The more I study natural alternatives to commonly used household products, the more I am amazed that almost everything I need for my every day life can be found outside someone’s front door in God’s creation! As I learned more about the harmful components in personal care products, I determined to find natural options for hair and skin care. My reaction to trading out my old products for these natural ingredients was, “How did I never know about this stuff before?!” They work far better than any of the dozens of expensive hair salon products I have tried!
Here are the three naturally occurring elements I use in my hair care:
1. Rhassoul Clay
Rhassoul clay is a mineral mined in Morocco that has been used for over a thousand years for hair and skin care. It is lauded for its detoxification properties, as well as its ability to bind with oil and dirt and wash them away. It leaves the skin and hair remarkably soft. It also does wonders for dandruff and eczema. When mixed with water, it forms a paste that can be applied to skin and hair. It can be purchased by the pound at Mountain Rose Herbs for $9/lb plus shipping. At first, this seemed like a lot, but when I realized how much I spend on “quality” shampoo and conditioner and how quickly I use it up, I calculated how immensely this would save me money. Read more about the benefits of rhassoul clay here. Read more about using it as a personal care product here.
2. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar has been used for hundreds of years, largely for its medicinal purposes, but also for toning, smoothing and hydrating the skin and hair. It is important for it to be organic and raw, as this means it has not been pasteurized and has left the healthful nutrients and enzymes intact. It acts as a good rinse after washing the hair with a mineral like rhassoul clay, as its acidity restores the pH balance of your hair. You can purchase this at your local health food store.
3. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is extremely hydrating and repairing to the skin and hair. It is especially useful for frizzy, dry hair (like mine) and works wonders as a leave-in-conditioner. I have never had my hair so soft and sleek with anything else! Jojoba oil can also be found at Mountain Rose Herbs or your local health food store. I purchased my 2 oz. ounce bottle for $9. Since it is used extremely sparingly, it lasts for a very long time.
It is helpful to begin experimenting with natural alternatives when you begin to get low on the products you already commonly use. That way you have a fall-back for if things aren’t working well, or if it takes a couple of days to get into the swing of using the new options. It can be easy to get overwhelmed or intimidated and need to go back to what we are used to for a bit while we get the hang of the new options!
What you will need:
Rhassoul clay
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Jojoba oil (optional)
Small plastic spray bottle (Wal-mart, 99cents!)
Small plastic shampoo bottle (Wal-mart, 99cents!)
My regimen:
1. Place 1/2 Tbs rhassoul clay and 1/2 Tbs water into small plastic bottle and allow to sit for 5 minutes. I find this helpful to do while I brush my teeth, grab my clothes and towels, etc. Wet hair and squeeze appropriate amount of clay liquid/paste into handfuls of hair or over the top of your head. If you have shorter hair, use less, if longer hair, use more. I have waist length hair and find using the entire mixture to be sufficient. For dandruff, massage gently into scalp. Allow to sit on hair for 5 minutes. (Due to the length of my hair, I do not enjoy the feeling of cold, wet hair on my back while I wait the five minutes, so I bring an alligator clip in and clip it on top of my head.) Wash, shave, etc. while you wait the five minutes. If you are also using the clay as a face wash or mask, you can apply at this time as well. Rinse clay out of hair and comb through.
2. Spray raw apple cider vinegar into hair, rinse and comb through. I use about 4 sprays.
3. If your hair needs a conditioner and tends to be dry, upon exiting the shower, spray a couple of sprays (depending on length and thickness of hair, again I have really long hair and use only 3-4 sprays) of jojoba oil onto wet hair and comb/finger/scrunch through.
Allow to dry naturally and style as usual.
Organic Matters 