The oil-shampoo method.

[angelfell]

I really apologize for posting this but, I've really been out of the loop the past few months, and something has come up that I want to try.. this something being the oil-shampoo method. I have read a lot.. and I mean a lot.. on it, the articles, the posts.. and my problem is (and believe me, it's my problem, not anyone else's :p) there is so much information, I can't.. really.. figure it all out XD. I keep finding bits and pieces and it's confusing me. It's probably because I just got off work and am trying to read all this.. but I was planning on trying it this evening and I'm having a hard time figuring out where to start.

I suppose what I'm asking for is if there is a thread that goes through all the steps, literally every single thing I need to do to complete the task.. how to clarify.. basically, what threads are going to help teach me how to do this? Again, I'm really sorry, but I'm having a problem navigating the threads/articles myself :( Just a link will help.. I hope I don't offend anyone, it's not that the stuff it hard to read, I'm just having a problem.

[Intransigentia]

Here is ktani's summary article: Adding coconut oil to Shampoo (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/vbjournal.php?do=article&articleid=191)

My summary of ktani's summary: First clarify thoroughly with something that doesn't leave residue. Then mix some coconut oil with a non-residue-leaving shampoo, wash, rinse out. (ACV or other acidic rinse optional) If your hair comes out all greasy, that was too much oil. Use less next time.

Here is a link (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showpost.php?p=1369612&postcount=816)to shampoos people have used with especially good results.

Good luck!

[madeline_]

Since you are in America, Neutrogena Anti-Residue and Prell Classic in the bottle are the two most recommended shampoos to use with this method.

[Chanteuse87]

I see someone already brought up Prell :) I find it ideal because it acts as a good clarifier on its own, but also mixes well with the oil, and it's SUPER CHEAP. My favorite part.

[angelfell]

Thank you, all of you, for helping me out :) I was totally alien to this whole method until about 20 minutes ago, and found SO many threads and SO much information.. I overwhelmed myself. My fault, and you all are very generous for helping me <3. Thank you!

ETA: I'm about to go to the store and look for either of those shampoos. I have the coconut oil.. I was thinking of using vinegar and baking soda to clarify prior. I don't need to let my hair dry first, do I? I can clarify and then.. go.. in the same shower session? Hopefully? XD

[Chanteuse87]

Yep :) If you want to do baking soda, just let some fully dissolve in warm water, apply, rub in, rinse out, vinegar rinse, then right on to the oil shampoo. Otherwise you'd be walking around with unconditioned, clarified hair.... yikes.

[Intransigentia]

I was thinking of using vinegar and baking soda to clarify prior. I don't need to let my hair dry first, do I? I can clarify and then.. go.. in the same shower session? Hopefully? XD

I did! (and it worked fine) Didn't see a point in letting my hair dry all "naked" and tangly just to wet it back down and re-wash. Also, you only need to clarify the first time, after that, you can use just the oil shampoo mix.

(With the information explosion that's happened, I can understand you being overwhelmed!)

[angelfell]

Awesome (: thank you! One more question. From what I read, you're not supposed to use the oil shampoo every time you wash your hair? For a few times afterwards, you simply use the same shampoo but without the oil, right? Is there is set number of times for that or does it vary for everyone? Yes, it seems there has been quite an explosion XD and I'm STILL reading.. I'm picking stuff up more, just in pieces.

[Intransigentia]

Eventually, your hair gets as much oil as it can absorb, and then you get a greasy result with a blend that had been working before, and at that point you use the shampoo without the oil, until you feel like you need more oil again.

EAT: It's really all individual and trial and error, just go by how your hair looks and feels.

[angelfell]

Eventually, your hair gets as much oil as it can absorb, and then you get a greasy result with a blend that had been working before, and at that point you use the shampoo without the oil, until you feel like you need more oil again.

Aha. So, I keep using it when I wash my hair (every other day) until it dries and feels greasy. And then from that point, just shampoo until it starts to feel dry?

[MinderMutsig]

Aha. So, I keep using it when I wash my hair (every other day) until it dries and feels greasy. And then from that point, just shampoo until it starts to feel dry? That's right.

[angelfell]

That's right.

Aha! Thank you. I know what I need to do now :). Sorry it took me a bit to catch on. But you all have been very helpful and patient and I truly appreciate it.

[MinderMutsig]

You're welcome! Have you thought about what ratio oil:shampoo you're going to use?
If you are going to wash with Prell you don't have to clarify with baking soda by the way, you can just use the Prell straight up and then do a second wash with oil shampoo.

[angelfell]

You're welcome! Have you thought about what ratio oil:shampoo you're going to use?
If you are going to wash with Prell you don't have to clarify with baking soda by the way, you can just use the Prell straight up and then do a second wash with oil shampoo.

Actually, I JUST returned from the store with Prell :p and baking soda/vinegar. Got all of it with a $5 bill. Good to know I don't need the baking soda/vinegar now XD! 'Sok. Good, one less step. <3.

No, I haven't thought of the ratio yet.. I suppose I'll copy someone else who has hair like mine.. tends to get greasy easily.

[breezefaerie]

I use 1:1 Prell to coconut oil and this mix seems to be perfect for me. I also use the Prell to clarify. Our hair types are pretty similar so you may want to start out with equal parts shampoo to oil and then tweak your mix as necessary.

I know the main Oil Shampoo thread is a monster, but I really recommend that you at least read ktani's first post in the thread. It covers a lot of info.

[madeline_]

I suppose there are some items in the big thread that you'd better read, like the ones about saturation and optimal and such. It's not a very easy method to understand, I fear. Much of it is trial & error.

[angelfell]

breezefaerie ; I'll definitely try that <3 thanks. And yes, I did read the main thread.. so I learned then what it's about.. where I got confused is to, step by step, what to do XD

madeline ; I've finally gone through just about all the threads besides half of the trials/results.. although I don't currently understand it all, I do know what to look for for.. optimal :p. I shall learn

[curlsgalore]

breezefaerie ; I'll definitely try that <3 thanks. And yes, I did read the main thread.. so I learned then what it's about.. where I got confused is to, step by step, what to do XD

madeline ; I've finally gone through just about all the threads besides half of the trials/results.. although I don't currently understand it all, I do know what to look for for.. optimal :p. I shall learn

You're not the only one! :) I was a little confused myself and felt like I was going around in circles with all the info. Thanks for starting this thread.

[angelfell]

You're not the only one! :) I was a little confused myself and felt like I was going around in circles with all the info. Thanks for starting this thread.

Yay for the confused people XD <3. You're welcome.

So I actually just did the deed.. er, the oil-shampoo treatment. I did 50/50 prell & melted coconut oil.. however, although I didn't need do, I did clarify with baking soda & ACV before hand. I have never clarified in my life so I figured I could use it :p. I washed my body & all after that before I applied my shampoo mix. Rubbed it in for a minute, rinsed, got out.

I'm quite pleased so far :D. My hair combed out with no tangles, just as if I'd used conditioner. Even when I use conditioner, I usually have one tangle somewhere.. I'm suspicious XD. I don't know if I used too much oil yet, I can never tell until my hair is dried. So we will see <3

[breezefaerie]

My hair felt ... different the first time I did this. It felt heavy and sort of grabby after my first wash. It was a little tangley which has since gone away. It dried really fast and I had a noticeable improvement in shine my first time washing this way.
I still use a tiny bit of coney serum on my ends (haven't been able to give that up) but this method works well for me even with the small amount of cones.
I hope it works just as well for you!

I did reach saturation about a month into this washing method. My hair was a little piecey and oily at the roots. So easy to fix - just washed my next time with Prell only and problem solved. I was able to go back to my 1:1 mix after that.

[ktani]

My method is really very simple, http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showpost.php?p=1396543&postcount=1844.

The shampoo choices in many cases have not been.

People have also not understood in all cases what well clarified means. It can mean more than one attempt, depending on what has been on the hair in what amounts.

You are welcome to report in the other thread and I will troubleshoot, if you like. I am not going back and forth between 2 threads, as I record files to make it easier at this point, just to help out.

[angelfell]

My method is really very simple, http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showpost.php?p=1396543&postcount=1844.

The shampoo choices in many cases have not been.

People have also not understood in all cases what well clarified means. It can mean more than one attempt, depending on what has been on the hair in what amounts.

You are welcome to report in the other thread and I will troubleshoot, if you like. I am not going back and forth between 2 threads, as I record files to make it easier at this point, just to help out.

Thank you, ktani :). Yes, I'm glad some members made suggestions on a shampoo because, out of what was listed, I wasn't sure what I should do :p. But so far so good. I shall report!

[ktani]

Thank you, ktani :). Yes, I'm glad some members made suggestions on a shampoo because, out of what was listed, I wasn't sure what I should do :p. But so far so good. I shall report!

Of those 2 shampoos I have recommended the Prell for a while now if it is available. It has had superlative reports but it is not the only shampoo for this that can work well.

As I have said repeatedly, it does double duty as a clarifyer too. I have written posts on it.

[Firefox7275]

I'm bumping this because I am still non-the-wiser. :o I know how to clarify and I know what shampoo I am going to use - not on the list because I am in the UK and trying something I already own.

What are the ratios and steps and timings of the first wash please, I cannot find that post and it is not the one Ktani linked to in post 21 nor the first one in the original thread. All I can find is articles referencing other articles, mention of club soda, vinegar, baking soda but no post telling me where club soda and vinegar come into play. :confused: I just want to plan my first oil shampoo then worry about changing the shampoo, changing the ratio afterwards.

Sorry to seem rude but there is too much information for the beginner ... and I have a research background!! :p IMO it is daunting and offputting to read what scores of others have done, and saturation just confuses matters. Thanks. :o

[In2wishin]

I'm bumping this because I am still non-the-wiser. :o I know how to clarify and I know what shampoo I am going to use - not on the list because I am in the UK and trying something I already own.

What are the ratios and steps and timings of the first wash please, I cannot find that post and it is not the one Ktani linked to in post 21 nor the first one in the original thread. All I can find is articles referencing other articles, mention of club soda, vinegar, baking soda but no post telling me where club soda and vinegar come into play. :confused: I just want to plan my first oil shampoo then worry about changing the shampoo, changing the ratio afterwards.

Sorry to seem rude but there is too much information for the beginner ... and I have a research background!! :p IMO it is daunting and offputting to read what scores of others have done, and saturation just confuses matters. Thanks. :o

After the original thread got shut down we started a new one. Here is the simplified version:

For anyone who may be interested in starting, the steps are simple (condensed from Ktani's original recommendations):

•clarify your hair (do this only the first time)
•mix coconut oil(or oil from other palm type trees like babassu, palm, murumuru) with a simple shampoo (the milder the better). start with equal parts and adjust as you go
•While the shampoo is in your hair, add a small amount of additional oil to the ends if needed
•Rinse
•Follow up with an acidic rinse if needed because of hard water or a soap-based shampoo like castile or shampoo bars
•Additionally, you can use oils, light conditioners, etc. as long as they will wash out with the next shampoo


I know that the huge amount of info is daunting. The method itself is very simple but everyone's hair is different so how you tweak the basics is very personal.

For someone starting out, I would recommend equal parts oil and shampoo.


If your hair is great after drying, you are set.
If your hair is oily, use less oil
If your crown is oily but your ends are OK or dry, use less oil but add a little extra to the ends only

As you use this regularly you may see changes:


If your crown starts to look oily but the ends are not, use less oil but add some to the ends or use no oil in the shampoo but add some to the ends

If your hair seems oily and lank all over, use shampoo only for a wash or two then go back to the oil shampoo


I hope this helps. It really is easier than the amount of info would let you believe.

[Firefox7275]

Thank you! :) So were does the club soda and time left on head come into it? I have read of people not following these 'rules'.

[In2wishin]

Thank you! :) So were does the club soda and time left on head come into it? I have read of people not following these 'rules'.

Club soda is another method of combating very hard water or water with high chlorine content. An acidic rinse is more common. I have hard water but I don't do either regularly. I will occasionally do an acidic rinse.

The time left on the head is one of those trial and error things. Most (including me) don't leave the shampoo on the head longer than it takes to get the extra oil on the ends, if you use it. Some feel that they have had better results letting the shampoo stay in the hair a few minutes.

[ktani]

Club soda has some advantages over the usual diluted vinegar or lemon juice rinse.

Its acidic pH is very hair friendly at about pH 5 with no diluting being necessary, it has not been reported to be drying to the hair the way a too strong vinegar or lemon juice rinse can be, and it helps break up calcium and mineral deposits on the hair, while neutralizing chlorine.