part 1: the explanation
part 2: you want me to do what!?
Have you ever wondered why we scrub a bubbly substance into our head and scalp but wince, whimper, cry or even curse when that substance sneaks in, burning our eyes? It's just how it is, right? Wrong. Something about that should seem strange.
So when a friend of mine approached me about doing a little hair experiment with her that involved saying goodbye to shampoo and conditioner...for forever!...I was greatly intrigued.
part 3: the reasons why.
Great research has been done about how most commercial shampoos contain ingredients chemicals found in anti-freeze, engine de-greasers and brake fluid. These chemicals have been proven to absorb into the brain and skin up to three times faster than water. What!? Read for yourself.
Take a gander at just a few of the chemicals often found in our shampoos.
- Coal tar --- a proven cancer-causing chemical
- ZPTO --- known to offer side-effects such as headaches, naesua, or strong alergic reactions
- Menthol --- which has yet to be safety tested for it's side-effects
Surprisingly, baby shampoos are even worse than adult shampoos because they contain higher levels of ethylene oxide to avoid the eye irritation. But this chemical is a proven endocrine disruptor. An endocrine disruptor is a chemical that negatively affects the hormone system, specifically known to cause learning disabilities, sexual development problems and much, much more {read what the EPA has to say here}.
Not only are we pouring these chemicals onto our heads and bodies, but we are polluting the water systems in our sewage system as well. Learn more about how buying cosmetics has affected our planet: the story of cosmetics.
So the hope of shiny, thick, full, smooth and glossy locks of hair...must we throw this dream out the window?! No no no. Don't you worry. There are other options...
part 4: so where can we turn?
In the past, I have been a purchaser of those natural, organic, very expensive, green, beautifully packaged, very expensive, enticingly bottled, shampoos and conditioners. I love them. I love how they smell. I love how soft they make my hair. I love how pretty they are. But because these shampoos are high quality and pretty fabulous products, made with {mostly} good ingredients, they are $$$ expensive!
These products cost me my paycheck, and that, I'm just not so fond of. Also I learned that not all organic shampoos are made without chemicals...which is confusing right? So, you must choose wisely.
There's got to be another way, especially if you are buying organic shampoos and conditioners for the whole family. And I'm here to tell you, there is.
part 5: turn to your kitchen cupboard.
Now I would like to enter exhibit A in all it's simple brilliance...
{exhibit A: baking soda}
this 8 oz. box purchased for $0.50
Get this, using shampoo strips your hair of it's naturally produced oils, so by using shampoo, your hair has to find away to adapt. You know what it does? It produces more oils. By leaving shampoo out of your hair, your hair has a chance to normalize its pH levels by producing and keeping the amount of oil it desires.
Now, this normalization of your hairs oils typically takes anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. The blog world supports this assertion, leaving people with varying levels of greasiness for what could be days or a month. Not sounding so fun anymore?
Just think about it. How long has your hair and scalp been used to this oil-striping-shampoo? It has to get used to a new-normal. Give your locks a break!
Part 6: you just gotta get in the shower.
Start first with some baking soda, not to be confused with baking powder [which was learned from an extremely unfortunate changing of the soda and the powder, this mixup is not a happy mistake].
This little box of baking soda, I purchased will last me well into spring 2012. Now that is a good deal.
Once you are standing in the shower, dump a little baking soda, nickel size amount into the palm of your hand. Turn off the shower stream {if you choose}, then let a few drips of water hit the baking soda, creating a little creamy paste substance.
Flip your head over and direct the paste-like substance into the roots of your hair. Focus on the greasiest areas of your scalp, the crown of your head, your part, etc.etc.etc.
Now, give yourself a little head massage for a minute or two. Some articles say that the massaging of the scalp stimulates hair growth {here. or here or here.}
If you are looking for creating a lather by massaging the baking soda into your hair, I better tell you right now, that you won't find it. In fact, it feels kinda gritty. But when you choose to learn a new kind of normal...you get used to it. And you know what? I even like it now.
Enter exhibit B....
{exhibit B: apple cider vinegar}
this 16 oz. bottle was taken home for the
price of $2.49
Apple Cider Vinegar, compliments of Trader Joe's. I take two tablespoons of the apple cider vinegar into a small travel size spray bottle, fill the bottle the rest of the way with water. After the baking soda, spray a bit of the vinegar/water mix on the ends of your hair, not too much! Let sit for a few moments, similar to using conditioner, then rinse out.
And there you have it!
Another tip gleaned from experienced hair experimenters, if it's available to you, grab some coconut oil before your shower and add it to the dry ends of your hair. Let it sit for a few minutes before jumping in the shower. Winter is not far off for many of us. The past few days, I've been noticing how my hair is feeling dryer and stiffer than normal. So the coconut oil has become a once a week part of my hair routine.
{Look here for more coconut oil secrets}
Coconut oil for skin and hair can be found at your local grocer for anywhere between $7 to $10.
part 6: after thoughts.
Now I can't remember, did you say, have we spoken today? Because, this hair experiment...I'm obsessed. I love it.
How often do you shower? Everyday? Twice a day? Hmmm...did you know that as a culture we are greatly over-showered? We have, unfortunately made showering daily the norm.
It is too much personal information to tell you I only shower {at most} 2 times a week??
Now, now, before you go blasting me for my lack of personal hygiene, I would just like to say, let's remember back to the days of reading Laura Engels Wilder and how the knobby-kneed-me admired her all the more when I read she only bathed once a week. Obviously she is my {weekly} inspiration.
The oils our skin and body produce are important. By showering everyday we are depleting our body and hair of their natural ways to hydrate and replenish themselves.
It is important to note, that if you want to try the baking soda hair experiment, while still showering once or even twice a day, you will not like what happens. The baking soda substance will build up into your hair and let's just say...yuck!
My suggestion? Start off easy. Try showering/washing your hair every other day. It will take your body a few days perhaps weeks to adjust, but in the end, your skin, your hair and the earth... will thank you.
part 7: and what now?
Try it!
And of course let me know what you think.
Have you already been doing this kind of thing for years? Do you think this is the weirdest thing you've ever heard? Do your own research. Let me know what blogs, articles or research you find. I always love to learn more! Happy experimenting.
Until next hair washing,
Yours truly,
