How to Clean Hair With Natural Products

Use natural hair products the next time you're in the shower.

Your hair is one of the first things people notice when meeting you. Glossy, healthy locks are as important to your overall look as a sharp and stylish wardrobe. Many commercial shampoos and hair care products contain chemicals and man-made compounds that could potentially be hazardous to your hair's long-term health. Discover how to clean your hair with natural products for lustrous, healthy hair.

Things You'll Need

• 2 tbsp. liquid castile soap
• 1 c. filtered water
• 1 tsp. almond oil
• 2 drops tea tree oil
• Plastic bottle
• Organic apple cider vinegar
• Almond meal
• Corn meal
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• Plastic hair cap

Instructions

1. Wash with a natural hair care product. Look for companies that use organic ingredients and have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. The campaign is a coalition of 100 U.S. non-profits working to get toxic chemicals out of personal care products. Examples include Earth Tribe's Pure Botanical Baby Shampoo and Herbaliz Shampoo.

2. Make your own natural shampoo. Mix 2 tbsp. of liquid castile soap with 1 c. of filtered water and 1 tsp. of almond oil. These items can be obtained from most health food stores. Pour into a plastic bottle. Add two drops of tea tree oil and shake vigorously to mix. Wash your hair with the solution daily as you would a traditional shampoo. The castile soap cleanses while the oils condition and enhance the smell and sheen of your hair.

3. Rinse well. Leaving shampoo residue from natural products on your hair can make your hair dull and lifeless. After shampooing with a natural shampoo, run your hair under warm water until no suds are evident.

4. Try an apple cider rinse once a week between regular shampooing. The vinegar helps to balance your hair's natural pH and also helps to cleanse your scalp of excess oils without drying out your skin. Rinse your hair with the vinegar after shampooing. Towel dry without rinsing with water.

5. Dust your hair with a dry shampoo if you don't want to use regular liquid cleansers or to conserve water. Mix equal amounts of corn meal and almond meal and comb the granules through your hair. The powder will help to absorb excess oil in your hair. Let it sit on your hair for 60 minutes before brushing out.

6. Condition your hair to reduce the stress on your hair shafts from regular cleaning. Pour 1 tbsp. olive oil into your hands and run through your hair, evenly coating your hair shafts from roots to ends. Pile your hair on the top of your head and cover with a plastic hair cap to lock in your body heat and moisture. Wear the cap for half an hour before removing, combing the hair and styling as usual. Do not rinse the oil out.

Tips & Warnings

• Many all-natural shampoo solutions do not foam up like traditional commercial shampoos but still clean effectively.

References

• The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup, and Fragrances; Julie Gabriel; 2008
• Earthly Bodies & Heavenly Hair: Natural and Healthy Personal Care for Every Body; Dina Falconi; 1997

Resources

• List of Organic Hair Care Products
• Campaign for Safe Cosmetics