What happens if you don't use shampoo and only conditioner?

Author: Dr. Leonora Strosin V  |  Last update: Monday, August 18, 2025

Reduced Stripping of Natural Oils: Shampoos, even gentle ones, can strip your hair of its natural oils. By using only a conditioner, you're skipping this potentially harsh step and retaining more of your hair's natural moisture.

Is it okay to just use conditioner and not shampoo?

You may benefit from co-washing, or using only a cleansing conditioner and no shampoo. This method might be gentler for your scalp, especially if you have dry hair. You may notice that it does not save time, but co-washing may clean your hair and keep it soft.

What happens if I wash my hair with only conditioner?

Washing your hair with just conditioner, also known as co-washing, can be effective for some hair types, especially dry or curly hair. It helps maintain moisture and can leave your hair softer and more manageable. However, it may not fully cleanse the scalp, especially for people with oily hair or product buildup.

What happens if you never use shampoo?

Build-Up: Without shampoo, you might experience product build-up, dirt, and excess oil, which can lead to a greasy appearance or scalp issues. Odor: In some cases, not washing your hair regularly can lead to an unpleasant odor due to sweat and bacteria.

What is the healthiest way to wash your hair?

How to Properly Wash Your Hair in 8 Simple Steps
  1. Brush your hair. Brushing your hair before washing is a crucial part of the process. ...
  2. Soak on. ...
  3. Lather for length. ...
  4. Indulge in a scalp massage. ...
  5. Rinse & repeat. ...
  6. Condition the ends. ...
  7. Hydrate with a Hair Mask. ...
  8. Soak off.

My DETAILED "no poo" routine & mistakes to avoid!

Can I wash my hair with just water?

Despite the rave reviews of some vloggers, most hair professionals do not recommend the water only hair washing method. “Sebum is naturally quite waxy (and smelly), and water alone may not be able to remove the buildup which can be problematic for people with scalp conditions or a predisposition to scalp conditions.

What is the no shampoo method?

The no-poo (or “no shampoo”) method is a hair-cleansing technique that removes shampoo from the equation, says Yadav. Instead of using shampoo, followers of the practice use alternatives such as apple cider vinegar, a cleansing conditioner, or just plain water.

How long is it OK to not shampoo?

You should only go a week without washing your hair if you have dry, thick, and/or coily hair—not because you can't stretch your wash-day out even longer, but because you really shouldn't if you're trying to prevent breakage, dryness, and irritation.

What did people use before shampoo?

Before the advent of modern shampoos, people used a variety of natural ingredients and traditional methods to cleanse and care for their hair, including:
  • Herbs and plant extracts.
  • Natural soaps and oils.
  • Egg and milk mixtures.
  • Ash and clay.
  • Honey and vinegar rinses.

Is conditioner bad for your hair?

While conditioners are generally safe, certain ingredients can be harmful to your hair. It's best to avoid products containing the following compounds: Sulfates: They reduce the natural oils of the scalp and cause hair dryness. Dry hair is prone to breakage, frizz, and is difficult to manage.

Does your hair get greasy if you only use conditioner?

Conditioner does NOT make your hair oily when used properly but there are plenty of mistakes that many of us are making when it comes to our hair care routine. So if your conditioner does make your hair oily, it's time to get to the bottom of the issue.

What is the curly girl method?

Here's how to do the Curly Girl Method step-by-step.
  • Step 0: Reset Wash. First up, do a reset cleanse to remove product build-up from your strands. ...
  • Step 1: Cleanse. Wash your hair with a co-wash conditioner or a sulfate-free, low-poo shampoo. ...
  • Step 2: Condition & Detangle. ...
  • Step 3: Style. ...
  • Step 4: Plop. ...
  • Step 5: Repeat.

What is a low-poo?

Low-poo is a method for healthy, hydrated and bouncy curly hair, born out of passion for hair care. The meaning of 'Poo' is shampoo. The meaning of 'low' is that it contains few harmful ingredients such as sulphates, parabens and silicones. Curls are naturally drier than straight hair.

Can I wash my hair with only conditioner?

Co-washing is a term for washing your hair with conditioner only. Ditching the 'poo may seem unconventional but it's actually the perfect solution for dry hair. The natural hair movement has made this beauty routine more popular as word got around that curly and coily locks are more prone to dryness and breakage.

Do you actually need to use shampoo?

For most people, there is no medical need to shampoo at all, as rinsing with water can remove dirt and dandruff. However, some health conditions can benefit from regular shampooing. People with parasitic infections of the scalp, particularly lice, may need to use special shampoos to get rid of the bugs.

What are the results of water only washing hair?

"With more natural oils lubricating the hair [from water-only washing], the hair shafts glide over each other, leading to less tangles." Skipping shampoo also allows for the hair's sebum to distribute throughout, and this may make hair appear more shiny and less frizzy.

How often should you wash your hair?

Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.

What did people use before toilet paper?

Options included rocks, leaves, grass, moss, animal fur, corn cobs, coconut husks, sticks, sand, and sea shells. Water and snow were also used to wash and clean. The material used depended on various factors, such as socioeconomic status, weather conditions, social customs, and location.

Will my hair smell if I don't use shampoo?

Poor hygiene: Habits like not washing your hair enough can lead to a stinky scalp. Pollution: Particles from the environment can attach to your hair, creating a bad smell.

Should I wet my hair every day?

Here's a general overview: For those with dry, damaged, or color-treated hair, daily wetting may not be advisable as it can further strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, leading to increased dryness, frizz, and breakage.

What is the no-poo method?

January 2023) Hair washing without commercial shampoo, sometimes called no poo, includes water-only hair washing or hair washing with non-commercial products, such as baking soda and vinegar. Advocates argue that commercial shampoo is an unnecessary expense and may contain harmful ingredients.

Can I just use conditioner and no shampoo?

Since conditioner provides the protection and moisturization that your hair needs after shampooing, the best guideline is this: you should condition your hair at least every time you shampoo. As a general rule, you shouldn't shampoo without conditioning, but you can condition your hair without shampooing it.

What is Ghost shampoo?

Verb® Ghost Shampoo™ weightlessly cleanses and enhances radiant shine for fine hair and daily washers. Powered by moringa oil, this light-as-air formula naturally protects color and smooths frizz without weighing you (or your hair) down.

What does washing hair with baking soda do?

Summary. Baking soda as part of your hair care routine might allow you to replace commercial shampoos. People report that baking soda dissolved in water can remove excess oil and buildup in hair, restore pH levels, treat dryness and dandruff, and lighten dyed hair.

Previous article
What are the don'ts of pull-ups?
Next article
Is T14 for yellow or orange hair?