Stunningly Healthy Hair with Cheap, Natural Ingredients
Stunningly Healthy Hair with Cheap, Natural Ingredients
After throwing out ideas for simple ways to begin a more natural lifestyle, I received awesome feedback that the post was on the right track, but the people need even more.
The most common question readers followed up with was...
"What's that recipe for gorgeous healthy hair, and what's the deal with the stuff I'm already using?!"
So here's the deal.
Many shampoos and conditioners you buy in a store have harsh chemicals that are actually a detriment to the health of your hair, and the rest of your body. To name a few...
- SLES (sodium laureth sulfate), used as a detergent, contains a byproduct called 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen and a hazardous toxin.
- SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), a detergent used for better lathering, is a known skin irritant, and leaves residues stuck to your organs. It also strips your hair of its natural oils and creates dandruff and other skin issues.
- Fragrance may sound lovely, but thousands, up to 3,100 different kinds actually, of highly toxic chemicals could be found in your personal care product that severely damages your insides at the cost of a fancier smell.
- Parabens, used as preservatives, are toxic to our organs and reproductive system, and studies are now discovering estrogen-like properties and are linking them to breast cancer.
YIKES.
But no worries, here's what to do instead.
When I first heard of putting baking soda and apple cider vinegar in my hair, I was horrified. I imagined my hair littered with residue and embarrassingly greasy. But you know, something about my insides crawling with toxins bothered me more than trying out a new hygiene method, so I gave it a go.
I couldn't have been more impressed with the results. My frizzy mane was curlier, shinier, thicker, and much softer after just one wash. I was hooked, and it then seemed hilarious that I waited so long to try it. Where had this method been all my life, and how many others didn't know about it?!
There are tons of different formulas and methods out there, but the one I found worked for me right away so I stuck with it.
What you need:
1/4 cup Baking Soda
1-2 capfuls of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
water
1 pitcher
Optional: essential oils
Optional: a teaspoon of Olive Oil
- Measure the baking soda in into your pitcher and hop in the shower. Add about 4 cups of water to the pitcher, stir until the baking soda dissolves, and pour the mixture over your head, not worrying as much about the loose hair as the roots. Let it sit about 15-20 minutes, massaging for a minute first if you want. I take this opportunity to do everything else I have to do in the shower. Then, rinse the mixture out of your hair well, and rinse the pitcher.
- Now pour the ACV and any essential oils you prefer into the pitcher. For example, lavender is a common option, but I use about 10 drops of Tea Tree Oil to help with dandruff. Pour the whole mixture evenly on your head and rinse well after only about 2 minutes.
Extra Tip: If you are prone to dandruff, apply olive oil to your scalp about 20 minutes before you hop in the shower. I pour about a teaspoon on my fingertips and massage evenly into my scalp. You'll want to rinse this out well before starting the baking soda rinse.
And you're done. Easy, far cheaper than name brand products, and your healthy hair will definitely thank you.
So, why are these things way more awesome for your hair??
It's all about balance. Baking soda followed by apple cider vinegar keeps your hair at a stable pH level (which is a little on the acidic side to fight off bacteria). This also reduces the production of oil, which means less washes per week as your hair naturally stays cleaner longer. And don't worry, despite what you may think, your hair will never smell like vinegar from the rinse. Promise.
Have fun trying this so simple method of achieving full and healthy hair (or dreads!). Let me know if you try it, or if a different formula worked well for you!
Peace, and happy washing :)
Sources for more information, among thousands of sites with this info:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/toxic-perfumes-and-colognes/ http://slsfree.net/ http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/07/13/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.aspx http://wellandgood.com/2012/09/06/paraben-update-theres-new-research-on-beautys-most-problematic-preservatives/ http://naturalsociety.com/5-toxic-chemicals-probably-found-shampoo/ http://thehairpin.com/2014/01/three-years-without-shampoo http://homeremediesforlife.com/olive-oil-for-scalp/