It's a new year, and I'm so motivated to continue making and sharing healthy changes to my lifestyle.
My past posts have been about replacing daily routine products with healthier options that don't contain hormone-distrupting chemicals. I outlined my
facial routine and my
shower routine. Now, I want to share some tips I use between showers to reduce my exposure to chemicals so often found in toiletry products.
Hair: I try to wash mine only 2-3 times a week. My biggest tip and recommendation is to get a
Mason Pearson hair brush.
It is one of the best purchases I ever made. I use it everyday. A blog post I read years ago by a stylist I really admire convinced me to get one:
read it here. I bought mine through Amazon when they were having a Black Friday sale. They are pricey. Mine was just less than $100. FOR A HAIRBRUSH. But I have NEVER regretted this purchase, and I believe it will last a lifetime or longer.
I got a junior in the dark ruby color, because that's what was on sale. I do love the other colors, though. I love the way it fits in my hand. The MAIN reason I love it is a discovery of my own: hygienic reasons. Just like all our grandmothers did in generations past, I tip my head upside down and brush from my scalp to the ends of my hair every single morning. I brush and brush and come away with a clean scalp and distributed oils throughout my hair and a lovely sheen and texture. WITHOUT any hair products. The natural bristles work their magic and the nylon bristles detangle like a boss.
When my roots need a little more oil absorption my
Norwex Body Cloths come to the rescue. This was a major selling point for me when I was considering buying them. Just wet a corner of the cloth and rub around along your root line. These microfiber cloths are pros at absorbing oils and dirt, just like they do on my face. My roots are wet after, so I do a quick blow-dry or let them air dry. Or a mixture of both.
I'm also really interested in trying activated charcoal tablets or powder as a natural oil absorber and detoxifier. Since I have dark roots, I can sprinkle away and let those natural compounds do their thing. Did you know people rub that black powder on their teeth to whiten them? It works.
Now to the opposite problem: dry ends. Everyday my hair needs a little something from mid-shaft down. Just a touch of coconut oil or almond oil will do the trick. But I can see myself trying Honest Beauty's entire
styling line.
Moving on from hair: Between showers my Norwex body cloths are a must-have. I use them to freshen up and know they pull toxins out of my skin. I moisturize with my
Plexus Body Cream.
Natural deodorant: I've gone all-natural guys. I have two go-tos. #1
Plexus Body Cream. Why? Because this product is meant to pull out toxins and leaves a fresh scent and clean feel. #2 My other favorite is Lush's
T'eo deodorant. It smells so good and absorbs moisture. Want to know another secret about staying dry while using natural deodorant?
Move to the desert.
Ha ha, I know that isn't an option for everyone, but I haven't felt like I've needed anti-perspirant since moving here. It's been the best! I clean up with my Norwex body cloth and water between deodorant applications and I'm good to go.
As a reminder, I've been slowly replacing my products over the past few years, so don't feel overwhelmed that you must replace everything in your bathroom NOW. Shop around and find some decent prices and slowly replace things when you want to. It also doesn't hurt to invest in one bigger thing that you know you'll get a ton of use out of. One of those I would suggest are the Norwex Body Cloths.
My next couple natural health and beauty posts will include some tips about makeup and menstrual cycles. I also can't wait to share some nutrition lifestyle changes I'm working on.
