to wash or not to wash

I started my dreads 15 months ago, totally natural freeform style, for the first year or so I had an ever worsening dandruff problem. I was using tea tree oil shampoo, about once a week. At a certain point it got so bad I could feel this crust all over the top of my head, and started to show really badly, and had these huge flakes everywhere. Instead of turning to a medicated shampoo (YUK!) I took the advice of a friend and stopped shampooing my hair completely. Well, for the few weeks the problem seemed to be getting worse...but now, after not shampooing for 3 months I see a very big improvement. I still have the odd breakout but I am WINNING THE BATTLE!!! My hair doent stink....it doesnt smell like lavender and coconuts but who care!!! Its not overly oily or greasy either, I wash it with pure water everytime i shower, not just rinse tho i really get my fingers working....

im not saying its the solution for everyone but....
anyone else here shampoo free?

 

Do you consider baking soda to be shampoo? I'm just messing around. A lot of people use just water, but not me because I'm a dirty dirty boy.

 

...haven't i read this three trillion times. oh well. yes. not using shampoo can stop scalp problems.
/thread.

 

ok....just passing on my experiences, it might benefit someone

 

I think this is a good thread, it's nice to hear some advice from a new face. It's nice to hear that the no shampoo thing is working out for you. sounds like you had a pretty hard time with the flakes! I quit shampoo about 3 months ago too. I've used it once since because I got mud in my hair and they needed a good scrub but other than that I love using just water and sometimes a few drops of tea tree oil. My hair feels a lot cleaner without it and my dreads are much softer and more shiny. I don't wash as often as I did either, maybe once every 2/3 weeks. just when my head gets itchy.

 

yeah, shampoo is pretty evil especially for locks because it's hard to get the flakes out. sorry, didn't mean to seem bitchy in my last post. for the record, i alternate between bronners, burt's bees, and a baking soda rinse.

 

I'm becoming a minority. I love shampoo and have no issues with it.

 

i switch it up.. i rinse my hair with water every other day and use dr bronners once a week and then i do a deep cleanse once a month

 

My back is pretty fucked today, top and bottom, should I wash it with or without shampoo?

 

ur back? how longs it been sinse uve washed with shampoo?

 

dunno, I smell of fire so I should probably shower or some shit.

 

I am. Seems like everything else i use leaves a greasy residue in my hair so ive just been using water lately.

 

I use shampoo sometimes. I've been washing like once a week.

 

I usually just wash with water, but otwice a month i wash with bicarb, and it really gets the job done, my locks feel so much cleaner, and brighter looking since i washed em last night, i actually got a lot of dirt out this wash, didnt realise how dirty they had become lately

 

ew

 

I dont recommend tea tree shampoo.... its pretty harsh and if used too much can leave you with dry scalp and residue..... I dont think if you have dreadlocks you should use shampoo, no matter what you use its soap, and will leave residue, and if you are not combing your hair some of it remains....im convinced that was my problem... the flakes accually smelled like shampoo LOL

i dont know about wax or backcomb etc but if you have natural healthy dreadlocks that last for years Im convinced pure water is all you need

 

I actually quite enjoy the KB shampoo I still have. The liquid 'poo is quite enjoyable (though indeed, unecessary) mint, hemp, tea tree, lotsa good stuff. I also occasionally do a deep cleanse

 

UPDATE!!

my dandruff came back...i think its the changing seasons, but I noticed a big improvement with a rosemary solution
buy dried rosemary, they should look like sticks, dont buy the powder... put in a pot with a bit of water and simmer over medium low heat untill it turns dark...dont boil!!!
strain the liquid and dab it on your scalp with a gauze or a clean cloth, no need to rinse

i see a big improvement now, and Im still shampoo free

 

Sweet, for the sake of it I might try this. whats the ratio of dried rosemary to water?

 

about 8-10 sticks and just cover it with water, maybe 4 cups
its reusable too!