- No Poo isn't really much of a healthy hair secret anymore because it is starting to become more popular, but many people are still hesitant to try it. No-Poo refers to the use of baking soda in place of shampoo. Some people even go so far as to use plain water to wash their hair, but for most people baking soda is just fine. Commercial shampoo products are designed to strip your hair of dirt and contaminants and in doing so, they strip your hair of its natural oils. Over time, your hair begins to overproduce oil to compensate. By using baking soda, your hair is cleaned without being stripped. To switch to No Poo, simply mix a small amount of water into some baking soda to create a paste in about the same amount as you would normally use for shampoo. Gently rub the baking soda into your scalp; don't scrub the strands. Baking soda is chemically gentle but it does have an abrasive texture, so be careful. Rinse very well. If you find your hair is dry, you can rinse with a dilution of apple cider vinegar in a ratio of four parts water to one part vinegar to balance the pH. Most people find that their hair goes through a panic phase, where it feels oily and dirty for the first few weeks. This is because it can take time for your hair to realize it doesn't need to compensate for the harsh shampoo chemicals. Give it time, and you may be surprised by how healthy your hair becomes.
- If your hair is very dry, you can do a home hot-oil treatment. Olive oil is great for this, but you can also use jojoba or any other light, moisturizing oil. Wash your hair as you normally do and towel-dry. Heat about a half ounce of oil in a cup. Do this by filling your bathroom sink with a small amount of hot water, then immersing the cup. Do not heat the oil directly as you can easily be burned; use caution when heating. Test the temperature of the oil by putting a drop on your wrist. It should be very warm but not uncomfortable. Fill the sink with warm water and soak a towel, then wring out the excess. Pour the oil into your hair and gently massage to distribute it throughout. Wrap the warm towel around your head and allow the heat and oil to work for at least 15 minutes. After that time, rinse you hair thoroughly. You may need to do a light shampoo. Your hair will be soft, strong and shiny after using this healthy-hair secret.
- There are many ways to color your hair that are much more gentle than drugstore color kits. Henna has been used since the ancient Egyptians as a healthy hair color and it is available in every color from clear to red to black. Powdered henna is very inexpensive, but you can get prepared henna color creams for five to ten dollars from natural beauty- supply stores. However, no matter what color henna you choose, when it fades it tends to bring out red and gold tones. So if you want a more neutral color, it is best avoided. Instead, you can try an infusion of rosemary tea to darken your hair. Simply brew the tea and rinse with it after you shower. Over time, your hair will darken. To lighten your hair, try rinsing with chamomile tea, or you can try lemon juice, which is more powerful. Rinse with a lemon dilution of about one lemon per rinse in a large cup of water. After, go out in the sun. Lemon creates photosensitivity, so when you go outside, the sun will react with the lemon to lighten your hair. All of these natural treatments, excluding the henna, are intended to be used over time for gradual results. How much your hair changes really depends on your hair's color and condition.
