How to get naturally gorgeous locks by never using shampoo again

Our latest Get Involved post comes from friend of Global Cool Natalie Patton, who talks us through kicking your shampoo habit for good…

Have you ever wondered why we scrub a bubbly substance into our head and scalp but wince, cry or even curse when that substance starts burning our eyes? Most commercial shampoos contain chemicals found in anti-freeze, engine de-greasers and brake fluid. These chemicals absorb into the brain and skin up to three times faster than water. Must we throw the dream of naturally shiny, thick, full, smooth and glossy locks out the window? There is another way.

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Kick the habit
Using shampoo strips your hair of naturally produced oils, so your hair has to find a way to adapt – it does this by producing more oils. By leaving shampoo out of your hair, it has a chance to normalize its pH levels and produce just the right amount of oil it needs. Now, this normalization of your hairs oils can take two to six weeks. Your hair is trying to find a new ‘normal’, so give your locks a break!

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Step 1
Here’s how you do it: once you’re standing in the shower, dump a little baking soda (penny size amount) into the palm of your hand. Add a little water to create a creamy paste. Flip your head over and direct the paste into the roots of your hair.  Focus on the greasiest areas of your scalp, the crown of your head, your parting, etc. Now, give yourself a little head massage.

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Step 2
Now take two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and pop it into a small travel size spray bottle mixed with water. After you’ve added the baking soda, spray the solution onto the ends of your hair and rinse everything out after a minute or two. And there you have it!

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My suggestion is to start off easy. Try washing your hair every other day. It will take your body a few days, perhaps weeks to adjust, but in the end your skin, hair and the planet will thank you.

Tell us your thoughts in the comments box below or if you’d like to contribute a story, photo, video or some tips on green living simply email getinvolved@globalcool.org…

Pics: Natalie Patton

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