A petroleum-free shampoo
Driving into work in early September, I had my radio tuned to an episode of "Morning Edition" highlighting Tom's of Maine's efforts to create a deodorant free of petroleum derivatives.
As interesting as Tom's journey to develop its products was, my biggest takeaway from the show was the realization that fossil fuels are in my deodorant (and toothpaste and shampoo, by the way). Now I realize that most green-thinkers might've been aware of this already, but I wasn't. And I was shocked.
Knowing that now have a fossil fuel-free option for deodorant with Tom's, I turned my efforts to finding a more natural shampoo. It didn't take much googling to find that baking soda can sub for shampoo and apple cider vinegar for conditioner.
The baking soda works well as a cleanser, though it seems to be kind of drying in my hair. I have yet to try apple cider vinegar as conditioner, mostly because I still have some regular conditioner still to use up. Once I give it a try, though, I'll share here how it works.
The "shampoo"
The ratio for mixing up the hair cleanser is a simple 1 part of baking soda to three parts water. I have very long hair (down to my hips), so I typically use about a quarter cup of baking soda and three-quarters of water.
I pour the mixture on my head a little at a time, making sure to work it onto my scalp and down to the ends of my hair. Then I rinse it out with warm water.
The "conditioner"
The ratio for conditioner is 1 part apple cider vinegar for 4 parts water. Some online sources say they add drops of essential oils to combat the smell, but others say the odor dissipates rather quickly after use.
To use, pour the mix into your hair and distribute throughout. Then rinse with cold water.
As interesting as Tom's journey to develop its products was, my biggest takeaway from the show was the realization that fossil fuels are in my deodorant (and toothpaste and shampoo, by the way). Now I realize that most green-thinkers might've been aware of this already, but I wasn't. And I was shocked.
Knowing that now have a fossil fuel-free option for deodorant with Tom's, I turned my efforts to finding a more natural shampoo. It didn't take much googling to find that baking soda can sub for shampoo and apple cider vinegar for conditioner.
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| Baking soda and apple cider vinegar |
The baking soda works well as a cleanser, though it seems to be kind of drying in my hair. I have yet to try apple cider vinegar as conditioner, mostly because I still have some regular conditioner still to use up. Once I give it a try, though, I'll share here how it works.
The "shampoo"
The ratio for mixing up the hair cleanser is a simple 1 part of baking soda to three parts water. I have very long hair (down to my hips), so I typically use about a quarter cup of baking soda and three-quarters of water.
I pour the mixture on my head a little at a time, making sure to work it onto my scalp and down to the ends of my hair. Then I rinse it out with warm water.
The "conditioner"
The ratio for conditioner is 1 part apple cider vinegar for 4 parts water. Some online sources say they add drops of essential oils to combat the smell, but others say the odor dissipates rather quickly after use.
To use, pour the mix into your hair and distribute throughout. Then rinse with cold water.
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