It’s been about 6 months since I started on the path of a more chemical free, natural life and as I spent the last few days doing even more research, which I’ll get to soon, I thought I’d share an update.
My hair
I haven’t used shampoo since July of last year. I’ve clicked on a few articles about people not using shampoo recently, and as it’s typically the same information I read when I was doing research last summer, I skip down to the comments. I guess since most of my research was done by reading how-to and results articles, I didn’t realize that people would be so grossed out by the notion. Well, I’m here to tell you that if you’re one of those who makes such assumptions, you should be more open minded and actually do some research about it. It may not be for you, but it’s certainly not gross.
It’s now 6 months later and my hair has never been softer and shinier. Mind you, I didn’t follow the route I initially discussed then (read here). Trying to go the no-poo route in tandem with growing out my gray AND trying to go naturally curly was too much to do at once. Instead, I decided to co-wash (use conditioner). In addition to the co-wash, I deep condition once a week with my new favorite product: Coconut oil.
If you don’t know about coconut oil, please please PLEASE take the time to read about its uses and benefits. I promise that you will want to run out and buy some.
If in its hardened state (the state coconut oil is in at room temperature), I take a dollop and rub in my hands until melted into liquid oil form, and saturate my hair. I then put on a shower cap, and then a tower over that. I keep it all on for as many hours as I have that day, wash off (just water) and that’s it. My hair has never been softer. I’ve talked about it with some friends with thin hair (I have a lot of really thick hair) and they’re concerned about adding even more oil. While I can’t relate and am no authority on the matter, I will say that the best bet is to try it and use a small amount. Due to this, and the skin update I’ll discuss next, I’m now a committed advocate for moving as far away from chemicals as possible.
My Skin
I currently have eight 7-week old puppies, two dogs, and a cat at home. Sleep has been at a premium, and most days I’m lucky that I made it to work on time, let alone put on makeup. That’s why when my co-worker told me that my skin looked great last week, I knew that the changes I’d been implementing have been working.
If you know me, and if you’re read this blog, then it’s no secret that acne has been my nemesis since my teen years. I’ve tried everything. Over the counter items, Tetracycline, Proactive, and even Acutane. Each of those things helped, but only temporarily. Had I known that the results were temporary, I would’ve said no to the Tetracycline and Acutane, as the side effects were definitely not worth it.
When I started doing research on natural cures for acne, I found a few that I decided to try. I wash my face with raw honey in the morning and in the evening if I didn’t wear make up that day. I also make a mask by mixing raw honey with coconut oil. It’s not only beneficial, but seriously delicious.
But here’s the biggest surprise of all: The Oil Cleansing Method. When I first read about it, I was skeptical. But since I was desperate and keeping an open mind, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try it. I only use this method in the evening when I’ve worn makeup. I mixed the castor oil with grape seed oil. It feels heavenly, It really leaves my skin clean and makeup free AND no dryness. I can really tell a difference when I don’t use it.
Afte all of it, I use an astringent made of equal parts Apple Cider Vinegar (Raw w/the Mother) and Witch Hazel.
Next on the chemical-free journey
Here’s the thing. I am more than my skin and my hair. As I wrote a few weeks ago, I’ve been feeling like shit (yeah, that’s that best way to say it at the moment) for months. Last week was a particularly bad week. There were days when the pain I was feeling was so intense, that just sitting at my desk at work was work in itself. It forced me to cancel weekend plans, so I decided to take advantage of the time, and do more research.
My journey started on the outside, and that did help to alleviate some physical issues, but what did that matter if I never felt good on the inside. As I’m apt to do do, I clicked on a link and sunk down a wormhole of articles by natural foods experts and advocates, which then lead me to a host of documentaries on the subject. I learned about our food industry and its effects on our health and the environment. I consumed a lot of information, from the diet industry, to juicing, to veganism, and I was most fascinated with the research about sugar and processed foods.
I am still processing all of this information and working on how it will all fit into my life. I don’t know that yet, but I do know that there are more changes coming, which I’ll be posting about later this week. Stay tuned!
This sounds like a wonderful journey you have embarked on. I may have to try your face wash routine. I don’t have acne, but I feel my skin is more irritated than it should be.
As for coconut oil, I started using it instead of mouthwash. The process is known as “oil pulling.” I’ve been doing it for about 4 days now and I don’t think I’ll ever go back to mouthwash. My mouth feels a lot more cleaner than it did before.
I agree that that delving into food industry practices can be quite overwhelming, frustrating, and angering. But, it’s well worth the effort to switch to food that’s not as processed or contain unpronounceable ingredients.
It’s been a great experience. I’m going to have to try the oil pulling!
Definitely give the OCM method a try. Just do a little research on the best secondary oil for your skin type, and the right ratio between the primary castor and that secondary oil. The raw honey is great too simply because of its healing properties. Let me know how it goes!!
I love oil pulling it has changed my life,I went from having 2 to 3 migraine a week and taking many pills that didn’t help to bring desperate and trying oil pulling it worked. After 2 weeks I slowly stopped take pills and 3 weeks in I didn’t have a headache or migraine. On top of that it cleared up my dry skin and has given me energy. I would of never imagine something so small and cheap would do so much good in my life. Now I’m trying new things and going all natural
I have acutally been looking at this same combination to use as mouthwash. I will brush with baking soda, and rinse with braggs apple cider vinager. I wanted to try adding some honey and coconut oil since they also last a long time and have oral health benefits.
Steve, please do not use vinegar in a mouth wash. It will eat your teeth. it is okay to use an abrasive agent like baking soda for brushing. And I do recommend using coconut oil for oil pulling before and after brushing. Just what ever you do, DONT RINSE WITH ACV!
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Thanks so much for posting this! I am month #6 into going Curly Girl and growing out my gray! Your entire blog has been an inspiration for me! I too am young, so growing out my gray/white has nothing to do with aging gracefully, but tired of chemicals and the time it takes!
Just took a peek at a photo. It looks great and I LOVE your curls. The curls, I’m still working on. I haven’t been able to break my flat iron addiction.
How are you feeling through the process?
Yesterday i spent 300 dollars for platinium roulette system , i hope that i will make my first $$$ online
About oil pulling…my chiropractor said not to do it too frequently because overuse may eliminate your good bacteria as well. Does anyone know the recommended frequency?
I mixed together ACV and Organic virgin coconut oil along with 1 cup of distilled water in a douche, and within 2 days yeast infection was gone.
As an excellent facial, I mix together coconut oil, raw honey, & a few drops of lavender essential oil and gently rub it all over my face, leave it on for about 10 minutes, & rinse it off with water. The result is a silky-smooth face. The lavender eo helps eliminate any initial signs of acne trying to surface.