When I use them I use shikakai and amla mixed together. I just get them from the local Indian grocery store. The 100gram boxes are really cheap, like less than $2. I use very little, 1tsp shikakai and 2 tsp of amla to 16 ounces of water. The shikakai cleans really well, but it can also be a little drying. I've heard amla can darken your hair, so if you have light hair, you might want to stay away from it. Right now I'm loving the conditioner only washes with cheapo Suave. But I alternate with other washes.

My hair is healthier and wavier than it's ever been. It's very exciting, because I've always had pretty crap hair that never got much longer than my arm pit (and I usually considered that long). My hair's pretty fragile and can't handle a lot of stress, so even though I rarely did anything to it, it would always break off. Daily washing with shampoo and conditioner and a preference for silicone products was just killing it. For the first time in my life I feel like I can actually grow it longer (bra strap is my goal) and have it look okay at the same time.

So thanks to everyone for turning me on to no poo. If anyone is trying to grow their hair, www.longhaircommunity.com is also a wealth of information.