Spring into Natural Cleaning

Spring into Natural DIY Cleaning 

Well, it's that time of year again - good ole Spring Cleaning!! I want to encourage you to make your own cleaning supplies and to get you started (or to add to your arsenal) with a choice of over 50 DIY recipes. Bonus: Personal and Pet Care links are shared, too!

Here's something to ponder - Do you know what's lurking in store brand cleaning products? Would it be shocking if I shared with you that they don't have to be 100% truthful in disclosing all of their ingredients? Well, at least as it stands today but thankfully groups like Women's Voices and Safer Chemicals are spreading the awareness and we can stay in the know. 

Women's Voices has shared the common hidden chemicals as seen here. 

The task to make all of your own may be overwhelming, so my personal recommendation for you is to start with replacing one store bought cleaning product. I am starting slow. I began my journey about 4 years ago with an all-purpose cleaner. 

Before you run off pinning the recipes below, take a moment to sign the Mind the Store petition spearheaded by Safer Chemicals. With our signatures we are telling the nation's largest retailers to get tougher on toxic chemicals found in commercial cleaners. Your signature makes a difference! Please share.

Home - Care

All-Purpose

Non-Toxic Household Cleaner from Actual Organics

All-Purpose & Floors from Healing Cuisine by Elise

All-Purpose Lemon Cleaner from Faulk Farmstead 

DIY Citrus Infused Vinegar from Don't Waste the Crumbs

DIY Orange Cleaner from Natural Living Mamma 

Grapefruit All-Purpose Cleaner from 5 Little Homesteaders

How-to Make an All-Purpose Cleaner from Mommypotamus

Make Your Own Cleaning Products from Natural Living Mamma

Natural Cleaners (oil free) from Hands On Learning 4 All 

Bathroom

Soft Scrub and Mold Killer from Naturally Mindful 

Cheap and Easy Drain Cleaner from Natural Living Mamma

Homemade Peppermint Scrub from 5 Little Homesteaders

Mold & Mildew Spray from Rooted Blessings

Tub & Tile from Healing Cuisine from Elise

Furniture

Furniture Polish from Learning and Yearning 

Wood Furniture Polish from Healing Cuisine by Elise 

General

DIY Disinfectant Cloth Wipes from Red and Honey 

Carpets & Stains from Healing Cuisine by Elise
Chemical-free Cleanin' on the Cheap from Wholesome Mommy
Cleaning with Baking Soda from Conveying Awareness 
DIY Remove Labels From Jars from Don't Waste the Crumbs 
Easy Homemade Floor Cleaner from Homemade for Elle 
Essential Oils for Green Cleaning from the Untrained Housewife 
Glass Cleaner from How We Flourish
Green Clean Glass Cleaner from Girl Meet Nourishment 

Making Your Own Cleaning Products from Natural Parenting 
Non-Toxic Carpet Cleaning Solutions from the Untrained Housewife
Non-Toxic Disinfectant (Better than Lysol) from Real Food RN 
Windows, Mirrors & Glass from Healing Cuisine by Elise

Kitchen 

Easy Natural Oven Cleaner from Health Extremist 

Drain Cleaner from How We Flourish
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Tablets from 5 Little Homesteaders
How-to Clean a Burnt Pan without Toxic Chemicals from Little Owl Crunchy Momma
How-to Clean the Kitchen Sink without Toxic Chemicals from Little Owl Crunchy Momma
How-to Clean Your Dishwasher Naturally from Natural Living Mamma
Non-toxic Cleaner for Stainless Steel from Real Food Whole Health 

Non-Toxic Grapefruit Mopping Solution from Homegrown & Healthy
Zap Kitchen-Bathroom Germs from Scratch Mommy

Laundry

5-Minute Chemical-Free Laundry Detergent (liquid) from Wholesome Mommy 

DIY Guide to Laundry Detergent (powdered) from Homegrown & Healthy 
Homemade Laundry Detergent (powdered) from Mommypotamus
Homemade Laundry Soap (without Borax) from Little Owl Crunchy Momma
Laundry Detergent (powdered) from Live Essentially 
Make Your Own Dryer Balls from Nourishing Joy
Making Your Own Laundry Soap (powdered) from the Untrained Housewife 
Safe Alternatives to Laundry Day from Conveying Awareness

Personal - Care

Face Lotion Bar from Don't Waste the Crumbs 

10 Ways to Use Coconut Oil from Conveying Awareness 

Cloth Diaper Solutions from Vintage Kids Modern World 

DIY Spa Recipes from Fiddlebump's 

How-to Make Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizer from Mommypotamus 

Treating Yourself Naturally from Conveying Awareness

I recommend a few Pinterest boards worth following: DIY, Health & Wellness, and Recipes from Conveying Awareness.

Every blogger featured on this round-up has given me written permission to share their links and where applicable, their images. If you're a featured blogger and wish to have your link removed and /or image, please contact me via my blog. I will remove it promptly upon your request. Every link points directly to the blog from which it was collected. 

Choose, eat, and live well! =)

Holistic Solutions for Cold & Flu Season

In this post, I'm sharing some tried and true ways that I've managed to keep my family of 3 as healthy as possible over the cold & flu season. I consider the following 10 tips, natural or holistic, because they're using food and natural resources (like water and the sun).

My son got a minor cold at the beginning of February. Though he slept a lot, he kept himself hydrated with tea and water. His body temperature raised about 2 degrees on one of the days but nothing alarming because he's naturally warm. His mucous stayed clear and his coughs were worse only while sleeping. 

Though I'm going to share what worked for my family, I'm not a medical doctor and cannot be for certain that these same tips will work in your situation; however, if you're open to learning about ways that can increase the immune system overall, these tips may work for you or your children. Use your personal discretion and if unsure, speak to your practitioner. 

Tip 1: Stay hydrated. Drink water and tea (raw honey & lemon juice in water).

Tip 2: Rest. It's your body's way of helping fight infection. Allow yourself (or your children) to get as much rest as possible. If there's a lot of coughing at night, sleep on your side. This keeps the airways open. 

Tip 3: Add lots of cuddles. When my son had a coughing fit at night once and his heart was beating rapidly, I found that when I cuddled him - his head on my chest as he rested on his side beside me, his heart rate matched that of mine, and he was able to stop coughing. Sometimes when we cough, we get into a 'fit' and we continuously cough because we've got ourselves worked up. We need a way to relax the muscles and cuddling is a great way to do so. 

Tip 4: Every day, eat real food. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. It's important to eat more fresh fruit when sick so that the phytonutrients and vitamins can work smarter in the body. We flood our bodies daily which a variety of 30+ clean fruits, veggies, grapes, and berries in a capsule or gummy. We double up on this product when symptoms come on and through the time of sickness. We've been blessed to not get very sick since the start of this product which is 5 years ago. You can also eat (or drink) the [real] rainbow by juicing. One of my favorite recipes is what I like to call, "Orange Crush," (it's the first one listed at the link) and with the ginger, it helps to clear sinuses, throat and nose congestion. Other tips include: Reducing (or eliminating) foods with refined or artificial sugars. Eat nutrient dense foods. Fill a grazing tray and snack on throughout the day. 

Tip 5: Eat raw honey by the teaspoonful a couple times a day. You can add it to your tea (tip 1) or just straight off the spoon (as long as they're over 12 months old). 

Tip 6: If you're lucky enough to live in an area with adequate sun, I recommend you sitting in the sun without sunscreen for up to 20 minutes. [Natural] Vitamin D has a way to not only boost moods but also boost the immune system (they go hand-in-hand). Many of us are vitamin D deficient and places that offer sunshine in the winter, you can get your fix from Mr. Golden Sun! 

Tip 7: Turn on the hot water in your shower and let the steam fill the bathroom. Note: This is the safest practice for children. Adults can fill a bowl with hot water and place a towel over their head and breathe in the steam. For younger ones, sit in the steamy bathroom for 10-20 minutes a couple times a day.

Tip 8: As long as there are no allergies, apply a thin layer of coconut oil and peppermint oil to the chest and feet (with socks on) a couple times a day. The combined power of the two ingredients is helpful in reducing congestion and clearing the lungs. Recipe: 3 tbs of coconut oil with 1-2 drops of peppermint oil. Check with your aromatherapist regarding the safety of essential oils on children. Use your discretion and remember, a little goes a long way. 

Tip 9: Make a homeopathic almond batter. My son called it, cake batter, after he first tasted it. We learned this tip on Home Remedies For You. It is a mixture of soaked almonds, [real] butter and unrefined sugar. It suggests to offer it by the teaspoon morning and night. 

Tip 10: Hyland's makes a Cough & Cold natural honey syrup that we use in a pinch. 

That pretty much covers all the methods we trust when we want to kick a sickness to the curb primarily used with our son. Sometimes, my husband and I will drink a quarter teaspoon of colloidal silver for a day or two. I find that colloidal silver is great for combating a sore throat, too. Just swish (or gargle) and spit. 

In February, I did a 10-day challenge on ACV shots. My son was not having any of that! But, my husband and I took at least one shot every day for the first 10 days (of the challenge) and it's something we've happily included in our regimen. Benefits of ACV are listed on the label of Bragg's as well as many sites around the web but the main ones include boosting immunity and aiding in weight loss (mainly boosting metabolism).

Don't forget the importance of sanitizing before, during, and after a bout with cold, flu or any infection!

We use DIY air freshener. Recipe is 4 oz distilled water and 1 drop of lavender and 1 drop of peppermint E.O. I spray it on furniture, door knobs, in the air, and all around.  

Lastly, be diligent about washing hands and keeping fingers out of mouth, nose, and eyes. I also recommend a DIY hand sanitizer with Aloe Vera gel, lemongrass and tea tree essential oils. 

If you have some remedies that you'd like to share, please do so in the comments section. I'm open to learning ways that have worked for other families. Be (stay) well! 

Choose, eat, and live well! =) 

Treating Yourself Naturally - Bath Time Done Right!

Just over 5 years ago, I was using not so natural products on my body but thought more about my son's wellness and switched to Original Sprout, goat milk soaps (made from local artisans), and coconut oil when he was 6 months old. Almost four years ago, I was made aware of how much I should be considering my own body care wellness... and I started looking at ingredients of consumables. It was an easy decision when it came to my little one because I wanted to protect his 'new' skin from as many harmful elements as possible and preserve his 'youth.' 

If you're new to the scene of natural products, I would like to share with you two things: 

1) Start slow - replace one product at a time (take baby steps);

2) Keep learning.  

This post shares with you the natural products I use for my showering routine. I've invited Monica Unseld, of The Purple Green Blog, to share with us tips on taking a luxurious [detox] bath. She will share her personal recommendations for toxic-free products. 

When I thought about how much I have grown in these short few years, I feel empowered that the decisions I make in the future regarding natural wellness will become easier and easier. It helps that I'm connected with other mamas who desire the same. They inspire me to keep learning! I hope you can be encouraged, too!

Let's Get Started!

Before showering:

Step 1) Dry brush your skin in upward strokes towards the heart; it helps remove dry, dead skin, stimulates the skin, and gently exfoliates it. Start out slow because it will feel abrasive at first then after a few uses, it will feel invigorating to the skin. 

While in the shower:

Step 2) I use two soaps; one is for my body and the other is for my face. I buy goat milk soaps from local artisans who use essential oils and not synthetic fragrance. I also prefer to use an activated charcoal goat milk soap bar that is great for reducing pores and I use it on my face and pits only. When I'm out of the goat milk soap, I use Dr. Bronner's soaps. The peppermint is my favorite because it 'wakes up' the skin! Dr. Bronner's soaps range in cost from $4-6 (per bar). The goat milk soaps from the two businesses are about $5 per bar. 

Step 3) For a gentle in-the-shower exfoliation, I use coconut oil and baking soda (2:1). [For a gentle out-of-the shower exfoliation, I use almond meal and water (3:1). After the almond meal exfoliation, I use a honey and lemon juice mask (2:1).] With the coconut oil and baking soda mixture, the honey and lemon juice may not be needed. 

Step 4) For a body scrub, I mix coconut oil, sugar, and essential oils together and store it in a mason jar. It is very effective for dry feet. I love to walk bare foot almost year around and in the winter, my feet are naturally drier so this has been a life saver. I use it with a pumice stone kind of like this. 

Step 5) For shaving (best for females), I have two options: The first, is using the same coconut oil and baking soda as outlined in Step 3 or two, taking the oil off the top of the body scrub in Step 4, and applying it directly to my legs and pits. It is gentle and softens the skin without any irritation. If you find that you have irritation, you may need to reduce the baking soda or switch the essential oils (or omit). 

Step 6) For washing hair, I have gone with a 'no poo' (I prefer no chemicals) but I recently went back over to the other side - buying my shampoo but I look for certain ingredients to avoid. The best place to start when looking for a natural product is to look through the ingredients to see if there are any synthetic fragrances. This usually weeds out most of the products I do not want to use. I wrote a post about my first experiences of going 'no-poo' here and then I used a new and improved no-poo recipe from Natural Living Momma (NLM). 

As seen in my own no-poo post, before I decided to take this approach, my hair was dry, breaking off, and looked a hot mess!  If you didn't read my post, I must add that I do a rinse after no-pooing (while in the shower). I mix water with apple cider vinegar (ACV) (8 oz of water to 1 T of ACV) and lemon juice with water (8 oz of water to 1 T of lemon juice). I do the ACV first and let it sit on the hair as I bathe then I rinse it out and then apply the lemon juice mixture; rinsing it right before I get out. It softens my hair and makes it easy to brush. Instead of using a bath towel, I wrap my hair up in a cotton white-T which softens the hair cuticle and keeps frizz down. Leaving your wet hair in the t-shirt can cause frizz (around the hairline) if you don't take it down as soon as you can to brush it. 

Note: I only wash my hair every 4-5 days. I went to hair school in '97, graduated in '99 and have never dyed my hair, ever! I have never washed my hair daily due to its thickness and it's way too much work anyway. Pony tails are great for those days I'm just not feeling it and I know some mamas can relate! I know from personal experience natural oils are good for hair growth and hair repair. Plus after going chemical free, I've seen my hair come back to life after moving to an area with very hard water and a very dry climate. 

Out of the shower:

Step 7) I use my own body butter or just coconut oil on my skin and face. I also will use products from small businesses that use quality oils and essential oils (not synthetic fragrances). My friends from Sky Fire Ranch Soaps are no longer selling their products due to circumstances beyond their control but I thoroughly enjoyed their body butters (and goat milk soaps).  

Step 8) I use natural deodorant from Handcrafted Honeybee and Primal Pit Paste link to this is on my products tab). I went 'natural' in September of 2012 using plain milk of magnesia to detox my body from chemicals in the store brands. It took 6 weeks to detox then I used DIY deodorants using coconut oil as the base ingredient with baking soda and essential oils. And, while they worked in the colder months, it became a liquid mess in the hot months. So, that's why I ended up trying the other natural deodorants from the companies just mentioned and I have been pleased ever since! 

Step 9) Since I went no-poo, my hair has been easier to brush / comb after it's been washed. With the no-poo recipe I'm using from NLM, I have the same results - effortless brushing. After it's been brushed, I apply a pea-size amount of coconut oil throughout my hair concentrating most of it on my ends (from the nape of my neck to the ends). If using coconut oil alone doesn't help, Nearly Natural Momma shares her DIY detangler that I've made and have used. It leaves the hair silky but it smells a lot like ACV - which I'm not a fan of (so I spray distilled essential oils on my hair to mask the scent of apple cider vinegar) and it works great! In between washes (as I don't wash my hair daily), I spritz my hair with water and apply more coconut oil or sometimes I use avocado oil. 

Step 10) I can now let my hair 'air-dry' - this was never possible before no-pooing. I have naturally wavy hair and with the no-poo and other natural recipes I've used, it has helped spring life back into my hair! 

There you have it! Showering from start to finish using all natural products. 

Bath Time Indulgences 

Let's learn more about an indulging bath time and the importance of a natural detox bath with Monica:

It's stressful having to think about all of the toxins we face in our daily lives; toxins in our personal care products, toxins in our home, toxins in the air we breathe. I bet a nice relaxing, candle-lit bath sounds good right about now, doesn't it? Well, fortunately, we can put our baths to work to help us remove some of the toxins we come into contact with each day. They're called detox baths and there are several recipes. 

Detox baths are actually an ancient practice that goes back thousands of years. Both the ancient Romans and ancient Greeks had methods for detoxification by bath. Modern methods have reemerged in recent years. While the science behind them is emerging, the ingredients used are non-toxic and have been shown to have health benefits. As always, if you are on any medication or have a medical condition, please pass your detox bath ingredients by your doctor first. 

According to Discovery Health, Epsom Salt is a good ingredient for a detox bath due to the magnesium sulfate which is the chemical compound in Epsom Salt.

"Magnesium helps keep your bodily functions running smoothly, including some of the pathways that lead toxins right out of your body. Sulfate helps to strengthen the walls of your digestive tract so that it's easier to release toxins. As a compound, magnesium sulfate also raises the amount of digestive enzymes in the pancreas. The compound also helps in purifying and detoxifying your body of heavy metals [source: Epsom Salt Council]. All of these functions help to aid the body in getting rid of toxins. However, there's not a lot of medical research documenting how much of a detoxifying effect Epsom salt may really have."

Detox bath tips adapted from Detox Bath Why and How:

1. Do not eat immediately before taking a detox bath. Drink filtered water.
2. Add 2 cups of Epsom Salt to a tub of hot water (for a large tub add more).
3. Add 1 cup of baking soda, if your water is unfiltered. This helps neutralize the chlorine and helps with mineral absorption. FYI: Baking soda is aluminum-free. See Crunchy Betty's statement.
4. Immerse yourself up to your neck and soak for at least 20 minutes. While you're in the bath, practice some breathing exercises. 
5. Cautiously and slowly rise and get out of the tub. You may feel light-headed and dizzy. 
6. Take a shower in cool water. This will ease any feelings of dizziness. 
7. Use non toxic products during the shower as your pores will be open and read to absorb any products you use. This also applies to when you dry off. *See my recommendation below.
8. Rest and rejuvenate.

Other sources for detox baths:

• How to take a detox bath
• Wellness Mama
• Care2 

Monica E. Unseld, Ph. D

Share with us ---

What are your go-to resources / recipes for using all-natural products? 


Choose, eat, and live well! =)

10 Ways to Use Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of my favorite natural products. It is multi-faceted - it can be consumed and can be used for body care and home care. I mainly use it for body care and for baking and yes, for oil pulling in the mornings.

More on oil pulling can be found on here and here. It's recommended to pull for up to 20 minutes a day. I wish I could go that long but the texture gets to me after several minutes but I shoot for 7. 

What is your favorite natural product that offers multiple uses?

In this blog post, I will list 10 of my favorite ways to use coconut oil. If you'd like to learn another several hundred ways, I recommend visiting Hybrid Rasta Mama. 

1). We use coconut oil for a body moisturizer. After bathing and patting dry, the coconut oil works superbly for me in the warmer months. However, I find that I have to mix the coconut oil with other quality oils like jojoba or avocado, and shea butter to combat dry, wintry skin. I've made my own body butter as seen here. Either way, I'm still using the coconut oil either direct or with another product for my skin from the tips of my toes to the top of my forehead and everywhere in between (including on my hair more in #2). Coconut oil has a natural SPF albeit low (around 5-8) it is still offering some protection. I've used coconut oil on my skin directly after getting sun burned. It helps relieve the burning as well as expediting my skin's healing process. 

2). Coconut oil is a great hair moisturizer especially if your hair is thick and wavy or curly. I started no-pooing in February (2013) and use coconut oil on my hair after it's been washed and conditioned. Learn more about my no-poo experience here. I only apply the coconut oil from the nape of my neck to my ends and reapply daily as needed. I use a nickel size amount if that. A little goes a long way and you'll know when you've used too much so, start out with a pea size and slowly work your way up. 

3). Coconut oil makes a great shaving lotion. I mix equal parts of baking soda with coconut oil and apply directly to the area I will shave. If you find that your skin is sensitive to the baking soda then add more coconut oil. There is no wrong way to mix it. Adjust where you see fit. You can also leave out the baking soda. In either case, you'll find that your razors last A LOT longer!

4). The same 'shaving lotion' can be used as a gentle skin exfoliator, too. 

5). Coconut oil can be mixed with sugar and an optional essential oil for a foot and / or hand scrub. 

6). Coconut oil is used to calm itchy skin. Next time you experience an itchy rash, reach for the coconut oil first then reapply daily as needed. 

7). Coconut oil is a common ingredient in DIY deodorants. The image below shows what I have used during the cooler months. I live in the desert and the temperatures can get in the triple digits during the summer, so I recently purchased a natural deodorant from Tehacha-Bee Farm that stays solid. If you'd like a DIY homemade deodorant for sensitive skin using bentonite clay, I recommend checking out OhLardy!.

Measurements: 
1/3 cup arrowroot powder
1/4 cup baking soda
5 T coconut oil
1-2 drops of essential oil (optional)

8). Coconut oil can be used to make DIY tooth powders/pastes. I have two recipes. One is hailing from Green Dreams and can be found here. I have found another one that I am most excited about and it's found on The Coconut Mama's page here. Since I've experienced better results with the latter, I'll share the recipe so you don't have to click off the page:

My 4 year old has been asking to brush his teeth in the middle of the day with the 'new' stuff as he likes the way his teeth feel afterwards. The paste is sticky... well, it's kind of like the texture of the tooth paste that a dentist uses. Takes a few thorough rinses before it's all out. But goodness it is one that I can brag about because it tastes great during and after! Thank you Coconut Mama for a home run! 

9). Coconut oil is a make-up remover. 

10). Coconut oil is a lip moisturizer. 

What is your favorite ways to use coconut oil? Did I leave any out that you'd like to share? If so, please leave a comment below.  

Choose, eat, and live well! =)

Updated: My experience with #nopoo & #recipe

No poo. Do you? I do! Oh yes! I made this decision to go no poo when my hair after 6 months was drying out, breaking off, and knotting too terribly easy.

As a licensed cosmetologist (of 14 years), I have never experienced someone commenting about how I should take care of my hair or worse, not receiving any comments whatsoever. I moved to the high desert in August of 2012. The water here is well, less than desirable IMO. We have yet to purchase a water softener so I am having to make due. After leaving Biolage in the cabinet, I tried organic shampoo types and nothing helped! It knotted severely in the shower. It took nearly 20 minutes to comb / brush it out. I did not look forward to washing my hair. Then it dawned on me - I needed to try this 'no poo' method. After 6 weeks, I'm thankful that I did!

After researching no poo for my hair type, I created a recipe. Well, it's a several step recipe but it's been working wonderfully. Maybe you can try it too! 

My hair is long (middle of my back), is thick, and is naturally wavy. I have never dyed my hair (yes you read that right! A licensed cosmetologist whose never dyed her hair!!) and before moving here was very healthy; never a split end, radiant, and soft! 

The first time you go no poo, it can take up to 6 weeks before your hair detoxes. You may go through oily phases or just a different appearance. I have to say that I've enjoyed the detox phase. A little oil in my hair has always been okay because it helps it grow!! 

I need to get my hair cut. I'm scheduling myself in by the end of April. It is overdue but I didn't want to stop in the middle of the detox because I wanted to help repair my ends before cutting off too much. I'm looking to get an inch or two off max. I like to wear pony tails and no make up. I embrace my natural beauty. 

Ready? Here it goes!! 

Day 1 - February 24, 2012 

Before no pooing.

I brushed my hair first to remove any tangles then I washed my hair with Dr. Bonner's Castile soap (bar) and then did a rinse of 3 T of baking soda in 8oz of boiled (then cooled) water. I lathered the soap in my hands then rubbed into my hair and scalp. I took the bar of soap to my hair and rubbed it back and forth. I got a good lather plus the soap smells nice. This part right here made the transition easy. I rinsed it with the baking soda and water because the soap leaves a film that you do not get with traditional shampoos.

I then did a rinse on my hair with two ingredients. First it was 2 T of ACV (apple cider vinegar) to 6oz of boiled (then cooled) water. I only poured this rinse on my ends (from the nape of my neck to the ends). Rinsed in water. The ACV neutralizes the hair then I had read that if you have dry hair to rinse your hair in lemon juice and water. My second rinse was freshly squeezed lemon juice in 6oz of boiled (then cooled) water. I pour this second rinse on the ends only. I left it in my hair while I finished bathing. Rinsed at the end. The best part of this first day? Effortless brushing!!

After no pooing and 3 rinses. 

Day 2 - February 28th, 2012

I shared with friends that I was no pooing and one gave me a recipe she uses. So, I decided to try her recipe instead of the castile bar soap method this day.

Before 2-28-12.

Recipe:

2T of raw honey (melted if solid), 2T of baking soda, a little spring water to make it into a paste, and 5 drops of Tea Tree oil (optional). 

Washed hair using this 'paste' and then rinsed it following the steps from day 1. ACV with boiled (then cooled) water then the lemon juice and water rinse. 

My son had to be in the image! =)

A bit heavy on top (from oils even after washing hair).

Day 3 - March 6, 2013

Used Dr. Bonner's castile soap (this is gentle enough to shave with as well!) with the two rinses (ACV and lemon juice). I'm alternating between methods at each hair washing. 

I found that my ends were still dry. The last two times I washed my hair I did not apply any product. In between washes, I wrap my hair at night and have a silk like pillow cases (more like satin) to reduce breakage. I was adding coconut oil on my ends between washes to keep them soft and more manageable. Brushing daily. Spritzing with water and adding the coconut oil as needed. Don't get over zealous like I did because it's easy to go overboard. 

This date, I added coconut oil (about 1 tsp; melted in my hands) to my ends (from nape of my neck to the ends) after washing and rinsing and after brushing. I found that it made a bigger difference in the appearance of my hair the day of and the days following no pooing. 

Day 4 - March 12, 2013

Honey, baking soda, water with 3 rinses. Followed with a teaspoon of coconut oil to the ends.

Day 5 - March 19, 2013

Castile soap, baking soda and water rinse then ACV and lemon rinses followed by coconut oil to ends.

Day 6 - March 24, 2013

Honey method, 3 rinses, coconut oil

Day 7 - March 29, 2013

Castile soap, 3 rinses, coconut oil

Day 8 - April 6, 2013 

Six weeks of no pooing! I'm happy that I took the plunge. I have enjoyed seeing the natural red-lights coming out in my hair. 

When exercising, I pull my hair up and off my neck. It just started getting warm here and I'll be washing hair more frequently than I have been in the past 6 weeks as the temps keep rising. 

To save time, make up to 16 oz of boiled then chilled water for your baking soda, ACV and lemon juice rinses. For my hair length and thickness, I use about 1/3 of 16oz each time I wash my hair. Eventually, I'll be getting some larger containers to keep the mixtures in for it to last longer. 

I will update this post with an image when I get my ends trimmed. If you have any questions about my process or if I can encourage you in yours, please leave a comment. 

Updated, May 20, 2013:

This is one week past my trim. About 2 inches was taken off the bottom. Still going no poo but purchased a new product called Alaffia from the health food store, The Whole Wheatery. I've used it only once thus far so it's too early to report on those results and I'll update this post if the results are successful. 

Updated, June 25, 2013: 

Alaffia ended up being too heavy for my tresses. So I ended up washing my hair with Biolage shampoo to remove the build-up of the heavy oils then used Original Sprout's Luscious Island conditioner. After two washes the build up was gone. I went back to no-pooing and rinsing every other time with the ACV and water only. NOTE: The scent of the ACV will remain in your hair and if you're like me and don't care for a vinegar smell, you'll want to make a DIY air freshener using distilled water and essential oils and spraying your hair with it as it dries. Your hair will smell like the essential oils and not the ACV. However, if you use the Original Sprout product, your hair will smell lovely! 

Updated, August 19, 2013: I picked up a shampoo bar from Tehacha-Bee Farm at the Mountain Festival in Tehachapi. It is a lot like Dr Bronner's castile soap mentioned above. I have only used it twice and it is lovely. I will report again when it's been awhile. 

I still add coconut oil to my hair after it's been brushed/combed. 

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