Postpartum Hair My Unshampoo Adventure & Borax..

When life gives you postpartum hair fallout, sometimes you have to think outside the bottle.

Let’s be honest: after having Swade, I spent MONTHS staring at the drain in horror. Handfuls of hair, patches along my hairline, and that sinking feeling that my scalp was plotting its own departure. Maybe you’ve been there too—where the very act of brushing your hair feels like a tragic performance without an ending in sight.

Enter: the unshampoo method.

Yes, it sounds wild. Yes, it feels rebellious. Yes, I sometimes wonder if I’ve lost my mind. But hear me out—because this little adventure is actually working.

🛁 What “Unshampoo” Means

In my household, “unshampoo” is just what it sounds like: skipping traditional shampoo in favor of a more minimal, scalp-friendly routine. For me, it’s part of a holistic, postpartum self-care approach. My hair has been shedding less, feels softer, and my scalp is finally starting to feel like itself again.

Instead of stripping natural oils, I’m letting my scalp balance naturally, which has been surprisingly… satisfying.

🌿 Enter Borax (Yes, Really)

Now, before you roll your eyes, stick with me.

I’ve started using a tiny, carefully measured amount of borax to freshen up my hair and strengthen it. Think of it as a little scalp pick-me-up, not a miracle potion.

I only use it once or twice a month. It’s part of a ritual: gentle, intentional, and yes—very low-key.

Here’s why it works for me:

• Helps cleanse without over-stripping

• Gives my hair a little extra body at the roots

• Leaves the scalp feeling fresh and balanced

• Feels empowering to take the health of my hair into my own hands

⚠️ Note: This is my personal experience. If you’re curious, research and caution are key—everyone’s hair and scalp are different!

💬 Why I’m Sharing

Because postpartum hair loss can be isolating. And because there’s no shame in experimenting safely with unconventional approaches. Hair care doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. Some days, it’s salon-fancy; other days, it’s hands-in-the-hair, trial-and-error, joyful chaos.

The unshampoo + borax method is my way of saying:

“I'll keep it simple, sis!”

And honestly? There’s something deeply satisfying about standing in the bathroom, sprinkling a little borax, massaging gently, and thinking: This is my little act of rebellion and self-care all in one.

🥥 My Hair Method (Postpartum & Beyond)

Quick and Dirty Method.

Whenever I darn well feel like it!

• Take a whole body & hair BATH soak in 3 tbsp of borax & HOT water.

(Do NOT exceed a 20 minute soak, in this solution.)

• RINSE off like usual.

Step 1: Coconut Oil TLC

• Every 5–10 days, I massage coconut oil onto my strands (ends first, scalp w/ leftovers) and coat my hair overnight.

• Sleep on it like a messy crown of healing magic.

• Why? It nourishes, moisturizes, and reminds me that slow care is better than “fast fixes.”

Step 2: Baking Soda Wash

• Next morning, I wash out the coconut oil with a gentle baking soda rinse.

• Focus on the scalp, let it refresh without stripping.

• This is your “reset” moment.

Step 3: Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse (Optional)

• Condition and shine: ACV balances scalp pH and leaves your strands feeling…alive.

• Optional, because sometimes your hair just wants to breathe.

Step 4: Monthly Borax Deep Wash

• 1–2 times a month, I do a deep unshampoo wash with borax on damp hair.

• Focus on the scalp, let it do its magic.

• Wash out like normal; ACV rinse optional.

• Yes, I know it sounds a little out there, but it’s honestly strengthening, freshening, and giving my hairline the TLC, my mental health needed.

🌟 Why This Works for Me

• It’s holistic. We’re talking nourishment, reset, and gentle chemistry!

• It’s intentional. I choose when to “wash” vs. when to “nourish.”

• It’s flexible. Some days I skip ACV; some days I double down on coconut oil.

• It’s fun to experiment. Because postpartum life is messy enough—your hair routine can be empowering.

✨ Bonus: The routine is meditative. It’s one of those small, empowering rituals that reminds me that self-care doesn’t need to be complicated.

🥰 Swade on Clover Takeaway

This method isn’t for everyone. It’s unconventional. It’s experimental. But it’s working for me—and that’s enough reason to share it.

Postpartum and beyond, hair care can be messy, joyful, and experimental.

Sometimes the best solution is a little grit, a little grace, and a lot of self-trust.

If you’re in a similar season—hair falling out, spirits wobbling—remember: your body is still healing. Be gentle. Be curious. Try what feels intentional. And laugh a little along the way. At the very least, examine the ingredients in Borax, or the absence thereof, and compare them to those in the products we use daily.

Because messy, shedding, growing, and strong hair? That’s living.