1. Skipping Showers for “Natural Oils”
Many hippies believed that frequent washing stripped the body of its natural oils, so they simply didn’t shower as often, according to Lucie Machin from Curious Earth. Instead, they let their skin and hair regulate themselves naturally, which sometimes led to a distinct, earthy scent. Some even argued that commercial soaps contained harmful chemicals that interfered with the body’s natural balance. While this might sound unappealing, it was their way of rejecting what they saw as unnecessary cleanliness standards imposed by corporations.
Over time, some found that their bodies adapted, producing less oil and odor than expected. Others, however, leaned into the musk, viewing it as a sign of authenticity and freedom from social norms. Communal living often reinforced this habit, as not everyone had access to daily showers. While modern hygiene science might disagree with their approach, their anti-chemical stance foreshadowed today’s interest in natural skincare.
2. Homemade Deodorant—Or None at All
Store-bought deodorants were often dismissed as artificial and full of chemicals, so many hippies made their own—or skipped deodorant entirely. A common DIY option was a mix of baking soda and cornstarch, sometimes with essential oils for fragrance, Lesley Clayton explains in GOOD. Others used crushed herbs, like sage or rosemary, to help mask body odor. Some simply embraced their natural scent, seeing it as a return to a more primal way of living.
Not everyone around them appreciated the all-natural approach, especially in hot, crowded festival settings. Some communities encouraged rubbing lemon slices under the arms, believing the citric acid would neutralize odor-causing bacteria. While modern science supports some of these methods, others were likely more psychological than practical. Either way, rejecting corporate hygiene products became a key part of the counterculture identity.
3. No Shampoo, Just Water
Hippies were early adopters of what we now call the “no-poo” movement—ditching commercial shampoos in favor of water rinses, Sali Hughes explains in The Guardian. Many believed that shampoo contained harsh detergents that stripped hair of its natural oils, making it more dependent on constant washing. Instead, they brushed their hair regularly to distribute oils and sometimes rinsed it with herbal infusions like chamomile or rosemary tea. The result was often long, wild, and slightly greasy hair that became a signature hippie look.
Some people found their hair adjusted over time, becoming softer and less oily. Others, though, struggled with buildup and resorted to using occasional vinegar rinses to remove residue. While their methods weren’t always effective, they were rejecting the marketing-driven idea that hair needed to be washed daily. Today, many people have revived this approach, using milder hair care routines for healthier, less processed locks.
4. Brushing Teeth with Salt or Baking Soda
Instead of commercial toothpaste, many hippies used simple, natural ingredients like salt, baking soda, or even charcoal to clean their teeth. The idea was to avoid artificial flavors, fluoride, and preservatives found in mass-produced toothpastes. Some mixed these powders with a little water or coconut oil to create a paste, while others just dipped a wet toothbrush straight into the powder. The result was often a gritty but effective way to scrub away plaque.
These homemade solutions did provide some antibacterial benefits, though they lacked fluoride, which helps prevent cavities, Rebecca Joy Stanborough explains in Healthline. Some hippies even chewed on twigs from certain trees, a practice that had been used in many ancient cultures. Others simply relied on their vegetarian diets, believing that avoiding processed sugars reduced the need for aggressive oral care. While modern dentists might not fully approve, the trend toward natural toothpaste today echoes their philosophy.
5. Washing Clothes Less Frequently
Hippies took a relaxed approach to laundry, often wearing the same clothes multiple times before washing them. Part of this was practical—many lived in communes or traveled frequently, making laundry access limited. Another reason was a rejection of consumer culture, seeing frequent washing as unnecessary and wasteful. Natural fibers like cotton and hemp helped mask odors better than synthetics, which also made re-wearing clothes more manageable.
When they did wash their clothes, many preferred hand-washing with biodegradable soaps in rivers or lakes. Some even used homemade soap made from lye and animal fat or plant-based ingredients. Sun-drying and air exposure were often seen as sufficient ways to “cleanse” clothing between washes. While today’s society is obsessed with cleanliness, the modern push for sustainable laundry practices aligns with some of their beliefs.
6. Natural Menstrual Care
Hippie women sought alternatives to the commercial menstrual products they saw as unnatural and wasteful. Some used washable cloth pads, which they sewed themselves or bought from small eco-conscious producers. Others embraced free bleeding, allowing their bodies to flow naturally without interference, particularly in private or communal living settings. Some even used natural sea sponges as a reusable tampon alternative.
These methods required extra care and cleaning but were seen as more in tune with the body’s natural cycles. Many women also used herbal remedies to ease cramps, avoiding pharmaceutical painkillers. Communes often encouraged open conversations about menstruation, challenging taboos surrounding it. While reusable menstrual products are gaining popularity today, hippies were pioneers in questioning the convenience-based menstrual industry.
7. Using Mud as Sunscreen
Instead of modern sunscreens, some hippies smeared mud on their skin as a natural sunblock. The thick layer of dirt created a barrier that helped protect against sunburn, much like ancient cultures had done for centuries. Some mixed mud with herbal extracts or aloe vera for added skin benefits. While it wasn’t as effective as modern SPF formulas, it did offer some degree of sun protection.
Others used coconut oil, though we now know that it provides very little UV protection. Some believed that tanning naturally built up the skin’s resistance to burning over time. This approach often led to deep tans, but also plenty of sun damage. While today’s natural sunscreen options are more effective, the hippie mindset of avoiding chemicals in skincare remains popular.
8. DIY Herbal Perfumes
Instead of commercial perfumes, many hippies made their own scents using natural ingredients. They often infused oils with herbs, flowers, or resins like patchouli, sandalwood, or lavender. Some would even carry small pouches of dried flowers and crushed leaves to rub on their skin for a fresh scent. These homemade perfumes were not just about smelling good—they were part of a spiritual and personal connection to nature.
Patchouli, in particular, became strongly associated with the hippie movement, thanks to its earthy, musky scent. Some used essential oils directly on their skin, though this could sometimes cause irritation. Others burned incense and let the scent linger on their clothes and hair. While modern natural perfumes have refined the process, hippies were early advocates of fragrance without synthetic chemicals.
9. Barefoot Living
Many hippies rejected shoes entirely, believing that going barefoot connected them more closely to the earth. This practice, sometimes called “earthing,” was thought to help balance energy and promote better health. It was also a rebellion against materialism, as shoes were seen as unnecessary and restrictive. Walking barefoot everywhere, from grassy fields to city streets, became a symbol of freedom.
Of course, this led to plenty of dirty feet, as well as the risk of cuts, infections, and other hazards. Some hippies cleaned their feet with homemade scrubs, using sand or salt to exfoliate. Others didn’t mind the grime, seeing it as a sign of their commitment to a more natural lifestyle. Today, barefoot walking is still practiced for its supposed health benefits, though most people prefer a more balanced approach.
10. Shared Bathing in Natural Water Sources
For many hippies, bathing wasn’t just about hygiene—it was a communal experience. Instead of showering alone, they often bathed together in rivers, lakes, or natural hot springs. This was partly practical, as many communal living spaces lacked proper bathrooms, but it was also about embracing a free and open attitude toward the body. Being naked in nature was seen as a way to connect with the earth and reject societal shame around nudity.
Bathing together also reinforced a sense of community, as people helped scrub each other’s backs and shared homemade soaps. These gatherings sometimes turned into social events, with singing, drumming, or meditative practices. Some hippies even believed that the minerals in natural water sources were better for the skin than tap water. While communal bathing isn’t as common today, modern spa retreats and hot springs still capture a bit of this spirit.
11. Natural Dental Floss Alternatives
Instead of traditional dental floss, some hippies turned to natural fibers to clean between their teeth. Some used strands of silk or thin plant fibers, which had been used for centuries in different cultures. Others chewed on fibrous twigs from certain trees, a practice that naturally cleaned teeth while freshening breath. These natural methods were an alternative to plastic-based floss, which they saw as wasteful.
While their methods were sometimes effective, they lacked the consistency and strength of modern floss. Some people even used long hairs from their own heads when nothing else was available. This commitment to reducing waste sometimes came at the cost of dental health, leading to cavities and gum issues. Today’s eco-friendly floss options are a more refined version of their early sustainability efforts.
12. Using Urine as a Skin Treatment
One of the most surprising hygiene practices among some hippies was the use of urine for skincare. This idea, known as “urine therapy,” has existed in various cultures for centuries and was believed to have healing properties. Some hippies applied urine to their skin to treat acne, rashes, or sunburns, believing it had antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Others even drank small amounts, thinking it could detoxify the body.
While this practice was never mainstream, it did gain a small following among those who embraced alternative medicine. Scientifically, urine is mostly water with some urea, which does have mild exfoliating properties. However, most doctors today would not recommend it as a serious skincare treatment. Still, it shows just how far some hippies were willing to go in their rejection of mainstream hygiene products.
