how much is dry bar

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DRY SCALP & GENTLE HAIR CONDITIONING MASK

A dry, flaky scalp can be a harmless issue, but it can become bothersome if it leads to itchiness and embarrassing when others notice the white flakes. Here are some natural remedy suggestions, including essential oils that can help alleviate dry scalp.

TREATING DRY, ITCHY SCALP NATURALLY

First, it’s important to distinguish between dry skin and dandruff. While some remedies may help both conditions, dandruff is more complex and requires a different approach.

Dandruff is typically caused by excess oil, resulting in larger, yellowish flakes that are more difficult to remove. An unpleasant odor may also accompany dandruff. If this is your concern, you may need to consider more intensive treatments.

Once you’ve established that you’re dealing with a dry scalp, it’s helpful to identify the underlying cause of the dryness. While you can start using essential oils for dry scalp right away, understanding the root cause can help prevent recurring issues.

Some common causes of a dry scalp include:

  • Stress
  • Poor diet
  • Dehydration
  • Seasonal changes and climate (such as cold, dry winter air or excessive sunlight in summer)
  • Harsh chemicals in shampoos, conditioners, styling products, or other hair treatments
  • Hormonal changes

I recommend being cautious with dandruff shampoos, as the chemicals in these products may exacerbate dry scalp conditions. 

BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DRY SCALP

These essential oils are renowned for their ability to cleanse the sensitive skin of the scalp and enhance hair conditioning. This list serves as an excellent starting point to discover which oils work best with your unique body chemistry.

  • Lavender: Known as one of the best oils for skin care, lavender essential oil is gentle yet potent, featuring antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
  • Tea Tree: This oil promotes healing of the scalp thanks to its antifungal properties and can also stimulate hair growth.
  • Rosemary: With its antioxidant and antibacterial characteristics, rosemary stimulates the scalp and may promote hair growth.
  • Cedarwood: This earthy oil combats bacteria and fungi with its antiseptic properties, adding shine to hair and serving as a heat protectant.
  • Lemongrass: A popular cleansing oil, lemongrass essential oil is effective for oily hair and helps strengthen hair follicles. It also boasts anti-inflammatory and detoxifying benefits.

A simple apple cider vinegar hair rinse can sometimes provide just what you need to balance your scalp’s skin, eliminate any bacteria contributing to dry scalp issues, and improve your hair’s texture. For many, this may be the only natural hair treatment needed in their routine. Here is a recipe for making apple cider vinegar at home that you can refer to.

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Author: Mama Z

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar
  • 1⅓ cups purified or distilled water
  • 30-48 drops of essential oils*

Instructions

  • Combine one part apple cider vinegar with four parts water and add your choice of essential oils.
  • Pour the mixture into a squeeze bottle or a repurposed shampoo bottle.
  • After shampooing, apply the rinse to clean, wet hair in the shower.
  • Gently massage it into your scalp and the roots of your hair, allowing it to soak for 3-5 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly. You may find that you don’t need to use as much conditioner after this treatment.

Notes: The ratio for this recipe is 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. Feel free to adjust the quantities as needed for your family.

*Recommended essential oils include lavender, tea tree, cedarwood, lemongrass, and rosemary. Use about 15-20 drops per cup.

If your dry scalp requires more intensive moisturizing, this natural hair and scalp treatment is just what you need! Customize the essential oils to find the perfect match for your skin. Keep in mind that it may take a few applications and some time to heal your scalp. Here’s Mama Z’s at-home hair mask recipe for you to try!

NATURAL HAIR MASK TREATMENT

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 tablespoons aloe vera gel
  • 2 tablespoons organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon carrier oil or raw organic local honey*
  • 24-30 drops of your choice of essential oils**

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Combine all the ingredients to create a hair treatment mixture.
  • Apply the natural hair mask to your scalp, ensuring it penetrates the skin to help eliminate bacteria and flakes.
  • Start at the crown of your head or your natural part, working the mask down your scalp. A wide-tooth comb can help distribute the mask effectively if needed.
  • Cover your head with a shower cap or a clean towel, allowing the mask to soak in for 15-20 minutes or as long as desired.
  • Rinse thoroughly and shampoo or condition as usual, though you may find you don’t need as much conditioner after this treatment.

Notes:

  • Follow this mask with my Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse to balance your hair’s pH and remove any excess product. Use an organic, unscented conditioner on the ends of your hair.
  • I recommend using a scalp massager to thoroughly work the hair mask into your scalp. For extra care, you can use a Nix lice comb to remove any leftover particles from your hair and scalp.
  • To complete your hair care routine, consider applying our Hair Regrowth Gel.

*Avoid coconut oil, as it can dry out the skin. Opt for jojoba, argan, almond, or olive oil instead; jojoba is particularly good for adding shine. Honey is also a great option for moisturizing and can help tame frizz.

**Suggested essential oils include cedarwood, lavender, lemongrass, tea tree, and rosemary. My favorite blend is equal parts peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree.

This treatment makes for a wonderful weekly ritual, especially while you unwind in a detox bath or simply to rejuvenate your scalp’s skin.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, essential oils offer a natural and effective solution for addressing dry scalp and promoting healthy hair. By carefully selecting oils like lavender, rosemary, tea tree, and peppermint, you can create a gentle yet potent hair conditioning mask tailored to your specific needs. Remember to always conduct a patch test before using essential oils on your scalp, and dilute them properly with a carrier oil to avoid irritation. With consistent use, this DIY hair mask can help nourish your scalp, reduce dandruff, and leave your hair feeling soft, shiny, and revitalized. Embrace the power of nature and unlock the transformative potential of essential oils for your hair care routine.

HOMEMADE NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT 

Are you tired of harsh chemicals in your laundry detergent? Do you want to switch to a more eco-friendly and budget-friendly option? Look no further than homemade natural laundry detergent. By creating your own detergent, you can control the ingredients, reduce waste, and save money.

This guide will provide you with a step-by-step process to make your own natural laundry detergent at home. We’ll explore different recipes, discuss the benefits of using natural ingredients, and offer tips for effective cleaning. Let’s dive in and discover the world of homemade natural laundry detergent!

HOW DOES HOMEMADE NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT WORK?

Homemade natural laundry detergent works by harnessing the cleaning power of natural ingredients. While it may not contain the synthetic surfactants found in commercial detergents, it effectively removes dirt and grime through a combination of mechanical action, emulsification, and absorption.

Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

  • Mechanical Action: The detergent’s abrasive properties, often provided by ingredients like baking soda or borax, help to scrub away dirt and stains.
  • Emulsification: Some ingredients, such as soap or castile soap, act as emulsifiers, breaking down oil and grease into smaller droplets that can be more easily rinsed away.
  • Absorption: Ingredients like washing soda or vinegar can help to soften water and improve the detergent’s cleaning efficiency.

Key natural ingredients often used in homemade laundry detergent include:

  • Soap or Castile Soap: Provides cleansing power and emulsification.
  • Baking Soda: Acts as a natural abrasive and deodorizer.
  • Borax: Boosts cleaning power and helps to soften water.
  • Washing Soda: Helps to soften water and boost cleaning efficiency.
  • Vinegar: Can help to soften water and remove odors.
  • Essential Oils: Add a pleasant fragrance and can have antibacterial properties.

By understanding how these ingredients work together, you can tailor your homemade laundry detergent recipe to suit your specific needs and preferences.

5 INGREDIENTS TO MAKE NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT

Vinegar: One of the most underrated yet versatile cleaning agents, vinegar can kill harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. Pretty impressive, considering you can buy a gallon for just $1-$2. Its high acidity cuts through grease and removes buildup, making it a key ingredient in many of my homemade surface cleaners.

Baking Soda: While baking soda is well-known for its odor-absorbing properties, it’s also fantastic for removing stains, polishing, and cutting through grease. It works wonders as an oven cleaner, and when combined with vinegar, it’s incredibly effective at tackling tough grime on pots and pans.

Castile Soap: This all-natural, highly concentrated soap is super cost-effective and has endless uses in a non-toxic home. I use it in my homemade dish soap and laundry detergent. I usually go for liquid castile soap, but many DIY laundry detergent recipes call for grated bar soap.

Washing Soda: A common ingredient in natural DIY laundry detergents, washing soda is highly alkaline, making it a powerful stain remover. If you can’t find it, you can make your own by baking baking soda at 400°F for about an hour. The texture will become coarser than the original baking soda.

Salt: Believe it or not, salt is an excellent cleaning agent due to its natural abrasiveness, making it perfect for scrubbing grime. I use coarse or Epsom salt in my homemade laundry detergent and DIY laundry scent booster & fabric softener. It helps to soften fabrics, and the chloride in salt keeps clothes looking bright.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE THE INGREDIENTS?

If you need to substitute ingredients in this recipe, there are a few simple alternatives:

Washing Soda: Can’t find washing soda? No problem! You can make it by baking regular baking soda. Spread it on a baking sheet and cook for an hour at 400°F. This will convert the sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) into sodium carbonate (washing soda).

Coarse Salt: If you’re out of coarse salt, table salt or Epsom salt will work just as well.

Castile Soap: Swap liquid castile soap with a full bar of grated castile soap. Just melt it in hot water before combining it with the other ingredients.

WHY DON’T YOU USE BORAX IN NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT?

The safety of borax has come under scrutiny, with the EU banning it due to concerns about its potential impact on reproductive health. This decision was based on studies conducted on mice and rats that showed harmful effects after ingesting high amounts of borax. While there are certainly worse ingredients out there, I prefer to err on the side of caution. Although borax is known for its stain-removing properties, I find that washing soda works just as effectively on its own.

HOW MUCH NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT DO YOU NEED PER LOAD?

For an average-sized load of laundry, I typically use about 1/3 cup of detergent. For smaller loads, 1/4 cup works perfectly. I keep a 4 oz mason jar in the laundry room to measure the detergent for each load—it’s super convenient!

HOW TO MAKE NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup washing soda
  • 1/4 cup coarse salt
  • 30 drops essential oil
  • Water
  • Gallon-sized container

INSTRUCTIONS

  • In a large glass bowl or jar, combine the baking soda, salt, and washing soda. Add enough hot water to dissolve the ingredients as much as possible.
  • Pour the mixture into a gallon-sized container. Add the castile soap and essential oils.
  • Fill the container with cold water, then mix well.
  • Use 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the detergent per load, depending on the size.

NOTES

I usually prepare my detergent in a gallon-sized glass jar. I start by adding the washing soda, baking soda, salt, and hot water directly to the jar to help dissolve everything, and then I add the remaining ingredients.

CONCLUSION

Making your own homemade natural laundry detergent is a rewarding and environmentally friendly endeavor. By using natural ingredients, you can reduce your reliance on harsh chemicals, save money, and contribute to a healthier planet.

Remember to experiment with different recipes to find the one that works best for your laundry needs and preferences. With a little creativity and effort, you can create a homemade detergent that is both effective and gentle on your clothes.

So, why not give it a try? Start making your own natural laundry detergent today and enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable lifestyle.