Let’s all take a second to think about our daily hair care/ shower routine. When you picture your shower what do you see? Most likely an array of different shaped and sized plastic bottles or containers. Next let’s imagine what is in those containers. We’ve got our shampoo, body wash, shaving gel, conditioner, scrubs, facial cleanser.
Now imagine your shower without any of those plastic containers. Ok, so now we’ve got all kinds of things running down the walls of the shower and a disaster– so let’s rewind a second and go back to the products themselves.
It may be hard to picture your shower and bathroom without all the plastic containers but it’s easier than you think to make a few swaps that help to use better and more natural products, eliminate excess plastic, support companies that provide sustainable products and finally to save some money!
Today I want to focus on one of the biggies when it comes to ‘shower essentials’:
Shampoo
Of course we all want to continue to wash our hair but there are so many better options our there. Here’s a few:
- Solid Shampoo Bars: there are so many different kinds on the market now that use natural ingredients. I have been using solid shampoo for about 3 years now and I love it. I work out almost every day and this shampoo gets my hair super clean. The switch took some getting used to and my hair had to adapt to something different but it’s very worth it. *Extra perk: My shampoo is no longer a liquid that I have to account for when traveling.
- Shikakai & Neem: these are all natural ingredients that are commonly used in Indian hair care and are great in place of shampoo. All you have to do is (first order online or find the product) create a paste by adding water and mixing. Applying this to damp hair and leaving as a hair mask for 20-30 minutes will leave your hair soft, shiny and clean. This is a good alternative for an extra special hair treatment. Shikakai boosts hair growth as it is rich in many vitamins that nourish the scalp. Neem regenerates the scalp, unclogging hair follicles and pores, promoting thicker, stronger hair.
- Baking Soda as DIY Dry Shampoo: you’re in a hurry and you feel like your hair is super oily. Just sprinkle a little baking soda where you need it, let it sit for a minute and brush/shake it out. The baking soda absorbs all that oil leaving our hair looking much better. Works like a charm for when we need that quick fix.
- Acidic Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar: in order to add extra shine and strength to your hair, try doing an ACV rinse after shampooing.
It is also good to realize when we actually need to wash our hair. I’ve noticed that since I made the switch to solid shampoo I don’t need to wash my hair as often. I used to feel obligated to wash my hair everyday because it always looked oily near the roots — truth is this was because of over-washing and washing with shampoos that weren’t good for my hair.
Have you tried any other alternatives to shampoo that have been worth it? If so, let me know!
Author: Ali @ Sustainable Psyche
My name is Ali. I am an American living in Italy. I am passionate about delicious food that is also ethical, healthy and sustainable. I love pasta and pizza, traveling, horseback riding and exploring the vibrant city of Milan that I call home. 
