Yummy Vegetarian Delights: Make or Buy Healthy, Non-toxic, Green Shampoo

Baking soda, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sodium_bicarbonate.jpg

Say Goodbye To Toxic Ingredients in Hair Products

There are many ingredients in most shampoos that have very unwanted side effects. Read on to learn of the various safe and natural alternatives available.

Most people assume that the shampoos that they buy from the store are safe. Indeed, many people have used these very shampoos for years and years before uncovering troubling research and accusations about the ingredients listed in these products.
For instance, there is speculation as to sodium lauryl sulfate being carcinogenic. Phthalates are being linked to birth defects. Cancer and birth defects from a shampoo! Many other chemicals are in question and some are even being listed under different names. Baby shampoos are not immune to this madness. Clearly, one has to take charge of their own health and choose to make their own shampoo or choose a brand that is safe to use.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Many people have been successful using baking soda and vinegar to clean their hair. To create your own mixture, add one tablespoon of baking soda to one cup warm water. Shake well. Wet hair and comb mixture through. Use about a tablespoon of vinegar in 2 cups of water for a finishing rinse.

Use Conditioner Only

Be sure it is a natural conditioner that contains no questionable ingredients. Just because something says natural or organic on the label does not mean any other dangerous ingredients are omitted. Read the label. Once you know you have a natural conditioner, simply use it in place of shampoo.

Using Sopanins

Many people have successfully made their own shampoo using plants or herbs that are sopanins. Sopanins are natural cleansers, and when they are mixed with water they become bubbly like soap.Yucca root is the most popular sopanin for making natural shampoo. In order to make Yucca root shampoo, simply make or blend the root into a pulp. Then, set out to air dry or dry in put in an oven on low temperature. Once the root is dried, store it in a cool, airy place. When ready to use, put in a cheesecloth bag and wet and rub on hair to cleanse.

Safe, Store Bought Choices

Many people have been successful in finding natural, non toxic shampoos at health food stores such as Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. Look for a shampoo that says non toxic and that features plant based materials. Many natural products now list what the ingredient is derived from in parenthesis beside each ingredient; this seems to be the safest choice as it proves the company is not attempting to hide an ingredient under a non- recognizable name.

Adjustment Period

Hair sometimes requires a few weeks to adjust to a new cleaning method. If you choose one that is not satisfactory after a few weeks, try another.
Sources

"Dangerous Cosmetic and Skin Care Ingredients Listing." Garden of Life Products Vitamin Code RAW and Oceans 3 with Fucothin. Primal Defense. Web. 27 Feb. 2010.
EWG Home | Environmental Working Group. Web. 27 Feb. 2010. .
"Healthy Hair Shampoo Is Easy to Find." Easy Green Living for Health and Wealth. Web. 27 Feb. 2010.
"How to Wash Your Hair Without Shampoo: 11 steps - wikiHow." WikiHow - The How-to Manual That You Can Edit. Web. 27 Feb. 2010.
"Natural Hair Care: How to Make Natural Shampoo from Yucca Root." Organic Gardening, Modern Homesteading, Renewable Energy, Green Homes, Do it Yourself – Mother Earth News. Web. 27 Feb. 2010.