Let me start by saying that in order to get the healthiest hair, you should NOT be using regular shampoo. Commercial shampoos contain pH altering chemicals and harsh detergents. The detergents in shampoo not only clean your hair of build up, but they also strip your hair of it’s healthy oils. The more you use shampoo, the more dependent your hair will become on it. It is an endless cycle: Your hair feels greasy, so you shampoo it, natural/healthy oils are stripped from your hair along with the dirt, your scalp produces more oil to compensate, and then you have to shampoo again the next day! The natural pH balance of our hair is toward the acid side, but most of the hair care products available are alkaline. This means that the hair products we use will open up the cuticle seal causing breakage, a rough appearance, and dryness.
- A natural alternative to traditional shampoo that I have started using is NaturOli Soap Nuts Natural Shampoo
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It contains natural soap nuts that work to gently cleanse the hair. I have only used this shampoo a couple of times, but I noticed that after using it, my hair did not feel as “thirsty” for conditioner as it was when using traditional shampoo. You may also want to try a natural shampoo bar like Herbal Shampoo Bar 3.50 Ounces
- Another natural hair care routine that I have started to try is using Apple Cider Vinegar rinses.
The purpose of an ACV rinse is to conditioner the hair by detangling the hair follicle, sealing the cuticle, and restoring hairs natural acidic pH. Be sure to use the right dilution in order to prevent this solution from actually drying your hair. My first attempt at an ACV rinse, I used a 1:1 ratio and my hair felt like straw! I researched more online, and found that you are actually only supposed to use 1 Tablespoon of ACV to 4 cups of water. A huge difference! My hair still felt a little tangled after coming out of the shower (maybe because I used the ACV rinse again too soon after the first time), but when my hair dried it looked so smooth and shiny! My highlighted hair usually looks dull and needs a leave in conditioner to appear shiny, but I applied no additional product and my hair looked great. I just make my solution, pour it into a water bottle, and then replace the cap and poke little holes into it so I can squeeze the rinse onto my hair. You can also use a spray bottle or any applicator that you choose. After applying it to my hair, I leave it in for about 5 minutes, rinse it out with warm water, followed by a cold rinse.
Edit 3/2/2013: So I went a few days without the ACV rinse and then tried it again today with the much more diluted version and my hair brushed out so easily and felt so healthy! I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a natural condition!
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Amanda
I am a graduate of Oakland University in Michigan with a BS in Health Sciences. My studies included Nutrition courses, Community Health courses, Alternative Medicine courses, and Human Anatomy Courses. My studies jump-started my interest in natural and alternative medicine, but my real interest came through my own research and personal use of supplements and natural alternatives. When I am not learning about the world of natural alternatives, I spend my time with my boyfriend of nearly 5 years who I have also put supplements to the test on. I am so excited to be writing this blog to share my research and findings with you and I hope we can all learn something new!
