Since The Boy was born – and even for sometime before then – I've been trying to rid my body and our home of toxins. I started with cleaning products. I don't use them any longer. Not the traditional ones that you're thinking of any way. I clean my home with vinegar and baking soda. Sometimes I'll squeeze a lemon into the sink for that yummy scent; yet only if I've let one accidentally rot beyond consumption. Hey, it happens.
We have a healthy, fairly clean home. As I sit here, I see cornflakes on the floor and lint on our area rug. Hey, it happens.
I'd been wondering what was lurking in my bathroom? No, there wasn't a strange odor coming from the room. I was more concerned with the itty bitty print on the labels of beauty products. Turns out, there were toxic chemicals in my shampoo and conditioner. Don't feel bad for me, those chemicals are in your shampoos too! I did some researching on-line of natural ways to clean my hair. No matter how I searched, baking soda and vinegar kept popping up.
It’s been a week since I’ve used shampoo or conditioner in my hair. No, my hair isn’t greasy or oily; or dry and brittle either. In fact, I think it looks better than ever. {Except for today, the humidity is out of control here!} While the idea of not purchasing shampoo and conditioner was scary at first, I have proudly embraced this more natural method!
Wanna try? Sure you do. Here’s how I do it:
No more Shampoo Recipe
Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 2 1/2 cups of water. Shake well to dissolve the baking soda. Store in a plastic container. Not wanting to use an old shampoo bottle, I purchased a plastic squeeze bottle at my local craft store.
No more Shampoo Instructions
I thoroughly rinse my hair and squirt on a bit of the baking soda mixture. Experiment with the amount – my hair is past my shoulders, so I’m using a fair amount. Two teaspoons maybe? I massage it into my scalp – that’s where the oil comes from. After a few minutes, I rinse. Thoroughly. Remember, you won’t see any bubbling suds because there aren’t any chemicals! Your hair will be squeaky clean.
Nothing to Condition Recipe
To condition, you’ll want to use vinegar. I like plain ol’ white vinegar. The Texan uses Apple Cider Vinegar. {He’s got this thing about the smell of vinegar.} Mix 1/2 cup vinegar with 2 1/2 cups of water. Shake well to combine. Store in a complementary plastic bottle.
Nothing to Condition Instructions
After washing your hair with baking soda, squeeze a small amount of the vinegar mixture onto the ENDS of your hair. Use to care to ensure it reaches all areas. Let it sit for a few minutes and rinse.
Tips
I’ve heard that some people use lemon juice to rinse in lieu of vinegar. One day I’ll try this too.
Washing daily isn’t necessary. At first, try every other day, then move to every other other day. When I used traditional hair care products, I only washed every other day; making this an easy adjustment for me.
If your hair feels too dry, use less baking soda.
Any brand of baking soda is fine to use. I purchase the store brand. (2 pounds for $1.29)
Any brand of vinegar is fine to use. I purchase the store brand. (1 gallon for $1.89)
The Pledge
I am committing to using only baking soda and vinegar to clean my hair from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Join the pledge with me today! {Please link ONLY to your blog home page. No giveaways, contests or promotions. Thanks!}
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