No shampoo??

Tightwadways

Strange title you might say but....

I've had a bad allergic reaction to one of Boots own brand shampoos, I've never had problems before, and it's fairly bad. I'm really considering not using shampoo again, as my scalp feels like it's on fire and itchy, and I've got localised irritations on my arms, neck and shoulders ( Not nice....

I've been reading on the net about no 'poo (no shampoo) and just using conditioner, and/or a mix of shea butter, spritzers etc. I'm just wondering if anyone has experience of this (it's really not unhygenic!) I'd love to hear more about folks from the UK doing this, as most of what I've found seems to be US orientated..and I'm also fair haired (redhead), whereas websites I've found are based on dark hair...

I'm going out of my mind here...I've been prescribed steroid cream & shampoo to use, but I really don't want to have to resort to using them, as I'm expecting and it's not really me.....I'm seriously considering getting rid of my long hair for a cropped style just to keep cool.....

elona

If you do not want to use creams on your scalp - how about plain yoghurt?

Sounds odd - but they recommend it for thrush, so might be worth a try.

Sweet_Pea_2

I suffer from urticaria, (hives) which is a common or garden allergy, I get great big red blotches all over my body which itch like crazy and bits of me swell up, (nose, eyebrows, forehead) It aint pretty. I usually just get prescribed anti histamines when I break out, but my last gp was a dermatology specialist and he said that you can become allergic to things you are not usually allergic to in extremes of hot or cold weather. I had found this to be true for me, as hot weather tends to trigger things off. Also I have read you are not advised to dye your hair or perm it when you are pregnant, so maybe its a hot weather/pregnancy kind of thing and wont last too long.

It would be an awful shame to chop your hair if its something that might clear up in a few days. My allergies dont usually last longer than about a week, although they are really unpleasant so you've got my sympathy.

SnowyOwl_2

Hi Freecycle

I had a similar reaction to Fructis shampoo - it was very distressing having horrible sores on my head! I made the connection right away, it definitely wasn't caused by anything else, therefore I stopped using it immediately. It did however take about a month for my skin to get over the trauma - but it did recover in the end. Maybe try switching to something very mild and gentle - Johnston's Baby Shampoo is probably one of the gentlest, that shouldn't irritate your skin when it is so sensitive.

trace-j

If you're stressed out it can make allergic to things you aren't normally. I've had adrenal exhaustion in the past and that does weird things to you.

Have you got a Lush near you, they might have something suitable for you.

Jay-Jay_4

I used to use aqueous cream from the chemists to wash my baby's hair as she had a bit of exczma on her leg and I didn't want to put anything in her bathwater.

A massive tub of aqueous cream is only a couple of quid (go to a local chemist as Boots is quite expensive) and can be lathered as soap or shampoo.


It's fragrance free and safe enough to use on even the most painfull, red-raw skin. It's also perfectly safe for pregnant ladies

summerday

The suggestion about Johnsons baby shampoo is a good one.

Incidentally another forum I used to visit had a thread about not using shampoo, there was a theory that if you can get past the first couple of weeks the hair starts to clean itself. Mostlyly out of curiosity I joined in the challenge. I lasted just over 4 weeks and I couldn't bear it any longer. I rinsed my hair with water and vinegar in the shower but no shampoo, but it just didn't feel clean and I was having to tie it back every day it was so bad. My hair is light brown, long and straight. The first time I used shampoo again was such a wonderful experience!

SnowyOwl_2

Hello again

Going "shampooless" was discussed once before - I've managed to find the thread.

Have a look here:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=13262&highlight=scalp+shampoo

I don't think I would ever be brave enough myself, especially after vigorous exercise...ugh imagine not washing your hair after that!

debbym

I get this kind of thing if I use styling products - gel, mousse, even hairspray whilst it will get better eventually here's what I do.
A lot of the irritation is caused by the scalp being dryand itchy in my case (although it also manages to have blisters all over as well- go figure!). Most of the anti-histamine creams are a moisturising base anyway so could'nt hurt.
First comb hair thoughly to get rid of any flakes before you start. Then use an unperfumed shampoo and conditioner - Someone suggested baby shampoo - this is great. BUT instead of using the shampoo first use the conditioner first. If scalp is really dry then leave the conditioner in and wrap your scalp in cling film (or a plastic bag at a pinch) with a towel on top and leave it for about 20 minutes - yes it does sound weird but I just sit and watch telly with a cup of tea or a glass of something depending on how miserable the itching is making me! DO not be tempted to use OS conditioners like olive oil or mayonnaise - baby shampoo doesn't really shift them
Good luck and hope it gets better soon.


having read this again I sound like the nutter on the bus - the reason you
do it this way round is that you don't want any product residue left on your hair if you can help it.

debbym

Jay-Jay wrote:

I used to use aqueous cream from the chemists to wash my baby's hair as she had a bit of exczma on her leg and I didn't want to put anything in her bathwater.

A massive tub of aqueous cream is only a couple of quid (go to a local chemist as Boots is quite expensive) and can be lathered as soap or shampoo.


It's fragrance free and safe enough to use on even the most painfull, red-raw skin. It's also perfectly safe for pregnant ladies

Great as a body wash for neck, face, ears and shoulders but not much good if your hair is long and thick.

ancasta_2

Personally i would go for "trichomania" shampoo from Lush. I suffer very bad eczema in my hair and this is very kind and gentle on it, does not cause irritation and smells bl00dy lush too.

Does cost about £3.60 a bar, but ive had my bar for months!!!!