Discount Solution - All Natural Hair Cleansers


Many times over the past few months, I have come across discussion forums, blogs, and comments that have puzzled me some. There seems to be a growing concern with some people that shampoo is somehow bad, dangerous or undesirable – for hair, general health, and/or the environment.

I've had numerous questions about shampoo and hair care ingredients such as surfactants and silicones. I have also seen more than one worrying account of what people are experimenting with in their search for a shampoo-free way to care for their hair.

The 'No Poo' Crowd

Truth be told, I'm not quite sure I fully understand what the anti-shampoo crowd is all about. But as it appears to be growing, it seems the 'No Poo Movement' (well there's a phrase that shouldn't be taken out of context!) is also full of uncertainty. And, although I applaud any and all efforts to live life in a more natural and planet-friendly way, I have concerns about the seemingly endless supply of misinformation that is circulating – some of it is downright health hazardous.

Therefore, if you are planning on going 'No Poo', please consider one of these options – all of which are safe, planet-friendly, effective and completely free of preservatives.

Sometimes rhassoul is sold as a powder. Here it is in chunks.

Rhassoul Clay (also called Moroccan Soap Clay)

This is by far the most effective all-natural hair cleaning product I have come across. It is also very easy to use. Simply add Rhassoul to water in a small container and let it sit until the clay has soaked up the liquid. Stir, and adjust the texture by adding either more clay or water until you have a texture that you can easily apply to your hair.

The mixture can either be left on as a mask for 10-15 minutes, or simply rubbed around on your head (as you would normally use a shampoo) and rinsed out. For extra conditioning, I recommend adding 1 teaspoon of jojoba to the mixture. Note: the entire mixture should be used immediately.

Two Versions of a DIY Herbal Soap Hair Cleanser

Be sure it's the root, not the leaves.

1. Common Soapwort, Bouncing Bet (INCI: Saponaria Officinalis): 

Be sure you are using the dried root of the plant – not the leaves (which are used to make an herbal drink of sorts). Fill 2 tea filter bags 2/3 full of dried soapwort root (about 15 grams or half an ounce in total) and staple them shut (leave enough room so the contents can swell without bursting the bag). Boil the bags in 500 ml (about 17 oz) demineralized water for 20 minutes, then strain through a coffee filter and discard the herbs. Fill the liquid into a foam bottle and use within 24 hours. Meantime, store the product in the refrigerator. Soapwort will produce a rather flat foam (even with a foam bottle) and won't give you that 'lathery shampoo feel', but is nonetheless an effective cleanser. Tip: be careful not to get it in your eyes as it will sting. For this reason, soapwort soap is not ideal for use as a childrens shampoo.

It's a good idea to crush the soapnuts before boiling them

2. Soapnuts or Soap Berries (INCI: Sapindus Mukorossi): 

You will need about 12 soapnuts. Use the same procedure as for the soapwort – also the use within 24 hours and store in the refrigerator part!  Soapnut liquid does not foam very much (even with a foam bottle), so be sure you aren't tempted to use too much liquid (this also applies to the soapwort). To battle dandruff, leave soapnut 'foam' on the hair for a few minutes before rinsing. As with soapwort, be careful not to get the liquid in your eyes. Again: for this reason, it is not recommendable to use this as a childrens shampoo.

Something you don't want to be washing your hair in


What's With The 'Use Within 24 Hours'? It's Just Soap, Isn't It?

If you want to live your life as preservative-free as possible, the only way to ensure your health is to prepare fresh products and use them up immediately. Bacteria thrives in water, and any water-based product is the ideal playground for all kinds of little beasties to get together and party it up within hours of your product being created. Couple that with the addition of plant material and you've just doubled the need of caution.

Without preservatives, your product deteriorates more quickly than you can imagine. It can – and will – go bad long before you can smell or see it. Using a contaminated product can cause allergic reactions, serious skin infections, and even put you in the hospital.

And with that little tidbit of information, I hope I have scared you enough to take the 'use within 24 hours' seriously. It's your health.

Now, go wash your hair!

Comments

Anette said…
Lise, tak tak tak. Vidunderligt indlæg som jeg vil linke til om ikke SÅ længe. Sikke meget aha-info. kh A
LisaLise said…
Jamen det var da dejligt! Jeg takker og bukker!