Green Hair

Hair things cost a lot these days. And with all the chemicals in them, I thought I would try to find a greener, and possibly healthier way, to clean my hair. Here's what I found!

1. Don't wash twice: Just because the bottle says "Repeat" doesn't mean it's necessary. While some people think that its common sense, many people out there wash their hair twice every day. Shampoo strips your hair of its natural oils, and washing it twice is REALLY overdoing it.
2. Dilute your shampoo: Some just add a bit of water to the last little bit in the bottom of the container, others dilute it completely. I just finished trying a 3/4 cup water, 1/4 cup shampoo mixture in a foaming Dial container. Didn't like it. It's still a bit too watery for me. After this batch is gone I'm going to try a half-and-half mixture in the same container and see if that's any better. I'll let you all know how it goes!
3. Don't wash every day: I can't get away with this. I have naturally oily hair, and although its gotten a lot better since I don't put a lot of hairspray in it anymore, by the middle of day 2 I can't stand it. But some can get away with only washing their hair every other day. Try it and see if it works for you!
4. Don't blow-dry your hair: I know ladies, its hard. But at least try to give your hair a break whenever you can. Blow-drying your hair will damage your hair and you'll end up with a lot of split ends and breakage. Not worth it. Weekends are a great time to give your hair a break. If you know you're going out, take a shower early. Or try #5!
5. Try a dry shampoo: You're friends call you and wake you up from a nap; they'll be by to pick you up in 5. No time to wash your hair and dry it again. What do you reach for? Cornstarch. Mmhm! Put a little bit of cornstarch (less is more) on your fingertips and fluff by the oily parts of your scalp. Brush the rest out and go! For substitutions, take a look.
6. Use Baking Soda: Yeah, you read right. Baking soda is useful just about everywhere. Mix in enough water to make it into a paste, and massage it into your hair. A few drops of your favorite essential oil (Peppermint and Lemon are my faves) will have you smelling a bit less like a salad and feeling fresher. Baking soda won't strip your hair of natural oils like most shampoos, and theres no chemicals. Good for you and the environment!

Hope it helps!