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Thursday, April 24, 2014

No Shampoo, One Month Later

Well, it's been a month since I quit using shampoo. And you know what? I don't ever plan on using it again. It seems the more I learn about all of the chemicals around us, more doors open that give me an alternative to using them. For that, I am truly grateful. Here are pictures of my progress.
 
Before

Grace, a friend that hadn't seen me in a while, was surprised at how my hair looked. She expected it to be flatter and sort of greasy looking, but it's not. She described it as fuller and a little 'fly away', but said it looks good. I do think my hair is a darker color, which is okay, even though I liked the lighter blond look. Before long, the gray will take over anyway. I am still using the same formulas: 1 tablespoon of baking soda per 2 cups of water for shampoo, and 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 2 cups of water for conditioner/detangler. I did try the vinegar rinse on my scalp once, but it made me itch more. The only place I use the vinegar rinse is from the neck down to correct the pH of my hair.
 
One week later

Frank, the one that matters most, thinks my hair looks just fine, and so do I. Not only did I quit exposing my head to a menagerie of chemicals from the shampoo and conditioner, I have not had to use the medicine for psoriasis on my head one time in this last month. That has not been possible for about 20 years. 20 years. That is a long time. My scalp does still itch a little, but nothing like it did when I was still using shampoo and conditioner four days a week, and selenium sulfide shampoo and a prescription medication twice a week. For me, this is just amazing, and I will never go back. Another benefit from this new regimen is the savings. The baking soda and vinegar I use cost pennies compared to the other four products I was using.

One month later

I can't wait to see what I will get to learn next. Life is good, even in the midst of the calamitous ruin of our country. Do all you can to simplify your needs and wants. Find ways to perform the necessary daily tasks that will keep you and yours living healthy, happy lives. Even when all about us is the uneasy wind of mighty change blowing our way, we can learn and thrive. Buckle up. We're in for quite a ride.

Until next time - Fern

9 comments:

  1. Yep from the photo's it looks great ...
    Perhaps I missed the part?.. (sorry) but do you still use something for "body soap" or have you changed?... (maybe I didn't catch your drift of "from the neck down")

    Thanks for the fallow up ... It helps

    " T "

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    1. I'm sorry. The comment from the neck down just meant the rest of my hair below the neck line. Thanks for the question.

      Fern

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    2. Hahaha .... Sooo if I may ask?... Have you changed from "normal body soap" (sorry for my confusing way I asked.

      I was just interested in if you have found? A better soap as well? Not just your hair which looks great (I should add)

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    3. No, we haven't changed our bath soap. We use Dove and have for years. Maybe that will be one of the next steps after more research.

      Fern

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  2. I use products in my hair.(I know, baby steps here... Lol). I wonder if the baking sodas would work with that?

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    1. I don't know how this would work with hair products, SFG. I don't use them, so I can't give any advice.

      Fern

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  3. When we can get rid of chemicals it is awesome...I am going to try the vinegar/baking soda for sure! Ralph drinks a tablespoon of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar [Mixed with tomato Juice] every day for his aches in his hands. His work at the bakery involves a lot of hand work [He found information about uric acid in your body that affects joints and that Vinegar helps balance your system.] His has found his hands ache way less and his "old" joints over all feel better. Maybe mind over matter but it helps.

    Your hair looks marvelous!
    Have you tried making your own vinegar?

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    1. Fiona, I used to drink a big splash of apple cider vinegar in half a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of local honey every morning for my joints, until it started making my teeth hurt. We have researched making vinegar and I have found a good book with detailed instructions. We just haven't had the time to try it yet. The key word there is yet. It will come when time allows.

      Fern

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  4. For lighter colored highlights it is recommended that you use lemon juice, cider vinegar causes darker highlights.. Here is a link to some other hair ideas.
    http://wellnessmama.com/5112/natural-hair-color-recipes/
    http://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/body-and-soul-herbal-hair-rinses.aspx#axzz2zzr6JEuJ
    http://www.bulkherbstore.com/Beautiful-Hair-Blonde

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