Hair care from the kitchen

    Most commercial shampoos are loaded with chemicals, even some "natural" shampoos are full of things you certainly wouldn't eat. If you wouldn't eat it, why put it on your skin? Your skin soaks things these chemicals ip and sends them right into your system. We started changing our body care products about 12 years ago and shampoo was one of the first things we changed. 

 

   I started out using only Dr.Bronners soap as my shampoo and body wash. It worked in my hair for a while but then my hair started feeling stiff, dry and looking really gross. Although I believe it's one of the best soaps around for basically everything else, it just didn't work in my hair after some time. I switched to "no poo" method which is use a lot now. 

 

   The no poo method has gotten a lot of attention. I think it's a very good way of cleaning and conditioning your hair. However, it can be damaging to your hair so I like to mix it up with a few other things. Here's the no poo recipe I use:

    •1 tbs baking soda mixed with 1 cup hot water add to squirt bottle.  

    This will be your first rinse (the shampoo) squirt it in, massage it all over your scalp and rinse.

    •1 tbs apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 cup water add to squirt bottle 

    This will be your second rinse (your conditioner) squirt it in your hair, massage it all over and rinse. 

    Next is a honey shampoo, this really makes your hair look great. It may take a few times to get your hair used to it. But you are sure to like the results of this wash. Here's how to make it:

    •1 tbs raw honey-good quality honey

    •3 tbs warm water

    •2 drops rosemary oil or your favorite essential oil

     •mix well, pour all over hair and work around with your fingertips. Rinse and let dry. This is a great conditioner. 

     Olive oil treatment. This will leave your hair shiny and soft and looking very healthy. 

     •dampen hair, work around 1/4 cup of olive oil. Cover with a towel and let sit for 20 minutes. 

    •remove towel and shampoo hair and dry. 

    Yogurt rinse. This give a boost of protein to your hair. It makes it soft and shiny. It's very soothing on your scalp as well. 

    •coat your hair with 1/4-1/2 cup plain good quality yogurt. 

     •let sit 15 minute

     •shampoo and dry

    Egg wash. This will also give your hair some protein, adding softness and shine.  

    •beat an egg, maybe 2 depending on how much hair you've got

    •add a drop of rosemary oil (or your favorite essential oil)

    •work the egg around dry hair

    •cover with towel for 15 minutes

    •rinse hair thoroughly with tepid water, not hot or you might cook the egg :-/. 

    Rosemary rinse. This conditions your hair and makes it shine!

    •2 cups boiling water

    •1 small bunch of fresh rosemary (2 tbs dry rosemary)

    •add rosemary to water after its boiled, steep at least 45 minutes (I usually steep it till its room temperature)

    •pour the rosemary rinse through your hair comb through and let dry. 

    Have you had any luck with making your own shampoo or using any of these methods? I love trying new things so I'd love to hear other natural hair care tips!

~ Janet ✌