Ditch That Poo.

Okay so I have a confession.

I was doing really well with making my own shampoo until the Christmas season. Those yummy holiday scents got me. I couldn't resist this one that smells like apple cider. And it sparkles. Ugh.

So since I only wash my hair 2-3 times per week (hey, no judgement right? Ha.) I still have most of the bottle left. Plus side, it has no parabens so it could be worse.

I still want to get back to my DIY shampoo ASAP because I have noticed a remarkable difference in my hair's oil levels since I bought the smelly good. I used to be able to go AT LEAST two days without having to use any dry shampoo (or cornstarch...we'll touch on this later!), but now I can't even go 24 hours without turning into a complete grease ball! Yuck.

Today I want to share why I originally ditched using shampoo in the first place (and hopefully remind myself so I don't fall into the yummy scent trap again).

Three Reasons:

1. The DIY way is so cheap. Like....SO cheap. I know some types of shampoo are barely a dollar, but this is even less. Seriously. We are on a fixed budget so every penny helps!

2. Its so much healthier. Regular shampoo strips your hair of its natural oils, making it produce MORE oils--therefore greasy hair.

3.Not only will your hair be healthier, but your whole body will be taking in WAAAY less toxins (some even linked to cancer).

That's enough for me! It's not hard to make either, and takes 30 seconds tops.

Are you in??

We'll start with a more in depth look at why you should ditch the shampoo from a health standpoint. According to a Fox News article by Dr. Manny Alvarez, the heath and beauty companies have been under a lot of fire recently for adverse affects that certain beauty products are causing people. There are few regulations set up for these companies to monitor the safety of their products.

Here is a quote from the article about what we should look to avoid:

"What to Avoid

While the FDA and beauty companies figure out how to combat this problem, you should learn to recognize and avoid the worst ingredients in beauty products. Look at this list to get started and do your own background research on your favorite brands.

1. Sulfate

This ingredient is well-known as a skin, eye, mouth, and even lung irritant, making the product hard on people with sensitive skin. In addition, sodium laureth sulfate may contain a chemical known to cause cancer in laboratory mice. Researchers have not found a direct link to cancer in people.

1. Formaldehyde

Believe it or not, many haircare and other household products use this preservative ingredient. Studies have shown an inconsistency with a link to cancer, although a more consistent link exists with topical applications on mice.

According to the American Cancer Society, one study did find that workers exposed to the chemical had higher chromosomal changes. This finding supports the idea that formaldehyde may cause leukemia. Many reputable agencies consider it a carcinogen.

1. Parabens

Beauty companies often use parabens to protect against bacterial growth. However, the chemical mimics estrogen in the body and can cause cancer cells to grow more quickly. For now, the FDA has not found a strong enough link to ban the ingredient. In general, staying away from a chemical that may mess with hormones is a good idea, though." http://www.foxnews.com/health/2017/07/14/is-your-shampoo-safe-avoid-these-harmful-ingredients.html

Ready to slather that on your scalp?? Nah.

So what do we do about this? Here's an option. Chances are you already have everything you need right in your pantry. This ridiculously easy "shampoo" and "conditioner" can either be made in small batches right before you shower, or you can make a larger portion to keep for a while.

So what are these magical ingredients? The Dynamic Duo.

Baking Soda and Vinegar.

You heard me right. That's all you need. I have done many trial and error attempts at this recipe over the years and for me this is the formula that works best.

Baking Soda=Shampoo

1. For shampoo I use about one tablespoon of baking soda per cup of water. In the past I've used an empty spray bottle that held about three cups, so I put three tablespoons of baking soda, fill with water and shake! I could wash my hair with that bottle about three to four times. For your specific type of hair you may use more or less soda in your baking soda to water ratio. Like I said, trial and error! If your hair is less greasy you could probably get away with less baking soda, more greasy heads should use a little more.

2. Focus on your roots and massage the mixture into your scalp for a minute or two, then leave it for the remainder of your shower.

3. If you start missing the yummy smell of traditional shampoos you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. I like the smell of lavender, but Cypress has constrictive qualities that can help your hair stop shedding as much. It has a very woodsy smell.

Vinegar=Conditioner

1. I understand this is the scary part. I didn't want my head to smell like an Easter egg. I promise your hair will not reek of vinegar. Actually, you won't be able to smell it at all once it's rinsed! I use a small cup that's equivalent to about half a cup. Pour half vinegar, half water. DONE!

2. At the end of your shower, rinse the baking soda mixture from your hair and proceed to the vinegar.

3. The vinegar restores the pH balance of your hair, therefore returning it to a balanced, more silky, head of hair. I like to focus on the ends of my hair because that is the area that is more likely to be dry and crunchy. Douse and rinse.

A few disclaimers:

Depending on your hair type you may experience different results. I have fairly fine but frizzy hair and it works well.

THERE WILL BE A TRANSITION PERIOD--Depending on the buildup your hair has and your hair type the first few times you use this method, your hair may not seem to be rid of all the oils, or seem unmanageable or straw-like. I promise if you continue a little longer your hair will balance out and end up healthier than ever. You may need to tweak the recipe a little to reach desired results. Once your hair is used to this method there should be no problem with going several days between washes with little to no greasy-ness.

For those days where the grease is overloading I recommend sprinkling a little cornstarch on your roots instead of going for traditional dry shampoo. Most dry shampoos contain a lot of the same harmful ingredients as regular shampoo. After you sprinkle the cornstarch rub it into your roots for better absorption and to avoid your hair looking too powdery!

That's it for today! Let me know if you guys give this a try or have any other alternative methods to traditional shampoo that are healthier and don't break the bank!

Share and subscribe!

Eat the kale. Eat the cookie. Have a scrunchy day.

Lauren

1 John 1:9