NATURAL SHAMPOOS

The purpose of a natural shampoo is to thoroughly cleanse the hair and scalp without stripping them of their protective oils. Many of the cheaper commercial shampoos use harsh surfactants as a base, which can disrupt the natural growth cycle of the hair, either by over drying the scalp through too frequent use or by depositing a waxy layer that clogs the follicles and affects healthy hair growth.

A shampoo contains the same type of cleansing surfactants as do soaps, so the key in a natural product is to use cleansers which are mild and non-irritating , such as polyglucoside or sucrose cocoate, derived from glucose (sugar) and fatty acids. Oilier hair will benefit from a modified cleanser based on liquid coconut soap with humectants such as lecithin and honey. Over-washing of the hair is a common problem which leads to scalp dryness, over and under active sebum production and hair that is lack luster, brittle or malnourished.

A classic European 'dry shampoo' recipe is given which will be helpful if you travel frequently or would like to experiment with cleansing your hair without constantly exposing it to tap water, chemicals and detergents. Lavender and rosemary essential oils provide the clean, fresh herbaceous aroma in these shampoos.

CLEANSERS AND HAIRCARE

Liquid Soap Cleanser
A mild and effective cleanser for those who prefer a soap to a lotion cleanser.

• 1 cup (8oz) liquid coconut soap*
• 2 cups (16oz) distilled water or herbal infusion
• 2 tbsp (30ml) modified lecithin
• 2 tbsp (30ml) cold-pressed oil
• 2tbsp (10ml) grapefruit seed extract or Germaben II

*You may substitute any good quality, unfragranced vegetable-based soap or soap flakes for the liquid coconut soap.

Using a glass bowl placed inside a pot of boiling water, heat the ingredients gently, stirring with a spoon or whisk. Once, the soap, lecithin and oil are completely dissolved, allow to cool, and store the liquid mixture in a glass jar for future use.

Hair Shampoo

A gentle hair shampoo for everyday use. Herbal infusions add to the effectiveness of the shampoo. For all hair types.

• 4 oz (120ml) polyglucose
• 2 oz (60ml) coco betaine
• 2 oz (60ml) distilled water or herbal infusion
• 1 tsp (5ml) sucrose cocoate
• 1 tsp (5ml) isosteroyl lactylate
• 1/2 tsp modified lecithin
• 1/2 tsp grapefruit seed extract or Germaben II

Mix all ingredients except the coco betaine together in a glass bowl and stir wlowly with a spoon or whisk. Add the betaine slowly and continue to mix until the liquid becomes thicker. Pour through a funnel into a clean bottle and cap tightly.

Hair Conditioner

Place 8 oz (240ml) distilled or spring water or herbal infusion in a blender with 1/2 tsp grapefruit seed extract or Germaben II. Add 1 tsp alginate powder and blend for one minute. Add 30 drops of lemon juice. Then place the following ingredients in a glass bowl:

• 1 tbsp (15ml) cold-pressed oil
• 1 tsp (5ml) polyglucose
• 1 tsp (5ml) coco betaine
• 1 tsp (5ml) isosteroyl lactylate
• 1/2 tsp modified lecithin
• 1/2 tsp grapefruit seed extract or Gernaben II

Pour the ingredients from the blender gently over the ingredients in the bowl, stirring slowly. When the ingredients are well blended, pour through a funnel into a clean bottle and cap tightly.

NATURAL HERBAL SHAMPOO FOR OILY HAIR

This low-sudsing scalp and hair cleanser will remove excess oil, regulate scalp function, and leave the hair clean.

• 5 oz ( 150ml) unfragranced liquid soap
• 2 oz (60ml) aloe vera gel
• 1 oz (30ml) nettle extract
• 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice
• 1 tsp (5ml) unpasteurized honey
• 1 tsp (5ml) modified lecithin
• 30 drops rosemary Pure Essential Oil
• 30 drops lavender Pure Essential Oil

Combine all ingredients, stir until well blended, and pour into a bottle. Use as needed.

NATURAL AROMATHERAPY SHAMPOO

A gentle, fresh -smelling shampoo which effectively cleanses scalp and hair without disrupting their natural functions. For all hair types, especially normal to dry.

• 8 oz (240ml) unfragranced shampoo base(see the hair shampoo recipe)
• 30 drops rosemary Pure Essential Oil
• 30 drops lavender Pure Essential Oil

Pour the unfragranced shampoo base into a measuring cup or beaker, and stir in the essential oils. When the mixture is fully blended, pour through a funnel into a plastic squeeze bottle. Use as often as needed.

CLASSIC EUROPEAN DRY SHAMPOO

A life saver when travelling, camping or when you simply do not have enough time to wash and style your hair. White clay absorbes excess oils, dirt and sebum while essential oils refresh and cleanse. For all hair types.

• 4 tbsp white clay powder
• 1tbsp cornstarch
• 15 drops rosemary Pure Essential Oil
• 15 drops lavender Pure Essential Oil

Mix the dry materials in a bowl and , using a small whisk, blend in the essential oils drop by drop. Spoon the powder through a funnel into a small plastic squeeze bottle. To use the shampoo, part the hair in sections and dab small amounts of the powder onto the scalp with a cotton ball. Wait a miniute or two, then brush well with a bristle hair brush.