I can’t believe it’s already been 9 months since I started my “no ‘poo” challenge! I’ve made some tweaks along the way (I only “cheated” once–on vacation–believe me, it wasn’t worth it!), and I’m here to share my current routine.

I use baking soda (BS) 2-3 times per week (using BS every day was causing my hair to feel like straw). I found my ideal mixture is around 1 Tbsp. BS to 8oz. of warm water. I mix it in one of those bottles with a pointed nozzle used for applying hair dye (so I can target my scalp and not pour it over all of my hair). I just massage the mixture into my scalp (avoiding my ends) before rinsing it all out.

Once per week, I am using a (gasp!) shampoo bar. My hair feels super-clean and super-soft after using a shampoo bar, and I usually don’t feel the need for the BS until the 2nd or 3rd day. I’ve actually tried several great handmade shampoo bars from Etsy (I’ll do a review post for these separately), so my advice here is to find one that works for you and go with it! Shampoo bars are a great way to ease into the whole “no ‘poo” thing–pretty much, not using shampoos with sulfates and parabens is the ultimate goal, anyway!

For conditioner, I am alternating using an organic apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse (1-2 Tbsp. ACV to 8oz. water) and a paraben-free conditioner (I like Aubrey Organics GPB Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner). As a styling product, I just work into my damp hair 3 pea-size drops of Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Lite–The Curl Booster.

Results: Amazing! My curls are defined (but not crunchy), NOT FRIZZY!, and my hair is not greasy or weighed-down at all. I actually haven’t had the need to cut or trim my hair since I started this challenge! (The image here is from 9 months in.) I don’t have split ends, and even though my hair is past my shoulders, I’m still able to comb through it easily. I get more compliments on my hair than I ever had before. I will not ever be going back to commercially-produced, chemical-laden shampoo!

**I used affilate links in this post.**