Do It Yourself Organic Hair Care

Organic hair care products contain natural, plant-based ingredients to cleanse and condition hair without toxic or harmful chemicals. Organic shampoos are safe enough to use daily because they have gentle cleansing agents such as Castile soap, an odorless soap traditionally made from olive oil (see References 5, page 98). This soap comes in solid and liquid form, which you can easily add to homemade recipes, along with herbal infusions. Adding herbs customizes your shampoo specifically for your hair type; for example, chamomile softens and lightens blond hair, sage conditions dark hair, and parsley enhances dull hair (see References 3, page 258). A well-rounded hair care routine should include shampoo, a daily conditioner and an intensive weekly treatment.

Shampoo

1

Place your fresh or dried herbs in a glass or ceramic bowl. Bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil, then pour it over the herbs and let them seep for 20 to 30 minutes.

2

Strain the infusion with a tea strainer, sieve or muslin cloth and discard the herb parts. Pour in the Castile soap, stirring well, then add the cider vinegar.

3

Mix in any other enhancers. Try beer or vodka for shine, aloe vera gel for oily hair or jojoba oil for dry hair. For beer, pour 1 cup into a pan and boil it down to 1/4 cup, then stir it in. To add jojoba oil, pour the oil into the bowl along with 1/4 cup of water and stir well. (See References 1, pages 71 and 72)

4

Pour the mixture into a plastic squeeze bottle, such as an old shampoo bottle, and let it stand overnight. Shake well before using, then pour a small amount into your palm and massage into your scalp. Rinse as usual.

Daily Conditioner

1

Combine the oil of rosemary, almond oil, glycerin and lanolin in the top pan of a double boiler. Warm with low heat, stir gently, then remove from the stove.

2

Beat in the whole egg for normal hair types. For dry hair, beat in only the yolk and leave out the egg white.

3

Use the conditioner right away -- shampoo, then rub the mixture onto your scalp and hair. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse well with warm water

Weekly Treatment

1

Cut the avocado in half, pull it apart and remove the pit. Cut the remaining avocado into slices and put it into your blender. Add the heavy cream, along with the honey, and blend well.

2

Spoon the moisturizing treatment into a bowl, then wash your hair as normal, but do not condition. Comb the treatment through your wet hair, covering every strand, then pile on the top of your head and secure with a clip.

3

Cover your head with a plastic cap, then wet a towel with hot water. Squeeze out any excess water, and wrap the towel around your head. Let the heat activate the treatment for about 15 minutes, then take the towel and cap off and rinse well 

Things You Will Need

• Measuring cups and spoons
• 4 tbsp. fresh or 2 tbsp. dried herbs
• Nonmetal mixing bowl
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup liquid Castile soap
• Nonmetal spoon
• Strainer
• 1/2 oz. cider vinegar
• Enhancer (2 tbsp. vodka, 1 cup beer, 1/4 cup aloe vera gel or 2 tbsp. jojoba oil)
• Plastic squeeze bottle
• 2 drops oil of rosemary
• 1 tbsp. almond oil
• 1 tbsp. glycerine
• 1 tbsp. lanolin
• 1 egg
• 1 avocado
• 2 tbsp. heavy cream
• 1 tbsp. honey
• Blender

Published By: Alexis Betterson