My hair experiments – The Modern Hippy Way Part 2

Posted on 30th December 2009 in Green/eco-friendly, Hair care

     Several weeks ago I started to experiment with my hair care. So far my hair experiments include washing my hair every two days, using conditioner only on the day I wash my hair. I also mix a blend of essential oils and witch hazel to increase hair growth and decrease oily scalp.
     So far it’s going wonderfully. Other than when I’m on my period, my hair is rarely oily, looks healthy, and is very shiny. I did accidentally discover that not using the witch hazel-essential oil blend allows my hair to become more oily again. I ran out of a couple essential oils and wasn’t able to redo the blend for a few days. The next day my hair was more oily than usual. Progressively it got worse over the next few days until my essential oils were delivered. Using it again, I’ve noticed a change – less overall oil again. So I’m convinced, even if my hair never gets thicker, it’s worth it.
     As far as more hair growth, yes I want thicker hair. It seems to fall out whenever I’m stressed, or even with dramatic seasonal changes. It does grow back however; I’d rather have too much than too little if I can help it.
     While I was is school several of the teachers mentioned that the essential oils such as rosemary and ylang ylang really do work. I’m sure it will take awhile to notice anything. I am using a couple of the oils that are older so they might not work as well for that. That’s fine though, as long as it works for decreasing oil production I’m happy and am willing to wait.
I also ran out of apple cider vinegar and haven’t used it in a week or more. I did notice that using it the day after I shampooed, while it was shiny, it did seem more oily, which was annoying. Perhaps trying it again on a day I wash my hair might be a good idea.

     Something new I’ve started is when the ends of my hair seem a little dry – they have been since it got really cold. By the end of the day I have enormous dreads. According to my hair stylist whom trimmed my hair recently, it’s fairly common in the winter. So I’m using the oil blend I made for my faceon my ends. It is jojoba, avocado, and olive oils along a few essential oils.
     I’m still not using product. Giving my scalp a break, letting it do it’s job without a lot of unnatural things seems like the best idea for me. Also, at the beginning of the 2010 summer I plan to cut a lot of my hair for Locks of Love. The healthier it looks the better. I am mildly concerned about having short hair and not using product. But as something I’ve noticed, while my hair is rarely greasy, its own natural oils seem to work like a gel sometimes, making it shiny and manageable. Our co-op does seem to have more natural product alternatives. Something will work. I might even be lucky enough to find something that will further help to nourish my hair. Until the next hair experiment!

My Hair Experiments – The Modern Hippy Way

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Fun and eco-friendly Christmas

Posted on 16th December 2009 in Frugal, Green/eco-friendly, Uncategorized

     This year for Christmas we decided to cut down on the quantity of presents and go for quality instead. It’s not that we didn’t get good present before but there was definitely a lot of them. Since at the moment I am on a decluttering rampage the last thing I want to do is to add to someone else’s clutter. So this year, more thought, possible usefulness, and cost are always on my mind while wracking my brain for ideas.

     I’ve done some shopping on Etsy, at the craft store, at the thrift stores and our co-op. This year, so far things seem to be less stressful. The nice thing about doing things like this is it’s more eco-friendly. If you get something that is actually useful then it’s less likely to get thrown in the garbage after it’s sat amoungst clutter for several months or years. Of course shopping locally is important because it’s those local shops and companies that keep a local economy afloat, NOT Walmart. In fact, though I do still visit Jo-Ann Fabrics, it’s those huge chains that can hurt a local economy and the local people, perhaps even including you and me. On top of all that is the clutter consideration. I’ve been dealing with a lot of clutter because I’ve acquired many things I thought I needed in the last few years. Living in too much clutter isn’t good for anyone, so by getting something useful that will actually be appreciated and used you aren’t causing a challenge for anyone else.
     Some other ideas for Christmas(brought up by a friend of mine whom has done this herself), if you aren’t sure what to get someone or even what you want for a gift why not donate or have someone else donate to your favorite charity? In King County(think Seattle) most of the city run animal shelters are being shut down because of a lack of funds. This is going to be challenging for the remaining privately run shelters as they will be dealing with even more animals. Why not find a local shelter and find out what they need, buy it and bring it, or just right a check? Or if you can become a foster home for a dog or cat? There are also a lot of people whom may need help. Find a family in need or donate to a local homeless shelter or soup kitchen.
     There are so many things you can do to make your holiday special in a different way; to take it out of the mainstream crazy rush. It’s limited only by time and imagination. And of course, like myself, I’m sure there are many people out there willing to share their ideas. So ask away! Happy Holidays!

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