How To Wash Your Hair With Clay

How To Wash Your Hair With Clay

I Wash My Hair With Mud

And I clean my face with oil. Seriously, I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried.

The thing is, in an age where ramen noodle spa bath’s are not out of the question, the fact that a beauty treatment exists is not really saying much. So, rather than try to prove to you that washing with mud just might be something you should consider, I’ll just show you. And yes, it’s ridiculously easy.

Me: Pre-Mud Wash

hair mud wash
Note: My hair didn’t look dirty enough in the first photo I snapped, so I **may** have drizzled oil on my head for dramatic effect. Not a great idea unless you want to wash a few extra times.

Me: Mid-Wash

hair mud wash

Yes, I hopped out of the shower for this shot. There are already enough people with me in there already.

How To Wash Your Hair With Clay

Me: Post-Wash

hair mud wash

Now, are you ready find out how easy this is?

How To Wash Your Hair With Clay

As I mention in my ebook, DIY Organic Beauty Recipes, there are a few things you need to know before getting started. First, store bought shampoos usually have a pH level of around 5-6, which closely matches your hair’s natural pH. While this is a good thing, it is most often achieved using toxic surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate.

Clay, on the other hand, has a much higher pH which can leave hair dull and gummy. Fortunately it’s very simple to restore your hair’s natural pH after washing – simply follow with the shine boosting rinse listed below!

Another consideration when transitioning to natural shampoo is the use of silicone in many commercial brands. Silicone coats the hair much like plastic to give it slip and shine. If you have been using a shampoo with silicone or other chemicals your hair will need to detox – a process that can take up to a few weeks depending on the types of product previously used. During this process hair can feel very dry and tangle easily. As the follicles shed the coating they will begin to be able to drink in moisture, but this can take time.

Also, keep in mind that your hair’s needs can change over time. I alternate between this and my other homemade shampoo’s based on the needs of my hair. If it is feeling a little dry I use Sweet Orange & Honey shampoo from my ebook. If it is feeling a little oily I use the clay.

Selecting Your Clay

When deciding what clay to use for your mud wash here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Rhassoul clay yields the best results in my opinion – it leaves hair with the best texture and is less drying than other clays. is not usually available in health food stores, but you can easily find it online.
  • Bentonite is widely available and works okay, but it can be a drying if left on too long. Also, it can leave a certain texture on the hair that I am not fond of. For the easiest application, either buy it in liquid form or give your hand mixed concoction a whir in the blender before heading off to wash. Otherwise it can be a bit clumpy. I recommend giving this method a try with bentonite if you have it on hand and then switching to rhassoul if you decide it’s something you’d like to use long term.

Step 1: Mix Up Your Mud Wash

Water is best for frequent use, but apple cider vinegar can be substituted for an extra deep clean. How much you’ll need will depend on the length and thickness of your hair. I use about 1-2 tablespoons of rhassoul for my medium length, thick hair. The consistency should roughly resemble an egg yolk.

Quick Tip: If your clay tends to clump toss it in the blender beforehand.

Step 2: Apply

Wet hair thoroughly and then wring it out. Dip the ends of your hair in the container with your mud mixture and then pour the remaining wash over your head and work it through to the tips (this just helps with even distribution). Let your hair sit for about 5 minutes – you can adjust this as you figure out what works best for your hair. When I wash every day about 2 minutes is right – otherwise it starts to dry out my hair. When it’s every 2-3 days about 5 minutes works better.

Rinse until the water runs clear and then . . .

hair mud wash Step 3: Follow With My Shine Boost Rinse

This simple rinse helps to close the hair cuticle and restore pH.

Ingredients

  • ¼ - ½ cup apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar and enough filtered water to bring vinegar mixture to 1 cup.*
  •  8 drops essential oil – rosemary and peppermint work well for most hair types. See DIY Organic Beauty Recipes for other options

* Vinegar derived from non-organic sources is likely to either be a product of GMO corn or petroleum.

Quick Tip: If your hair looks a little “matte” after washing (like mine does in the photo above because I overcompensated for the oil), you may want to use straight vinegar

To Use

Blend ingredients in a clean contain. Pour about 1/2 cup over hair and allow to sit for 2-3 minutes, then rinse. Cool water is best because it helps the hair cuticle close, but warm is okay.

diy-beauty-ebook-cover Looking For More Recipes?

This clay hair wash didn’t make it into DIY Organic Beauty Recipes because I was still testing it when the book was released, but if you are looking more non-toxic, tested recipes that WORK definitely check it out. It’s a 180 page guide that covers how to whiten your teeth without toxic chemicals, make lotions, deodorants, bronzer, baby products and more!

Questions?

I imagine some of you are wondering if this wash is safe to use on color-treated hair. According to one manufacturer who makes a similar clay wash it will strip commercial dyes but not henna-based dyes. I have not tested this.

If you have another question please leave it below!

 

 



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69 Comments


  1. mamatree
    Jan 24, 2013

    how is this on your tub’s drain? I know a clay mask gets rinsed down the sink but most people wash there hair a lot more than they use masks. I’ve been doing great by just not washing more than every two weeks and using coconut oil and warm water rises the rest of the time but just ruined my hair with a free sample of shampoo, conditioner, and deep treatment with silicon in it so I’m back to square one.


    • Heather
      Jan 24, 2013

      Hi mamatree! The consistency of this wash is very, very thin when it washes down the drain. I personally don’t have any concerns about it. Though washing my hair with clay is still fairly new to me (I was still testing this recipe when I released my book), I’ve been using clay masks, soaks and other applications for a long time with no problems.


  2. kumquaty
    Jan 24, 2013

    cool! my hair is henna and indigo dyed so thanks for the heads up that it may or may not be color safe. I like this idea more than washing it with baking soda, will have to try


  3. Alittle2green
    Jan 24, 2013

    This is amazing! I have followed your blog for a while, but never post. I had to today, because, no lie, just yesterday, I decided to quit with the ACV and BS because it just isn’t working for me anymore. Then I thought, “Hmm, I wonder what Mommypotamus uses?” (Granted this thought came because I have seen your ebook around, and figured you would have great ideas, but still) Then I find this post today. Your timing couldn’t have been better. Thanks so much! Have to purchase the book now too!


  4. Aubrianne
    Jan 24, 2013

    Do you also use the shampoo recipe in your book and do this once a week? Or is this the only cleansing method you use now? Thanks!! :)


    • Heather
      Jan 24, 2013

      Aubrienne, I alternate between this and the shampoo’s based on the needs of my hair. If it is feeling a little dry I use the moisturizing shampoos. If it is feeling a little oily I use the clay :)


  5. Sara
    Jan 24, 2013

    Hi Heather, is your diy organic beauty recipes book available as a hard copy for the technologically challenged? It looks great and there are sooooo many recipes you’ve mentioned in your posts that I want to try:) Also, I have dyed my hair around 10 times in the last year -my natural color is horrendous and I don’t plan on going back to it any time soon, so what would you reccomend?
    Sara´s last [type] ..Holy Guacamole! REVISED WITH PICTURES


    • Heather
      Jan 31, 2013

      Hi Sara! Unfortunately, the only way I could offer it at an affordable price in hard copy is to make it black and white with no pictures. No one seems to be interested in that kind of book! :-D

      In my book I do share some recipes for rinses that can naturally tint hair. They’re not permanent so you have to use them often to maintain color, but they are an alternative to conventional dyes. Henna-based dyes are also an option.


    • Robin
      Feb 06, 2013

      I’ve used henna for years and it is wonderful for your hair! there are also a lot more colour options with henna than there used to be!


  6. Cate
    Jan 24, 2013

    Hello Heather,
    May I ask what you use for oils on your face?
    Thank you!
    Cate


    • Heather
      Jan 24, 2013

      Sure! I usually use hazelnut. My friend Jennifer has a helpful breakdown of which oils are used for what purpose at the bottom of this post.


  7. Alisha
    Jan 24, 2013

    I love this! I have a question though. I have been doing the baking soda wash and vinegar rinse for a little over a year now and have had to stop, except for like once every week and a half b/c my hair just got too dry and was actually lightening in color. Even with using a little almond oil afterwards. Have you tried the baking soda method before? and if so how would you compare it to the clay? Thanks a bunch!


    • Heather
      Jan 24, 2013

      Hi Alisha! Both baking soda and clay are alkaline and have a tendency toward being drying, but baking soda is more harsh in my opinion. Also, clay contains minerals that are beneficial for hair. What’s worked for me is to alternate this recipe with a moisturizing shampoo (there are a couple in my book), or to wash less often. There’s a leave-in conditioner in my book, too, which might help :)


      • Alisha
        Jan 24, 2013

        awesome, thank you!


    • Amina
      Feb 03, 2013

      Hi Alisha,
      I started baking soda and vinegar a little over a year ago too, and after only a few months found it was just drying out my hair too much. Before giving up on it, I decided to try only ACV + water rinses (without the baking soda first) and have had much better results. I’ve been doing this since last May and in general my hair feels healthier and softer than it ever did before. The lightening of the color stopped when I stopped using baking soda. Occasionally I’ll do a tea or lemon/honey rinse, or if my hair is getting too dry I rub a tiny bit of coconut oil into it after washing. I’m still experimenting with different DIY hair treatments/routines but on the whole things are better after cutting out (or reducing) the baking soda rinses.


  8. alyse
    Jan 24, 2013

    Oh, how I needed to see those sweet funny faces! LOVE this! I have been so faithful in smearing egg whites and a couple combos of oils and tallow on my face (which have worked out!) all of your recipes for shampoo in my hair (unfortunately they have not worked out and my hair is very well conditioned but not what I call presentable to the public eye, but it’s been fun to test out anyway) NOW for some hair MUD! Whoot! Brings back memories of my little ones and some warm mud at a hot springs we regularly visited and had mud fights in. And yes, my adult kids will laugh when I tell them I was playing in mud in the tub! Thank you for all the wonderful info and playful way you approach life.
    xoxo


  9. Gill
    Jan 24, 2013

    Hi Heather, do you think white clays that ceramic artists use would be suitable ( like porcelain or white stone wares) would be suitable or not? They do have extra ingredients in them like silica so was just wondering what you thought. Thanks.


    • Heather
      Jan 24, 2013

      Hi Gill! I haven’t worked with them so I can’t say from personal experience, but according to this article white clay can be beneficial. I would use cosmetic grade rather than ceramic grade, though :)


  10. Sara
    Jan 24, 2013

    Thanks! I am excited to try! Do you know of any non toxic options for covering gray hair? I tried henna but it turned my gray hair orange. I applied an indigo rinse and the orange died down but I couldn’t successfully get it to my brunette color. I would love any ideas!!


    • Edi
      Jan 24, 2013

      I’m with Sara. Looking for a good way to address grey. We are early grey-ers in my family (my mom was completely grey by 21, full on white by 35!) I started growing it out after a henna dye didnt take and have been wondering what to do…I’m 40 but don’t look it & I’d rather not look 60 (seriously my mom stopped coloring her hair once and someone asked if my father was her son…honest truth so I don’t want people asking about my 8 month old grandson :)


      • Carrie
        Jan 26, 2013

        I went gray early too. I am 44, my son is 3 and I often get asked about my “grandson.” I have also had my young students ask why i have “old man hair.” Being a 1 year breast cancer survivor, I’d rather be mistaken for a grandmother than put chemicals in my body through hair dye ever again. I have learned to embrace my gray…easier since I am also now glad to have hair again! And I also did a henna-indigo combo for a long time. Natural is just easier and cheaper to maintain.


    • Carol Ann
      Feb 02, 2013

      Rosemary oil will darken grey hair, I know this because I used to use it (diluted) as a face oil to shrink enlarged pores and my streaks of silver around my face disapeared.


  11. Betsy T
    Jan 24, 2013

    I use baking soda and ACV, but will occasionally use Mississippi Miracle Mud as it is acidic, not alkaline. It may work better for some of you out there. The alternating pH seems to balance quite nicely. I love clay because it is so smart – puts in when needed (minerals) or draws out when necessary (toxins). Thx for an excellent article!


  12. Candi
    Jan 24, 2013

    I wash my hair with clay as well! And coconut oil on my face. I have found that Hesh Amla powder mixed with henna gives a less orange red (I go 50/50). Amla will also work without henns. Cassia also colors grey hair a strawberry color. I have been using a line of henna/ cassia/ indigo dye and clay based shampoo at: moroccomethod.com their “light brown” is similar to an auburn to cover grey. Check it out.


  13. Tamar
    Jan 25, 2013

    Thanks for sharing. Do you use it also for kids?


    • Heather
      Jan 25, 2013

      No, I use the african black soap shampoo from my ebook on them :-D


    • Lara
      Feb 02, 2013

      I never wash my three little children’s hair and it always looks clean and healthy. It gets rinsed with water a few times a week as they are in and out of the tub but I don’t use anything else on their hair. I think if you keep it natural from the beginning the body maintains it’s one balance of oils. My 13 year old daughter (with very oily hair) wishes I had done this with her. She has stopped washing her hair and brushes it twice a day with a boar’s hair brush to try to get it back to it’s natural condition. I hope it works for her because I would like to do the same thing with my hair. We tried the baking soda and vinegar for a while and it destroyed our hair. I only used it once a week and it still caused a lot of damage. I’ve gone back to organic shampoos for now but I’ll have to try the coconut oil rinse to see if it will help repair my dry, damaged hair.


      • mae
        Mar 11, 2013

        I am glad to hear someone else say this! Lately I’ve ditched the baby shampoo for my 5,4, and 1 yr. olds. I rinse their hair with just water most of the time, but once every 1-2 weeks I give their hair a baking soda rinse. Even with all the sticky, messy stuff that kids tend to get in their hair, I think my kid’s hair looks clean and healthy. :-) I’ll keep up this non-shampoo routine for as long as I can!


  14. Sarah
    Jan 25, 2013

    Hey Heather!

    I have started putting coconut oil into my scalp and all over my hair every 1-2 weeks to get rid of my dandruff. I have been suffering from it since birth. I am also currently on the GAPS diet (10 months so far!). This has not gotten rid of my dandruff. The coconut oil has been amazing at getting rid of the dandruff (at least temporarily)! The only problem I have is washing out the oil. I have had to wash my hair 5-6 times with shampoo to get out all the oil. Do you think the clay mask would do the job of removing the oil? I also saw your honey recipe in your eBook, but like your disclaimer said, I am afraid of it having a lightening effect on my hair. Thanks for your help!

    Sarah


    • Heather
      Jan 25, 2013

      Hi Sarah! Yes, I think this would help remove the coconut oil. :-D


      • Sarah
        Jan 25, 2013

        Great! Thanks.


    • Heather
      Jan 31, 2013

      In my DIY Beauty book I mention a study where raw honey was shown to be very effective. You might want to try that. Can’t remember the details but I think they applied to the scalp for 2 hours every day for 2 weeks and then started spacing the applications out.


  15. Katie
    Jan 25, 2013

    This looks like an incredible way to wash your hair. I have been searching high and low for a natural hair wash and I think I may need to try this. I like Dr. Bronner’s but it makes my hair feel dirty even though I know it’s clean!

    Thanks for this awesome tip!
    Katie
    Katie´s last [type] ..I think my Kombucha Scoby Died.


  16. Rebecca
    Jan 26, 2013

    I’ve been trying to go back to other no ‘poo articles and figure this out…I’ve been using baking soda and ACV for probably a year now with great results, and all of a sudden my hair is coming out super oily, like I haven’t washed my hair in a couple weeks. I read that if your hair was too oily you could rince with ACV, but I already do, so I rinsed with straight ACV today instead of diluted and got the same result. I’m kind of stuck now! I don’t know if this is pregnancy changing my hair or what. Any suggestions?


    • Heather
      Jan 26, 2013

      I would try the clay. You can leave it on for more or less time depending on how much oil you want to absorb. :)


  17. Michele
    Jan 26, 2013

    You all need to try Redmond Clay its good for everything: http://www.redmondclay.com/

  18. [...] had your brain zapped and we named my last physician “Dr. Quack.” The fact that I wash my hair with mud and brush my teeth with clay? Not even worth [...]


  19. Traci
    Jan 27, 2013

    I considered doing this with my bentonite clay, but will try Rhassoul instead. Good to know that it can be drying. Your hair looked great after it was dry, but do you know if it helps to improve shine? I wonder if adding a tsp of EVOO would help with that. Anyway, great post. Thanks!


    • Heather
      Jan 31, 2013

      Some people report that it does, but that has not been my experience :)


  20. Erin
    Jan 28, 2013

    For the shine rinse- I have heard (and seen for myself) that ACV can dull blonde hair and I find white vinegar to smell heinous- I wonder if lemon juice, chamomile tea, or a mix of the two could be substituted?


    • Heather
      Jan 31, 2013

      Yes, lemon juice will work! I’m not sure that chamomile would close the cuticle the same way but it is known to brighten up dull blonde locks.

  21. [...] How (and why) to wash your hair with clay. [...]

  22. How’d you get so smart? ;) I added clay to your sweet orange and honey shampoo recipe, and may I say that my hair and Miss Katie’s hair were so gosh darn pretty that we could have have been cover models? OK, not me but Katie could have!

    I waited a couple too many days between washings, and thought I would need to take an apple cider vinegar bath to help break up the oils around my scalp before I showered. Nope! A quick shower with the clay + shampoo, and my hair looks perfect and saved me a full *hour* in the bathroom. Mommypotamus = ROCKSTAR.
    Jennifer @ 20 something allergies and counting…down´s last [type] ..How I Stopped Wasting Money on Conventional Shampoo

  23. I’m so excited I found this post. I’ve been wanting to go poo-free but didn’t like the idea of just baking soda. I like the idea of using clay and then a vinegar rinse.
    Tracey @ Dont Mess with Mama´s last [type] ..$350 Melissa & Doug Toys Giveaway


  24. Robin
    Feb 06, 2013

    Thank you for this wonderful idea Heather! I’ve been shampoo and soapless for two years now and I sometimes rinse with lemon juice when it gets too oily but that tends to fade my henna and dries my hair out a little too much. I’m excited to try the clay wash and see if I get better results! I’ll have to purchase your e-book as soon as I have a little extra cash.


  25. Raquel
    Feb 06, 2013

    Hello Heather,
    My mom gave me your ebook for Christmas and I’ve tried the “man-stink killer” (which works great by the way :D ) and a shampoo…which I’m having a bit of an issue with. I started with the African Black shampoo and I’ve been using it almost 3 weeks now but my hair is still not presentable…it’s super oily and dirty looking as soon as it dries. I make sure I don’t use very much, rinse very well, and follow with the “Shine Boost Rinse” but alas I still have to wear my hair tied up in a bun all the time. Do you have any helpful hints for me?
    Thanks!


    • Heather
      Feb 06, 2013

      Hi Raquel! If it’s looking super oily you might try this clay wash for awhile. I highly recommend the rhassoul over the bentonite, but you could start with the bentonite if you have it on hand and then order some rhassoul if you think it’s working well. (bentonite can be drying over time). I find that alternating the clay with one of my shampoo’s is what works best for me. If you try it please let me know how it goes!


      • Raquel
        Feb 13, 2013

        I tried the bentonite since that’s what I could get a hold of easily. I didn’t have great results. Though it was less oily than with the soap it was still not what it needs to be presentable. I did give the baking soda and ACV a whirl though and that worked great, a little drying perhaps, but at least my hair didn’t resemble an oil slick! I’m thinking I need to try the liquid version of the clay before I give up on it…

        I’m hoping my hair will get to the point where I can use clay and soap with more success because I know the baking soda is quite harsh. But at least I’ve found something that works for now :D .


        • Heather
          Feb 13, 2013

          Raquel, I highly recommend rhassoul over bentonite. It is much less drying and I like the texture of my hair more than when I use bentonite :)


  26. Raquel
    Feb 07, 2013

    Thanks Heather,

    I will give it a shot and let you know how it goes :D .


  27. Paxton
    Feb 09, 2013

    The Alaffia brand that makes the African Black soap for the shampoo. Have you tried their brand of shampoo or is the recipe just as good.


  28. Mrhycannon
    Feb 11, 2013

    ………………………. There is a small window covering part of the text.. It also covers part of my answer.. Have tried to remove it with no success.. I had to start typing way out here to see my words.. The window contains what I assume are links to facebook etc… Are any of you seeing this.? Does anyone know how to get rid of it.? I’d really like to know how to use the clay method..


  29. mae
    Mar 11, 2013

    I am curious about what you said about vinegar: “Vinegar derived from non-organic sources is likely to either be a product of GMO corn or petroleum.”

    What is considered a non-organic source? Any vinegar that isn’t certified “organic”? I get white vinegar in bulk from Costco (for cleaning, laundry, hair rinse, etc.) and am wondering if it’s safe? I know organic ACV and specialty vinegars are available at the health food store, but I’d like to know what to look for/avoid. Thanks!


    • Heather
      Mar 11, 2013

      Since the U.S. doesn’t require labeling it’s impossible to say for sure, but most white vinegar made in the U.S. is derived from corn. Since most of the corn grown is GMO, there’s a good chance the vinegar contains GMO’s. Does that help?


      • mae
        Mar 11, 2013

        Yes, that is helpful! Do you have any recommendations of where to purchase vinegars, especially white vinegar by the gallon?


  30. Crissy
    Apr 07, 2013

    Clay + Soap = Cement. I’m not kidding–I’m a potter. So if you try this, be sure to waste a lot of water (let the tap run on full blast for a few minutes) before using any soap.


  31. Jessica
    Apr 08, 2013

    I have been reading about the ACV rinse; however, I’ve heard that is not good for color treated hair. I dye my hair blonde, would this still be the case?
    Thanks.


    • Heather
      Apr 08, 2013

      It tends to draw color out of hair, which if your hair is bleached wouldn’t be an issue. However, I can’t say for sure that it won’t do funny things with the color since I’m a brunette :)


      • Jessica
        Apr 08, 2013

        Sounds good. I guess I will just have to give it a go and see what happens. Wish me luck!
        I’ve been trying to find a natural way to condition. It seems to be harder than I had planned :)


  32. Vicki
    Apr 08, 2013

    I tried this lastnight and had trouble working my rhassoul into the lather you have in your mid-wash photo. Any advice on how I can improve the application as I was pleased with the new texture it gave my fine flyaway hair?


    • Heather
      Apr 08, 2013

      Hi Vicki! It doesn’t lather at all. That pic is a little out of focus, but it is really just my hair coated in clay/mud :)


  33. Ashley
    Apr 19, 2013

    Hi Heather! I was curious, do you ever mix up a few batches of the clay/water mixture at a time and store if in a jar to save time? Or do you just mix it up fresh each time before you use it? I was thinking it might be nice to mix up a week or so up at a time but I didn’t want it to dry out and waste clay. What do you think? Thanks for sharing the recipe! I’m allergic to almost all soap (containing coconut or palm derived ingredients) and have been using an olive oil bar soap with ACV rinse which as been ok. The soap was coating my hair and this clay recipe is really great and leaves my hair nice and clean! I love the rhassoul clay…it’s much nicer than some of the other clays I’ve tried. Thank you thank you and I love your DIY beauty book!


    • Heather
      Apr 19, 2013

      Hi Ashley, I’m so glad you like Rhassoul! I have tried mixing it up ahead of time and found that – for whatever reason – I didn’t seem to get the results that I do when it is freshly mixed. :(


      • Ashley
        Apr 20, 2013

        Thanks Heather! I was wondering, do you ever experience static in your hair after using the clay? I live in Seattle which isn’t a very dry environment so I was wondering what might be making this happen? I tried smoothing my hair with a bit or argan oil which helped a bit but it’s still pretty staticky. Does this ever happen to you? Thanks!


  34. Susan P
    Apr 29, 2013

    Hi! I left a couple of questions on Facebook but don’t see them there anymore so maybe I’m not supposed to ask questions there? I DO have a couple of questions though if I may:

    I have the DIY book. It’s lovely – can’t wait to dig in and try things out. Just made up the Sweet Orange and Honey Shampoo and THEN saw the disclaimer about the alkaline nature and it shouldn’t be used on color-treated hair. I’m not sure why. My hair is highlighted – what will using the shampoo do to it? If I use one of the rinses won’t it bring the pH level of my hair back to normal? What do you recommend then for highlighted hair? (I have VERY gray hair and I put a blond temporary rinse on it and it STUCK! I’d LOVE to get rid of the temporary blond (I don’t mind being gray) so the highlights are an attempt to bring it back to a more normal looking color. I have a greasy scalp but Straw-like texture to the ends. I’d love to have something that could make my hair look smoother. I’m just not sure what to do. Thanks!

    Also, I use Sensodyne b/c I have very sensitive teeth. I’m concerned about using that though b/c of the other ingredients. I’m not sure what makes a sensitive tooth paste, do you know if one of your recipes would work for that? I can do trial and error of course, but if you know, I’d sure appreciate the heads’ up.

    Lastly, where you do you get your cute containers to put your finished products in? Or is that a trade secret?

    Thanks much! I’m not a new mommy anymore, but I sure enjoy your site and your recipes. Thanks for all you do to help us be more natural, safe, and “green.”

    Blessings!


    • Heather
      May 01, 2013

      Hi Susan! I’m sorry for the delay in responding. I do my best to answer questions as I can, but due to the volume I receive it often takes awhile! Regarding the shampoo, virtually all homemade recipes are soap-based rather than surfactant-based. As such, they all have a pH that opens the hair shaft and will allow color to leak out. If you don’t mind losing the color it shouldn’t be an issue. Just a note: If you tend toward greasiness in the scalp area transitioning to a natural shampoo may be a little rough. The scalp tends to try to compensate for the surfactants in shampoo by producing more oil. Natural shampoos do not strip oil in the same way that surfactants do, but it can take a good while for the scalp to calm down and stop over producing. If you find things getting out of control you might try alternating with a clay wash: http://www.mommypotamus.com/how-to-wash-your-hair-with-clay/

      Regarding sensitive teeth, I am not sure what your experience will be with my recipes. Personally, I have found that after a severe fever (which pulls calcium from the bones) I began to experience sensitive teeth. By restoring my mineral balance with lots of bone broth and raw milk it completely resolved. Nos sure if that is worth mentioning, but just in case!


  35. Samantha
    May 05, 2013

    Hi I just purchased you DIY e-book. Which shampoo, African Black Soap or Sweet Orange and Honey, do you recommend most? I have long, thick, dark brown wavy hair that easily straightens with an iron. My hair gets oily at the roots but the ends are a bit on the dry side. Thx!


  36. Susan P
    May 05, 2013

    Tried the clay wash tonight. nice. My issue is not with the scalp right now, but how dry the ends seem. I’ve used the Sweet Orange & Honey shampoo, and am using the Shine Rinse. Got some Fenugreek seeds to try the deep conditioning. I haven’t used commercial products on my hair in years. I try to use as natural a product as i can (without making it myself) until now. Should i still detox? Will the ends not be so dry after continuing to use your shampoo and rinse? (I’ve only been using them a week so I’m willing to be patient… :-) I’ve also got Argan Oil I’ve been using on the ends especially and combing it through. i know you don’t have my hair so may not know, but am curious if others have my issues (Like Samantha above who sounds like has the same issues I have)

    Thx!

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I'm Heather, aka The Mommypotamus. As a wife, mom, writer, researcher, and real food lover, I write about the topics that concern me most. What is a Mommypotamus?

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