Natural Hair Care Update

Like Rini, I've been interested in natural hair care for awhile. I did some reasearch and some experimentation, and want to share what I've found out and maybe learn from those who know how to do it! So feel free to add to this thread to post your own experiences.

I'm defining natural to be herbs, produce (avocado, or???), honey, seaweed, teas, and any product that doesn't contain extra chemicals or additives like Sodium Laurel Sulfate. Please add to this definition if you like

I have rosemary and lavender growing in my garden and decided to crush these herbs and boil them with some honeybush tea (an herbal tea from Africa that has antioxidants and other good properties). Rosemary is supposed to help with greying hair. Lavender just smells great! Also lavender is supposed to be cleansing.

I used this infusion to wash my hair all last week (didn't use anything else). My hair felt a bit strange (kind of sticky), but I just braided all week. After a week I did a CWC with diluted natural shampoo and conditioner.

I've also been doing cassia treatments once a week, this last one with avocado and honey.

So far I've got nice shine and thicker length, but somewhat drier ends. I'm avoiding oils for now because I usually have to remove them with shampoo, and I'm trying to minimize shampoo use right now.

Oh, and I've ordered some samples of Chagrin Valley shampoo soaps to try out.

Thanks Rini for the info. I did pour the infusion over, and then do a very small bit of rubbing so it reached my scalp. I agree with you, it was probably not dissolving the sebum. Once I did a CWC at the end of the week, the stickiness was gone! I think I'll use this concoction as a rinse instead of a cleanser.

As for jojoba, I haven't tried it yet because I can't seem to find it in my area. I think I may have to order it online.....

When you CO, what conditioners are you using? I am trying to phase out my favorite, which contains SLS

Thanks Twin!

Hair still feels a bit sticky with both the rinse and the Chagrin Valley shampoo bars I'm using. I've ditched the CO for awhile to try this natural thing out. I'm not sure I like the outcome though. I may go back to good ole shampoo.

I must say, Kitty and Rini, you do both have gorgeous hair! I just love it!

Thank You Alayney!!