Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
I believe a beauty routine is a daily opportunity to express love and appreciation for yourself. It's a happy side effect that self-care makes you shinier and prettier, but to me that's not the main point - it's a chance to give thanks for all that you are, and the sensual delights your body can give and receive!
I believe in radical self-love; we can only love our neighbors in as much as we are able to love ourselves. To love yourself is one of the best gifts you can give the world! Honoring your body and your health is to give thanks for being alive.
This Natural Beauty series is intended to be a celebration of beauty, joy, health, and love. Let us use the gifts of nature to enhance our well being, and let us inspire each other to be our best selves!
Today, I share some of my favorite natural options for shampoo:
1. Baking Soda
Yet another use of fantastic, economical, multi-purpose baking soda is to use it to clean your hair! It is somewhat drying, so I recommend following with a hydrating conditioner. To use: add water to 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda. Use to scrub your scalp. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
2. Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap
This is another great multi-purpose product for beauty that comes in a variety of "flavors". I especially like the lavender, peppermint, and almond soaps. It too is somewhat drying, so follow with a conditioner if that's your jam. Use a teaspoon or so to lather up your hair, and rinse out.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a wonderful plant! It is a staple houseplant for its air purifying properties, but it has many health and beauty benefits as well. It's a go-to for burns, but did you know it makes a great shampoo too? To use: Peel enough aloe to squeeze out a few tablespoons of gel. Combine with a few drops of essential oil, a few drops of argan or jojoba oil, and 1-2 tablespoons of water in a blender that can puree very, very well. This will oxidize fairly quickly and may change color, but still can be used with great results. Try keeping it in the fridge. Use 1-2 tablespoons to scrub your scalp and hair in the shower, and rinse thoroughly.
4. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is yummy and full of nutrients and is good for the body inside and out! To use as shampoo: either use a can of coconut milk to scrub, or make your own. From a fresh coconut, squeeze out the milk using a cheesecloth. If starting with dried coconut, soak in distilled water for a few hours, then blend. Squeeze milk out with a cheesecloth.
I hope you enjoy experimenting with a few of these shampoo options! Commercial shampoos are loaded with nasty chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system and add unnecessary toxins to your body, and these are great options for staying squeaky clean without the poisons.
I have dreadlocks, and I don't have to wash my hair very often. Once a week is frequent enough for me, but when I do I like to scrub my scalp really well. It feels fantastic and increases blood circulation. I like to follow up with a conditioner, so I'll share some hydrating recipes for that next time!
May you feel the beauty in all things!
āØšāØ Sara!