourish the hair without stripping natural oils.
- Rhassoul or bentonite clay: These natural clays help draw out impurities and cleanse the scalp without harsh chemicals.
Transition Tips for a Smoother No ‘Poo Journey
If you’re ready to give it a go but feel nervous about the process, here are some tips to make the switch more manageable:
- Ease in gradually: Start by spacing out your shampoo days, using gentler options like diluted castile soap, or switching to a shampoo bar with minimal ingredients before going fully no ‘poo.
- Use a boar bristle brush: This helps distribute sebum from root to tip, reducing oiliness at the scalp and nourishing dry ends.
- Rinse with warm water: Daily water-only rinsing can help remove sweat, dirt and excess oil while still allowing your scalp to reset.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase: This reduces friction and helps minimise tangles and breakage as your hair adjusts.
Low-Tox Alternatives for a Compromise Approach
If you’re not ready to give up hair products entirely, there are excellent low-tox options that won’t sabotage your scalp or health. Look for shampoos and conditioners that are free from sulfates, parabens, silicones, and synthetic fragrances. Brands that use essential oils, herbal extracts and biodegradable ingredients can provide a happy middle ground.
Shampoo bars are also gaining popularity for their simplicity and minimal packaging. These solid bars often contain natural oils and clays, and many Paleo-minded individuals have found them a great first step away from conventional products. As an added bonus, they’re fantastic for travel.
What About Soap and Body Wash?
It’s not just shampoo under scrutiny — body washes and soaps are often just as problematic. The skin absorbs much of what we apply to it, and repeated use of harsh, fragranced soaps can disrupt the skin’s acid mantle and microbiome. For most people, washing with water and a gentle exfoliating cloth is enough for daily cleansing, with natural soap reserved for truly dirty days.
Those transitioning away from soap often notice that body odour reduces over time as the microbiome stabilises and adjusts. Many people find that once they stop stripping away their skin’s natural oils, they sweat less and develop a more neutral scent — especially when combined with a real food diet free from synthetic additives and processed oils.
Natural Hair Treatments to Try
Instead of commercial masks and deep conditioners, you can nourish your hair with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here are a few favourites from the natural living community:
- Coconut oil: Works wonders for dry ends and frizz when used as a pre-wash mask or sparingly on dry hair.
- Avocado and honey: A rich treatment for extra dry or damaged hair — blend and leave on for 30 minutes.
- Herbal rinses: Brewed rosemary, nettle, or chamomile teas can soothe the scalp and enhance shine and colour naturally.
Reframing What “Clean” Means
Part of the resistance to going no ‘poo or no soap comes from cultural conditioning around what it means to be clean. We’ve been trained to associate foam, fragrance and squeaky skin with cleanliness — but these sensations are often the result of detergents and surfactants, not indicators of hygiene.
True cleanliness doesn’t require dozens of products. With a bit of patience and experimentation, many people find their skin and hair healthier, stronger and less reactive without commercial products. As with Paleo eating, the journey often starts with questioning conventional norms and making small, deliberate changes.
Listen to Your Body (and Your Scalp)
Ultimately, what works for one person may not work for another. Hair texture, climate, diet and lifestyle all play a role. If you’re curious about the no ‘poo movement but hesitant, there’s no harm in trying a hybrid approach first. Observe how your scalp and hair respond and make adjustments over time.
As you clean up your personal care routine, you might just find that less really is more — and that, just like with food, returning to a more natural approach can have surprising benefits for health, simplicity and sustainability.
What are your thoughts on giving up shampoo? Or perhaps you have some top tips for conquering my shampoo habit?
