Do you hate spending top dollar for bottles and bottles of plastic, that are mostly water anyway? Here at the Homestead we want to help you live the most healthful and beautiful life you can, for yourself, your family and the planet. That’s why we’ve created this DIY Zero Waste 100% Natural Hair Care kit, so you can care for your beautiful hair and the environment at the same time!

Why should I avoid commercial hair products?

• Drying Chemicals: Many leading commercial hair products contain “sodium laurel / laureth sulfate (SLS), also known as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laurel sulfate, sodium dodecylsulfate, sulfuric acid, sodium salt sulfuric acid, A12-00356, Akyposal SDS, Aquarex ME, and Aquarex methyl.” (according to LeafTV)
• Isopropyl Alcohol and Propylene Glycol are also common ingredients that dry out the scalp, cause scalp irritation, and may cause other adverse health effects (read this article for more)
• Parabens and phthalates are still found in many commercial brands, especially hair products that advertise as “straigteners, de-tanglers, root stimulators and anti-frizz” and are disguised with countless chemical names. These products are known hormone disruptors and have been linked to obesity, asthma, hormonal and developmental dysfunction and cancer. (From Scientific American)

Why take a chance?

Here are the ingredients, all organically, sustainably and locally sourced (here in Colorado):

• Big B’s Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar (with the Mother)
• Goat Milk Shampoo Bar: Nubian Goat Milk produced by Swallowtail & Poppy, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Shea Butter, Sodium Hydroxide, Palma Rosa, Lemongrass, and Myrrh Essential Oils (made by Three Sisters Weaving in Nederland, Colorado)
• Herbal Sachet: Rosemary, Thyme, Rose, Lavender, Nettle

Here’s how to make it!

• Place herbal sachet in one gallon cold water. Bring water and sachet to a boil. Turn off heat and allow to cool for 2 hours. Remove sachet.
• Fill cup, spray bottle or the like with 1 cup infusion and 1/4 cup vinegar. More vinegar will be drying, less will leave some residue. Experiment to find the right ratio for your hair type.

Here’s how to use it!

• Step into the shower with your soap and Herbal Hair Rinse!
• Froth shampoo bar in-between hands. Work froth into hair starting at the scalp. Rinse with water.
• Spray or pour vinegar rinse onto scalp, carefully avoiding the eyes. Work into scalp, apply as needed to remove residue. Rinse with water. Towel dry.

Voila!

Your hair is nourished and clean, your scalp is refreshed, and you’re good to go for a few days to a week before the next treatment. (Personally, I wash my dreadlocks every two weeks and do a deep cleansing scalp treatment with black Hawaiian salt and baking soda once a month, but that’s just me…) Also, because I live in Colorado where it’s super dry I use baobab oil as an after treatment to restore optimal moisture.

Where do I get this awesome kit?

Come into the Homestead Market Thursdays through Sundays between 10 and 3 or click here to order online!