Natural Hair Care? Body Wash?

[chely7425]

I tried searching but I fail at searching these forums I am looking to replace our store bought shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc with organic/natural stuff. Anyway, we need replacements for the following:

-shampoo
-conditioner
-men's face shaving cream
-body wash
-face wash

Preferrably nothing "girly" because me and DH use all the same stuff and I don't think he would like smelling like flowers or something at work. Anyway, I would like that is rated good on the skin deep database thing, and that is as economical as possible... because I want to do this but can't go broke doing so Thanks ladies!

[IndigoKoi]

I think your best bet for an economical and natural solution would be something like a shampoo bar or a castile soap like Dr. Bronners or the new Peace Soaps from Kiss My Face. The bars and the castile soaps can be used for so many different things, from face wash, shampoo, body wash to other household uses like washing dishes or laundry. When I was using castile soap I'd mix a little almond or jojoba oil into the soap (about 1 T per 8oz) to make it a little more moisturizing and not use any conditioner. With the shampoo bars or plain castile soap, you could also try adding a vinegar rinse afterwards to condition your hair and make it shiny.
I don't have any recs for shaving cream since I haven't tried any natural ones yet.
Here's where I buy my soap/shampoo bars- www.chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com

And links for KMF and DB castile soaps-
http://peacesoap.kissmyface.com/site/

http://drbronner.com/

[chely7425]

Thanks for the tips and the links I think DH would like using Dr Bronners because he could just use it for everything!

[Destiny101]

I don't know if this has been mentioned because I haven't read the whole thread, but one thing i love to do which helps with blemishes on my face is an aspirin/honey mask. The aspirin curbs the inflamed pimple and the honey helps moisturize my skin. I basically crush like 4/5 pills of aspirin in a bowl, add a dab of honey and spread that on my face, paying special attention to my blemish. I let that sit for 20-30 mins. I do that on occasions, especially if i have a bog event coming up in a few days. It really works. Another thing, I love to do with honey is a papaya/honey mask. I basically mix papaya pieces with honey and let that sit on my face for 15-20 mins. My face feels so much brighter, smooth and clearer afterwards, it's like an instant facial. I love it! Of course honey by itself is excellent but when you mix it with other things it's a pleasure!

[amber913]

Dr. Bronner's covers all those products--even the shaving cream and conditioner. They're fair trade, organic, natural--you can't get any better than that company.

The products other than the soap can get pricey, but the soap covers almost all your needs, and a little goes a long way. I agree with PP--Dr. Bronner's and ACV should do it.

[chely7425]

I have heard the Dr Bronners can be drying... and I already have dry skin, so is that true? If it is true, is there anything that can be done to combat it?

[amber913]

Originally Posted by chely7425

I have heard the Dr Bronners can be drying... and I already have dry skin, so is that true? If it is true, is there anything that can be done to combat it?

I've heard so many people say that, and it's not like that for me at all--i don't get it! I have normal hair and skin, and i actually don't like it as a regular shampoo b/c it leaves my hair kind of greasy. I use baking soda and apple cider vinegar on my hair, Dr. B's on my body. Dr. B's does make lotion, too. Awesome stuff! You can also use coconut oil as a lotion--i've heard amazing things about it, and it's cheaper than Dr. B's lotion. I also shower every other day--sometimes less, so that's certainly easier on the skin.

[chely7425]

Originally Posted by amber913

I've heard so many people say that, and it's not like that for me at all--i don't get it! I have normal hair and skin, and i actually don't like it as a regular shampoo b/c it leaves my hair kind of greasy. I use baking soda and apple cider vinegar on my hair, Dr. B's on my body. Dr. B's does make lotion, too. Awesome stuff! You can also use coconut oil as a lotion--i've heard amazing things about it, and it's cheaper than Dr. B's lotion. I also shower every other day--sometimes less, so that's certainly easier on the skin.

That's good to know! I am definitely going to get some Dr Bs for DH because I figure it will be easy for him to use on everything. I guess I can try it on myself too and see if I like it!!

[dbsam]

Body wash - I haven't used Dr/ Bronners personal care products so I cannot compare but I have a body wash that I love (and my husband likes too). I haven't checked it out on the safety sites and do not want to know if it is rated dangerous . It’s Giovanni Organic Tea Tree Triple Treat body wash. TMI but...I sweat a lot and can stink and have never been able to use natural deodorants. I think the TTO really helps remove any bacteria that might cause odors and now that I use this wash I can go without or even use the natural deodorants. OTOH, my husband never sweats or stinks but he likes this wash and says it is very refreshing - he works outside and says it is invigorating after a hot day outside. I stock up when I find it on sale.

Hair Care - I also use Giovanni hair care products sometimes using Jason fragrance free daily shampoo. (Giovanni products I use are 2-5 on the skin deep site; Jason product is 3)

Facial wash – I use the oil cleanse method and really do not need a moisturizer but if I do I use a little oil or use derma e (3).

Dr. Bronners has lower/better ratings.

[elizawill]

i use the "no poo" method with BS & ACV. but for my kids and husband, i buy dr. bronner's baby liquid soap. i dilute it & use it as shampoo, body wash, and face wash. i pour a 1/4 of the bottle into a HUGE old tresemme shampoo bottle (with a pump) & fill the rest with water. for conditioner, they use dr. bronner's shikakai citrus conditioning rinse (i pour the whole bottle into our old tresemme pump container & fill the rest with water). it doesn't dry out their hair or skin because i've diluted it so much, but it still works fabulous and will last for a long time. hth.

ETA - if you buy dr. bronner's online, the shipping is free over $20.