The Cheapest and Cleanest Way to (Not) Wash Your Hair

So, yeah. No shampoo!

I'm always trying to minimize the amount of environmental toxins in our home and in/on our bodies, so this was a natural progression for me. I'm skeptical of most labels on personal-care products, and yet these have been the hardest thing to change up in our household. So, I'm game! I heard about this a 4while ago and decided to try it out myself (next up: getting the husband and kids on board).

Why would I do this? Because we have all heard about the chemical toxins in most shampoos and conditioners, and yet there is still minimal oversight into how things like phthalates and parabens are used in beauty products. And because companies can say pretty much whatever they want in order for us to buy their product (greenwashing, anyone?), and because I like to be a rebel, and as a wife and mom of three this is one of the few ways I can be one anymore (ha!).

After washing my hair with baking soda and rinsing with apple cider vinegar (ACV) for the first time a couple weeks ago, it felt super soft, with tons of volume and just... well... clean.

At Day 7 after the first wash it was a little fly-away but still soft and clean feeling  ... and not greasy at all!

Curious? Give it a try and save yourself from toxic chemicals in shampoos and conditioners (no matter what the label says!) and also a whole bunch of cash.

Baking Soda + ACV Hair Rinse

What you'll need:

• 1 Tbs. baking soda
• 2 Tbs apple cider vinegar
• small bowl
• 8oz cup

Method:

Measure the baking soda and dump it into one of the small bowls. Measure the ACV and pour into the cup. Bring both of these with you into the shower, being sure to set them somewhere dry until you're ready.

Get your hair soaking wet. Add just enough water to the bowl of baking soda to make a somewhat runny paste. Massage the paste into your scalp, starting at the crown of your head and working your way around; about 1 minute. Let stand in your hair for about 1 minute. Rinse until you think it's all out. Then rinse a bit more.

Take the cup with the ACV and fill it up with water. Slowly pour onto your hair starting at the top and massaging in, and working your way to the ends. For short hair you could try using half of the amount. My hair is wicked long these days.

Rinse, rinse, rinse.

Voila!

Don't be put off by the smell of ACV in your wet hair when you come from the shower. In my experience, it totally disappears as it dries and my hair has a non-smell smell for days and days. And feels amazing.

I'd love to hear from you in the comments below! Are you interested? Will you try it? I'd love to know what you think of this method. And for those who come from different ethnic/cultural backgrounds, let me know if this works in your hair too? So far this Irish/German ancestry girl is going to stick with it.