For eons, hair was cared for with only natural, plant-based ingredients. These days many of us have become accustomed to the use of synthetics. These may give appealing instant results, but sacrifice the natural balance of the hair and expose us to potentially harmful chemicals.
However, if we want to step away from synthetic, it can take up to 4 weeks for chemically exposed hair to adjust to a natural product. This may be less depending on the condition of your hair, and if you shower in filtered water. During this time your hair will be ridding itself of the chemical build-up – a detox for your hair! Some people may even experience increased heaviness, oiliness or even dryness whilst the hair re-balances.
Tips for a Natural Hair Care
Here are some Natural Hair Care Tips to speed up the process:
- Stress can play havoc with hair health, making the blood vessels contract, limiting the flow of nutrients. Take time therefore to regularly massage your head and scalp to help encourage healthy circulation.
- If your hair has been exposed to harsh chemicals and synthetic styling aids, try using a clarifying apple cider vinegar rinse. Dilute a cup of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar in a litre of water and keep pre-mixed in your shower to use after shampooing. This rinse helps quicken the restoration of the acid/alkali balance of the scalp and further clean and remove build up of toxins in the hair.
- We also recommend using a shower filter, which removes heavy metals and other unseen contaminants found in most water supplies, for the sake of the health of your hair and whole body. This will also help you gain the maximum benefit from natural products. It has been found that “showers lead to a greater exposure to toxic chemicals in water supplies than drinking the water” (Ian Anderson New Scientist) and a professor of Water Chemistry at the University of Pittsburg U.S.A. claims that exposure to vaporised chemicals through showering, bathing and inhalation is 100 times greater than drinking water! (The Nader Report - Troubled Waters on Tap).
Myth busting
Shampoos don't need to generate lots of suds to clean hair effectively. Lather doesn't really assist the cleansing process, except that it might make it easier for you to feel that your shampoo has been evenly distributed. We've been conditioned to like lather. But many shampoos rely on inexpensive, petrochemical derived detergents such as sodium lauryl sulphates etc. for their foam building properties. These chemicals can dry out the hair and scalp, and may cause allergic reactions as well as environmental problems. Look for gentler, natural cleansing agents such as coconut oil soap (coconut fatty alcohols reacted with cornstarch glucose) and Decyl Glucoside ‘sugar soap’ from sugar cane and corn which clean the hair effectively with a quick, modest lather.
More information about this topic in our health and beauty section.
Written by Theme Rains
