Natural Alternatives to Shampoo

When you were a kid you were probably told not to play in the mud, but this mud is good for you. If you think about it, people pay a lot of money to take mud baths at spas and to get clay facials. This is because mud detoxifies and lifts dirt. 

The first time I used it I expected it to dry my hair and leave it feeling like straw, but just the opposite happened. I applied it like regular shampoo in the shower and my hair actually behaved itself. It wasn't dry or stripped and I didn't need any additional products to correct what it did. I just did my usual styling routine and all was well.

It may seem irrational to wash your hair with mud, but think about the things you won't be putting in your hair like parabens and sulfates. You won't get any suds or bubbles from this product because there's no detergents or other harmful chemicals in it. However, your hair will appreciate the minerals contained in the bentonite clay and other botanicals. If that's not enough to warrant trying the product, it's also USDA Certified Organic.

Cowashing  is an abbreviation for conditioner washing. With this method you literally wash your hair using conditioner -- no shampoo involved. It's popular enough that products aimed specifically at cowashing have been developed.

One product you've probably heard of is Wen by Chaz Dean. I used this product a few months ago and found that it does what it claims. However, with Wen I felt that I could get another product to do the same that was less expensive, but you may try it and feel like it's good value for the money and it's the perfect product for your hair. I think you should try it at least once to make up your own mind.

I haven't tried As I Am, but it's next on my list of things to purchase. I've always had good luck with coconut-based products and the reviews on this one are very good. If you're thinking about cowashing, give this one a go.

Although I'm mentioning it last, apple cider vinegar should be the first step in your natural hair care regimen. Use it before cleansing your hair because it's a great clarifier that will remove the last vestiges of any old products remaining in your hair. It will also neutralize your hair and return it to its natural pH as well as adding shine.

I prefer to use vinegar without the mother for this application. Since we're trying to remove any buildup of product, you don't really need the other type of vinegar. The way I use it is to combine three parts water to one part apple cider vinegar in a cup and pour it over my hair. You can also put it in a spray bottle for easier use.

You don't have to use one product all the time. If you play sports occasionally and find you need something to lift oil off your hair, you can have a product for that. If your hair is dry most days, have another product to handle that. The goal is to remove toxins from your hair care routine. There's no reason you can't switch up your products as needed so get busy and check out some of the new organic hair care products. There's something out there that will work for you.