How to Start a 3-Step Hair Care Routine—Chemical Free

My chemical-free hair care journey actually started about ten years ago. One of my girlfriends had recently started using a no-poo product that had just come out on the market called WEN. You may have heard of it. It was touted to be a gentler, more “natural” way of cleansing your hair. Instead of using traditional shampoos, it was a cleansing conditioner that was Aloe Vera-based and said to be sulfate and petrochemical free. 

While I never used WEN, the idea of dropping traditional shampoos and using something healthier and chemical free on my hair intrigued me. So I did my research (on Pinterest) and found that there were other non-chemical ways of cleansing my hair. Some of them had been used for years. Shortly after that is when I started using the baking soda/apple cider rinse method.



Not going to lie, for some people, jumping from traditional shampoos to a natural one like this requires an adjustment period. For me, my hair adjusted right away, so I never looked back. But if your hair is less than perfect for a while, don’t give up. It WILL adjust. It just may take some time.



The baking soda mixture acts as your shampoo. Mix one tablespoon baking soda with eight ounces of water. After I apply, I work it into my hair just like I'm using a traditional shampoo. Sometimes I let it sit for a little while before I rinse. 

Baking soda opens up the cuticle, however, so it’s important to follow with 

apple cider vinegar

so you end up with smooth, shiny hair. The vinegar rinse ratio is: 1/4 cup vinegar to one cup water. I also like to add a couple of drops of Rosemary essential oil to my rinse. Rosemary has properties in it that promote hair growth.



An interesting side point about cleansing this way: I find that I lose less hair. Have you ever washed and conditioned your hair only to be horrified by the giant hairball that's stuck in the drain afterwards? I was shocked the first time I used the baking soda/ACV at how little hair was left in the tub. At my age, most women complain of their hair thinning. But now, not only does my hair feel squeaky clean, it’s fuller and shinier than ever.





Mirah Lustrous Hair Oil

is arguably one of the best products I've ever used on my hair. It is 100% plant-based. It contains no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, petrochemicals, animal-derived ingredients, synthetic preservatives, synthetic fragrances, or synthetic dyes or colorants. It’s just oils—essential and carrier. I put it on my hair wet or dry, whenever I want to smooth some fly aways or just want to add a little bonus shine. And it smells SO GOOD! I know I say this a lot, but it...is...FABULOUS.

I also eat right and take supplements that help to support my hair from the inside. Never forget that gorgeous hair is an inside job. How you take care of your body is reflected in your skin, hair, and nails. So make sure you’re taking care of yourself.