7 Alternatives to Chemical-Based Shampoo ...

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar...

I know what you’re thinking, that this sounds horribly disgusting. It may be a little weird at first, but it has kept my hair healthy and smooth! I discovered this via Reddit(Though it’s been around a lot longer). You wash first with baking soda, then you condition with vinegar. The amount of baking soda you use is something you will have to figure out on your own. I suggest getting just a small amount of baking soda in the middle of your palm, add water and work it into a paste. Use this only on your roots, massage your scalp with your fingertips to get out all the built-up grime. Rinse out the baking soda and rinse with ¼ cup of vinegar(if you have short to medium hair) or ½ cup of vinegar(if you have long hair) on the ends of your hair. Apple Cider vinegar is recommended for this. I use a more diluted baking soda-water combination in an old, cleaned outshampoobottle. This way I have enough to last me a while. If you want to try this, put in ½ cup of baking soda into the bottle and 4 cups of warm water. Shake well and keep in your shower. After two months of using this method, my hair has become very light-weight and fluffy and I only have to wash it once or twice a week. This is becauseshampoowashes away the natural oils in your hair and causes the glands to over produce the oils, causing greasy hair, which in turn means more washing. Be sure to keep in mind that it can take up to four weeks for your body to adjust to this method of washing.

2. Castile Soap Shampoo...

This is not one that I have personally tried, but have heard a lot of great things about it, and it is a method I’m considering trying myself this summer. Castile soap can be bought in a number of organic stores, Etsy, etc. Just look around. You can also make it yourself. To make yourshampoo, mix equal parts Castile soap to water(you can use herbal teas instead for a great smell) then add two teaspoons oil. Tea tree oil is great to use, as it helps get rid of dandruff and lice.

3. Eggs...

Egg yolk is great to use onhair- it is said to keep it thicker and fuller. If you have oily hair, beat one egg and mix with the juice of one lemon. Let it sit in your hair for approximately one hour. If you have dry hair, whisk one egg, two tablespoons of olive oil and the juice of one cucumber. Leave on for only 15 minutes. Your hair may smell bad afterwards, and the best way to get rid of the smell is to rinse with some diluted apple cider vinegar, which will also leave your hair soft and shiny.

4. Aloe Vera...

Aloe is great for so many things, including hair. Who knew? Use an Aloe Vera gel and massage into your scalp gently. Not only does it clean yourhair, but it increases the blood flow and balances the pH levels. This has many benefits and is said to get rid of dandruff, promote a healthier scalp, and prevent hair loss.

5. Calendula...

This is a flower that is generally regarded as a weed. But it does, in fact, have many healing properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antiseptic. This can be bought dried, or you can dry it yourself at home. Fill a jar with the dried flowers and add olive oil until they are covered. Seal the jar tightly and store in a dark place for two weeks. It is vital that you do remember to shake it every day. After the two weeks are up, strain the oil into a clean bottle or glass jar. Add Vitamin E, a natural preservative, and use as you would regularshampoo.

6. ShampooBars...

There are a lot of greatshampoobars on the market, but I recommendLush. They sell a lot of great organic skin-care products. Theirshampoo barsare simply fantastic. My personal favorite is the Karma Komba- it has patchouli, pine, orange oil, and Lavandin oil. Not only are their shampoo bars organic, but they save on plastic waste. Get healthier hair and be green at the same time. Run the bar down your hair two or three times(you may need to do more depending on your hair volume),work into a lather, massage the scalp and rinse. Remember to keep this bar in a cool, dry place.

7. Coconut Oil...

Most oils are great for your hair. Coconut oil is recommended because it has a nice smell. It is great if you mix with herbal tea to dilute the oil just a bit. Massage into the scalp and throughout thehairand rinse well. This will leave your hair silky and shiny.

Remember, Stalkers, that no matter what you choose towash your hairwith, use luke-warm water. Hot water will dry out your hair.

About the author:
I am 20 years old and married to the man of my dreams. I love trying all sorts of natural remedies for hair, skin, and health. It's my dream to be a writer and to share what I know of health and beauty.

Are you looking to guest blog with All Women Stalk, please contact me at Diana(at)allwomenstalk(dot)com, I look forward to hearing from you!

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