Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Eco Friendly and Frugal Hair Treatments

I recently had a bit of a problem with dry scalp. I find that traditional methods to deal with this condition are a bit harsh on the hair itself. Other times they make your scalp dependent on them or worse... immune.

I like to turn to mother nature during these times (if it's mild and not an underlining medical condition) Then it got me thinking about all the fabulous hair treatments we can make in our own kitchen for CHEAP! The best part is that it actually works, saves money, and it eco friendly. (may be a bit smelly and messy)

First, you have diagnose your problem. Dull hair, dry hair, dry scalp, product build up, flat and limp, frizzy?

If you have chronic or acute flaking, itching, or scaling on the scalp. You may have more then dry scalp. Dandruff , Seborrhea, (fungal) Eczema, (allergic reaction, or environmental) and Psoriasis (genetic) are all different. Have different causes and some can be treated with medications see you your doctor to figure out exactly what you have.

So you have figured out that it is a simple flaking problem due to build up/ dry scalp. This remedy kicks ass.

Use some simple table salt and olive oil mix a paste and apply on damp hair before you wash. Massage it in and really exfoliate those flakes out. Wash out the mixture. Condition as usual and this is the trick here...apple cider vinegar. It clarifies the scalp, kills any yeast ( acidic) closes the cuticle ( shine!) and doesn't make you smell like a salad. Try it! I did this twice a week until I saw improvement. Now I only do it once a month. It also helps to invest in a scalp massage brush. They are usually round plastic short bristle brushes used while you shampoo they hair. It will loosen any dead skin from the scalp, so less flaking there. Rinse well!

I would also like to note that the number one reason one would see flakes and dryness is improper rinsing. We are all in such a hurry daily. I myself am guilty of the 20 second shampoo rinse in the shower. I am going to stress that step one to flake free locks is rinse rinse rinse that shampoo out!