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How to Get the Hair of Your Dreams? Ditch Your Shampoo

Anti-shampoo advocates say the secret to glossier, healthier hair is going suds-free. Here, the best ways -- and products -- to do it
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The Method: Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
What It Is: Rinsing your hair with a mixture of apple cider vinegar (ACV) and water. Bova recommends a blend of 1/3 cup ACV and one liter of water (this will get you at least two rinses).

Benefits: Nussbaum says that the function of doing an ACV rinse is to balance the pH of your scalp, which keeps it healthy, shiny and dandruff-free. It can also help whisk away buildup from styling products.

Pros & Cons: Rinsing with ACV can fade your hair color, according to McMichael.

Tips & Tricks: "Apple cider vinegar doesn't leave your hair silky-smooth when you get out of the shower," Nussbaum warns. To ensure that it's soft when it dries, make sure your hair is thoroughly detangled. "Wet hair is far more fragile and can break more easily," she says.

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The Method: Baking Soda
What It Is: "This is being touted as a clarifying product to use on the hair," says McMichael. She says it's a gentle cleanser, but you miss out on the convenience aspect because you have to mix it with water before you apply it to your scalp.

Cons: "The biggest problem with 'no poo' [washing your hair without shampoo] is that many experience extremely oily and greasy looking strands in the beginning," Nussbaum says. That's because your scalp is still producing oil at the elevated rate it was when your hair was being stripped with your regular shampoo. "Baking soda doesn't strip your hair of the natural oils so there is a buildup of oils for a period of time till your scalp readjusts and stops pumping out extra oil," she explains.

Who It's (Not) Good for: McMichael doesn't recommend this treatment to those with hair that's damaged or very dry.

Tips & Tricks: Use one part baking soda to three parts water to get rid of silicones from your styling products. And concentrate the mixture on your scalp, where most of the buildup occurs, says Nussbaum. She adds you should always (always) follow up with an ACV rinse to restore the pH of your scalp.

BY ALLIE FLINN | DEC 9, 2014 | SHARES
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