Written by Calie Shackleford of Broccoli Cupcake, Contributing Author
The skin is the largest organ of the body; responsible for absorbing things we need, like vitamin D from the Sun, as well as eliminating things we don’t need. Because of this, our skin is incredibly thin and very porous. This means it takes just moments for a liquid substance to be absorbed through the skin and into our body. That’s why it’s so important to choose chemical free products.
Everything we put on our hair eventually touches our scalp and is absorbed into our body. If you wouldn’t put it in your mouth, you probably shouldn’t put it on your head. Either way, it’s entering your body.
I won’t get into all the chemicals that are in your average shampoo and conditioner in this post. If you’re interested in finding out more on that you can read this post on What’s In Your Shampoo. Today I want to share a few simple tips for greening your hair care routine to start you on a path to cleaner and greener hair care.
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4 Ways to Green Your Hair Care Routine
1. Vinegar Rinse
Try a vinegar rinse at home to remove product build up and give your hair a naturally beautiful shine. My grandmother was a hair-dresser and she used to do this with us all the time.
Use 1 tablespoon of white or apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 cup water and slowly pour over your hair. Comb
through and rinse with warm water.
You can do the vinegar rinse one to two times a week for maximum results.
2. Baking Soda Shampoo
If you’re ready to take it to the next level try washing your hair with a baking soda mix and following that up with the vinegar rinse. I have friends who swear by this method and I’ve tried it and liked it.
The ratio here is 1 part baking soda to 3 parts water and you’ll need to adjust for the length and thickness of your hair. You can mix it in any squirt bottle for easy application, but I find the travel shampoo containers are the easiest to use. Just mix up the baking soda and water and pour onto your scalp. Then use your fingers to scrub the scalp and work the mixture down the length of your hair. I usually add a little more of the mix as I work my way down because my hair is really long. Let this sit for a few minutes then rinse with warm water.
3. Coconut Oil Deep Conditioning Treatment
To give your hair a special treat and keep it soft, shiny and manageable try a coconut oil deep conditioning treatment. This is so easy and you will love the results.
Warm your jar of coconut oil under hot water until it’s more liquid than solid. Use about 2-3 tablespoons (again, depending on the length of your hair) and work it completely through damp hair. Make sure to coat your hair all the way to the end. Put your hair up and let this sit for at least 30 minutes, but as long as overnight. Cleanse your hair in the morning using the baking soda vinegar method and be amazed!
4. Add Scent
If you like scented hair care products just add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or mix in some vanilla from your baking cabinet.
That’s it. Four simple tips to green your hair care routine and eliminate unnecessary toxins in your body.
Remember, there is currently no legislation that requires manufacturers to list the exact ingredients in your hair care products so it’s hard to know what you’re getting. If you want to be absolutely sure make it at home or check your product against the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database. You can find good, plant-based products that work well and are affordable. I like to order mine on Vitacost.com for extra savings.
What do you think? Would you try the baking soda, vinegar and coconut oil routine? We’d love to hear how it goes.
If you’d like to learn more ways to improve your health email me to schedule a free 50 minute health consultation via phone.
*linked to Your Green Resource
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Great suggestions.
Wonder if the vinegar would work well on colored hair.
Marie
I have color treated hair and it worked for me. I always give my hair several days after I have it colored before I use vinegar on it, but my hair stylist generally recommends that even for shampoo.
I use the ACV conditioner and baking soda shampoo, but I’ve never tried the coconut oil deep conditioner. I love coconut oil, so it seems right up my alley! What do you put over your hair if you leave it on all night so your pillow won’t be coated in oil? Also, do you know of any other homemade hair gel/cream? I’ve tried making my own once with shea butter and coconut oil, but it didn’t turn out so well. Thanks for your help and great post! ( :