Thirty ingredients comprising an average bottle of shampoo certainly defies the philosophy behind simple living. As creatures of habit, the smell of botanical extracts is often vital to the reason a band name remains in our showers for years. Shampoos, surprisingly, are among the most frequently reported products to the FDA. Reports claim symptoms of eye and scalp irritation, and swelling of the hands, face, and arms, which are characteristics of commonly used chemical-based foaming detergents found in soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, and other products. There are safer and inexpensive alternatives to help you eliminate dangerous chemicals, including sodium laureth sulfate, SLES, from your beauty products.
SLSFree Shampoos
A flaky scalp, presumed to be dandruff, most likely was a result of SLES. One solution is to find a comparable smelling SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate)-free shampoo. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to find a healthy shampoo that revitalizes the sheen and shine.
Tip: Be aware of preservatives listed as parabens, fragrances termed parfum, and additional detergents such as cocamidopropyl betaine, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and cocamide DEA and MEA.
DIY Natural
Many individuals have invested time in the movement to make shampoos and conditioners. While saving on cost, users of natural ingredients noticed a difference in texture, frizz, and tangles. A do-it-yourself shampoo may be a treat once a month to eliminate product build-up or a new approach in your daily routine.
Ingredients: ¼ cup coconut milk (canned milk or grade fresh coconut and freeze the unused meat), 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap, and approximately 15 drops of a preferred essential oil such as peppermint or rosemary and orange. It is recommended for dry hair to add a ½ teaspoon of olive or almond oil. (Holds up well in a clean container for four weeks in a cool and dry location.) Shake the bottle before using.
Benefit of Coconut Milk: It contains vitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus to promote hair growth and strengthen hair while acting as a deep conditioner.
Ingredients: 1 cup of soft water to one tablespoon of baking soda. This combination is intended as a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup. It has the potential to dry the hair and scalp; therefore, use as needed.
Conditioner Ingredients: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (use a brand which includes “the mother” and one cup of soft water. This recipe makes eight ounces. Shake the spray bottle before using. Massage into hair for a minute before rinsing. Afterward, you will not smell of vinegar.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar: Unfiltered ACV is an excellent natural hair treatment. It is cleansing, gives the hair more body, and reduces hair-loss.
Fixing Problems
It may not take an expensive product to revitalize lifeless hair. By adding ½ cup apple cider vinegar to two cups of water, for instance, the outcome offers an enhanced shine and eliminates hair breakage.
Additional solutions are:
- Static: Streak small amounts of coconut oil through your hair, avoiding the scalp, and allow to saturate for 15 minutes before rinsing.
- Oiliness: Beat two teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon or vinegar to two egg yolks. Allow to set for five minutes and rinse in warm water.
- Anti-Dandruff: Before applying two tablespoons of coconut oil to two drops each of lemon and camphor oil, heat until warm. Massage into scalp for five minutes in the late evening and wash with a mild shampoo in the morning.
- Split Ends: Mix equal amounts of olive oil, lemon juice, and water. Massage into a damp scalp and leave in for 15 minutes before rinsing and shampooing with mild soap. (Limit lemon juice treatments to twice a month.)
Benefit of Coconut Oil: While penetrating individual strands of hair to improve scalp health, coconut oil also promotes hair growth.
Benefit of Olive Oil: Rich in Vitamins A, E, and antioxidants, it protects the keratin within the strands of hair and seals in moisture.
And, There’s More!
Patience is a critical factor in adopting the new habit of creating personalized hair care solutions. Be aware, some combinations may not work for your hair type or texture. Try changing the recipe or vary the combination until you can find the right natural remedy for your needs. You may discover this particular life-changing decision is beneficial.
Beyond DIY shampoos and conditioners, consider replacing other chemical-based products such as face and mouthwash, deodorant and toothpaste, and dishwashing and laundry soap with natural ingredients. The savings and ease are worth it!
