Natural Hair Care Recipe.

So, my sister recently shared with me that she had switched over to a natural hair care regimen using baking soda & apple cider vinegar.   I know, this sounds a little, different (for lack of a better word) and even drying to me, but after sticking to it for over a month she has been pleasantly surprised with the results.  She has found that her hair is holding more shine, has been less frizzy and even a little fuller with some new growth showing around the hair line.  Being that my daughter and I are due for our refill with shampoo and conditioner, I have decided to take the plunge and try this out.   I decided to do my own research, and share it with y'all.

Using the Baking Soda as your Shampoo:

You're going to mix about 4 to 5 spoonfuls of baking soda in a squeeze bottle ( around 400 ml) with warm water.  Shake well until it seems evenly mixed and apply through out  your scalp, and as close to your scalp as possible.  The baking soda can be drying on your hair so stay right at your scalp.  Let it sit for a hot minute and rinse well.  As you rinse the baking soda it will clean the rest of your hair as it makes it's way down the hair shaft and off your hair. 

   Apple Cider Vinegar as your conditioner:

Your going to need a spray bottle for this part and you'll mix about 1 part of the ACV to 4 parts water. Squeeze out extra water from your rinse and begin to spray away, covering your hair well.  Rub the ACV in through out your ends and let it sit for a moment.  Rinse really well.

Side Notes: Your hair might not feel as clean as with your normal shampoo and conditioner but once it is dry it will feel clean and "normal" so to speak, and soft.  Also, I am told to stick with it because you might feel like tossing it out the window after your first few times.  But if you can make it through a month, you'll be glad you switched...or not, and that's cool, you tried it.  Don't do this every day.  I would recommend no more than 3 times a week, so if you shampoo more, then substitute your regular shampoo for those other times.

If you are worried about the scent, yes it doesn't have a much of an attractive scent, then you can add a natural oil to it.  I have attached a chart below from a blog that I found this idea from.

How to Choose Essential Oils for Your Hair

Essential Oil	Effect
Chamomile	Lightens blonde hair & good for dry hair.
Lemon	Lightens blonde hair.  Lemon with heat (from the sun) can turn hair orange.
Peppermint	Stimulates growth & may irritate very sensitive scalps.
Rosemary	Adds shine & and great
	(for more info. visit here: http://andreajoy.hubpages.com/hub/Natural-Hair-Care-Baking-Soda-and-Apple-Cider-Vinegar)     Let me know if you try it, and I'll let you know my progress as well!     Blessings!                        ~Mama C's