Author Topic: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?  (Read 27087 times)

Unionville

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Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« on: August 31, 2016, 07:54:55 PM »
Does anyone know what the traditional hairs oils are? I want to stop buying conditioners.  When I lived in Asia many decades ago, I remember women used to put oil in their hair instead of using a store bought conditioners. I can't remember what kind of oil it was, but it sure made their hair healthy and pretty. I kind of need something because I have frizzy, dry, tangly hair.  I've tried coconut oil but it's hard to melt.  Olive oil seems too greasy and smells like a salad.  Any other ideas?

GreenSheep

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #1 on: August 31, 2016, 08:17:52 PM »
My (former -- now I trim my own hair!) hair stylist once told me to use jojoba oil -- not necessarily as an alternative to conditioner, but just to put it on at night and then wash my hair in the morning. It did make a difference, and you can get it fairly cheap on Amazon. She was Mexican, though, not Asian, so maybe other cultures have other answers depending on what oil is readily available. I'm curious to see what others have to say!

Edited to add that I just read this on Wikipedia:

"Jojoba is grown for the liquid wax, commonly called jojoba oil, in its seeds.[7] This oil is rare in that it is an extremely long (C36–C46) straight-chain wax ester and not a triglyceride, making jojoba and its derivative jojoba esters more similar to human sebum and whale oil than to traditional vegetable oils."
« Last Edit: August 31, 2016, 08:20:20 PM by GreenSheep »

Erica

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #2 on: August 31, 2016, 08:38:05 PM »
I bought a tub of Coconut Oil about a year ago. There is half a tub left. I think it costs $19.95

It will last another year.  I read months ago this was good for your hair and it works great for mine.

Once or twice a month I use Paul Mitchell conditioner also. It averages $12 a bottle and lasts about 4 months.


YogiKitti

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #3 on: August 31, 2016, 08:45:51 PM »
For a while I did a vinegar rinse instead of conditioner, but I've recently found that my new shampoo doesn't even require that.

electriceagle

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #4 on: August 31, 2016, 09:14:38 PM »
Try not shampooing. If you don't strip out the natural oils in your hair, you won't need to put them back.

Rinsing your hair with hot water in the shower may serve to remove dirt without removing everything.

albijaji

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #5 on: August 31, 2016, 09:21:36 PM »
i wash my hair with a baking soda paste  and rinse with apple cider vinegar (diluted)
i used to have super itchy scalp from all the 'products'
not anymore...
no idea about oils though, i have super straight thin hair so if i put oils in (one time i used olive oil)
i look like those bodybuilders when they are all greased up , for weeks....

kina

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #6 on: September 01, 2016, 07:05:41 AM »
Coconut oil. 16 ounce jar at Aldi for $4.99.

Sloeginfizz

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #7 on: September 01, 2016, 07:12:02 AM »
I agree. If your problem is dry frizzy hair, you need to give up the shampoo,  not the conditioner. I do a conditioner wash a couple times a week and just rinse with hot water the other days. If my hair is extra dry I add a small drop of argan oil (expensive but a little goes a long way).

DTaggart

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #8 on: September 01, 2016, 07:49:42 AM »
For a while I did a vinegar rinse instead of conditioner, but I've recently found that my new shampoo doesn't even require that.

+1 to the vinegar. I use a vinegar rinse periodically to help control dandruff/itchy scalp and it makes my hair amazingly soft and manageable.

RedmondStash

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #9 on: September 01, 2016, 09:16:24 AM »
Try coconut milk instead. I'm using an online recipe that calls for equal parts liquid Castille soap and coconut milk; you shake them vigorously into a foam, then use like shampoo. Lots of suds. They say it keeps for about a month, so I make a small amount at a time and freeze the remaining coconut milk until I need it again.

I tried the no-shampoo thing, and my scalp just got lank and greasy-looking. This soap/coconut milk thing is the best compromise I've found so far.

Sibley

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #10 on: September 01, 2016, 09:23:03 AM »
I didn't get good results with the baking soda. I've decreased the frequency of washing my hair, and that helped a LOT. If you wash your hair everyday, try going to every other day, or even less frequently. I know people who wash their hair every 4-5 days and it looks just fine.

TVRodriguez

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #11 on: September 01, 2016, 09:27:16 AM »
Coconut oil. 16 ounce jar at Aldi for $4.99.
+1

VAR

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #12 on: September 01, 2016, 09:43:42 AM »
I also do baking soda and vinegar.
Sometimes I use vitamin E oil as it is very light

spicykissa

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #13 on: September 02, 2016, 09:29:38 AM »
My hair is also frizzy/tangly. I use a conditioner with argan oil in it, and only shampoo if it starts to be greasy (every 4-5 days or so).

MilesTeg

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #14 on: September 02, 2016, 09:37:00 AM »

MommyCake

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #15 on: April 07, 2017, 04:52:37 AM »
I once asked a girl with gorgeous hair how she kept it that way.  She said baby oil. 

lizzzi

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #16 on: April 07, 2017, 05:58:03 AM »
When people post their hair oil or conditioning choices, it would be helpful to tell us what kind of hair you have. Mine is baby-fine and silky, and I've found over the years that I don't need any kind of oily product--makes my hair look thin, greasy, lank. What works best for me and my short, self-cut bob is approximately a quarter teaspoon of any inexpensive conditioner...and a bottle lasts forever. Currently I have a bottle of VO5 conditioner that I got for 75 cents. I'm guessing that the folks who benefit from hair oils have thicker, coarser hair.

Dora the Homebody

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #17 on: April 07, 2017, 04:33:43 PM »
I've cut back on shampoo -- I used to wash my hair every day but now I wash it every 3-4 days instead.  It is much nicer!  On the days I don't shampoo, I usually just rinse with warm water and then add a bit of conditioner to the ends.

I think some of the products mentioned in this thread are probably *more* expensive than cheap conditioner.

Effervescent

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #18 on: April 09, 2017, 02:59:31 PM »
I'm a man (assuming OP is a woman), so take this for what it's worth.

I stopped using shampoo/conditioner two years ago after experimenting with a whole bunch of different ideas for cleaning my hair. I've been using baking soda for quite some time now and my hair looks the best it ever hair - healthy, shiny, and very blonde. I don't use apple cider vinegar. I just scoop up a handful of baking soda in my hands and apply it to my hair, and let it sit for a few moments. My hair doesn't get greasy anymore. I can't imagine going back to shampoo/conditioner.

Cold showers also seem to help.

herbgeek

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #19 on: April 09, 2017, 04:30:01 PM »
Most shampoos are detergents and strip oils from your hair.  I use Liggetts shampoo bar, which is a  soap.  I don't need a conditioner with this one, but I've always needed a conditioner with most shampoos.

ElleFiji

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #20 on: April 09, 2017, 09:02:12 PM »
I think it will really depend upon your hair type. I've used argan while traveling (it's expensive, so I usually keep it for my face), apricot kernel oil for months and months on my own. And sometimes olive or coconut. (but currently I'm using conditioner)

I think if you want to play around, start by testing the oils you already have in your kitchen.

SpeedReader

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #21 on: April 09, 2017, 09:28:10 PM »
I use a homemade rinse that I got from Erica Strauss' book The Hands-On Home.  It's a great book, and her website NWEdible.com is also terrific.  (I found out about it on this website.)

Her recipe uses small amounts of vitamin E oil and vegetable glycerin.  If you have dry hair, she recommends including jojoba, apricot kernel, or sweet almond oil.  She also has a recipe for a honey-based shampoo, and explains the science behind hair care. 

Squirrel away

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #22 on: April 10, 2017, 03:07:16 AM »
I sometimes use a few drops of argan oil in my hair.

MMMaybe

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #23 on: April 11, 2017, 12:06:53 AM »
I do an apple cider vinegar rinse after shampooing and don't need conditioner. Sometimes I might put a few drop of argan oil through my wet hair but its mostly not necessary.

But, I don't use a regular shampoo (use a natural shampoo bar) and as others have mentioned, that is the key to giving up conditioner.

Dicey

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #24 on: April 11, 2017, 07:48:34 AM »
I've tried coconut oil but it's hard to melt. 
Coconut oil has a very low melting point. Low, as in, body temperature. Put a lump in your palms, rub them together until it melts, apply to hair. Easy-peasy.

mozar

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #25 on: April 12, 2017, 12:32:57 PM »
I stopped using shampoo and conditioner. I create a mixture of bentonite clay, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and aloe vera. I apply to my hair before showering and then rinse it out. I have very dry, curly hair.
Recipe: 2 tbsp aloe vera, 4 tbsp of olive oil, 3 tbsp ACV, then mix in 9 tsp of bentonite clay.

Roothy

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #26 on: April 14, 2017, 03:14:15 PM »

GreenSheep

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #27 on: April 14, 2017, 03:22:29 PM »
^ Technically, I think that would be an alternative to hair SPRAY, but thank you for the LOL. :-)
« Last Edit: April 14, 2017, 04:49:22 PM by GreenSheep »

letired

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #28 on: April 14, 2017, 03:30:57 PM »
For a while I did a vinegar rinse instead of conditioner, but I've recently found that my new shampoo doesn't even require that.

+1 to the vinegar. I use a vinegar rinse periodically to help control dandruff/itchy scalp and it makes my hair amazingly soft and manageable.

+1 to vinegar for very fine wavy/straight hair. I dilute the store-bought cheapest white vinegar 50/50 with water in a big bottle and apply a fair amount at the scalp. It is more effective if I let it sit for a min or two. I never use conditioner anymore and my hair is nearly down to my elbows.

Bracken_Joy

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #29 on: April 14, 2017, 04:18:07 PM »
I have thick, wavy/curly long hair. Gets very frizzy if I overwash it. I find what works for me: I only wash it twice a week. It was once per week, but then I started running more. I just use a very small amount of shampoo, just to work into the roots. No conditioner. Make sure there's no silicone in the shampoo, otherwise a residue will build up. This is true if you use hairspays and gels too. I don't use those, so easy peasy there.

If my hair is particularly dry (I visit my parents in the desert or am swimming a lot or something), then I use a little apricot kernal oil (which is what I use for moisturizer after shaving and to wash my face in the shower). I've been doing this a few years now, and it works really well. I am frequently complimented on how healthy my hair looks.

Dicey

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #30 on: July 19, 2017, 07:52:09 AM »
Very pretty infographic, but seriously, Avocado Oil "prevents premature graying"?

Caveat emptor.

RedmondStash

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #31 on: July 19, 2017, 02:10:59 PM »
Very pretty infographic, but seriously, Avocado Oil "prevents premature graying"?

Caveat emptor.

I had a similar thought. Pretty graphic isn't the same as accurate graphic.

westtoeast

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #32 on: July 19, 2017, 03:47:14 PM »
Try not shampooing. If you don't strip out the natural oils in your hair, you won't need to put them back.

Rinsing your hair with hot water in the shower may serve to remove dirt without removing everything.

I'm 17 days into trying this. There was an adjustment where my hair was pretty gross but then my scalp adjusted... my hair looks great now! It looks better each day. For reference it got fine straight blond hair. It's easier for curly folks. Google "water only wash" for detailed instructions.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

GreenSheep

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #33 on: July 20, 2017, 09:47:28 AM »
Try not shampooing. If you don't strip out the natural oils in your hair, you won't need to put them back.

Rinsing your hair with hot water in the shower may serve to remove dirt without removing everything.

I'm 17 days into trying this. There was an adjustment where my hair was pretty gross but then my scalp adjusted... my hair looks great now! It looks better each day. For reference it got fine straight blond hair. It's easier for curly folks. Google "water only wash" for detailed instructions.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just curious... I've read that people are very happy with the way their hair looks doing this, but how does it smell? If I go a few days without washing my hair, it starts to smell... not clean.

westtoeast

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #34 on: July 20, 2017, 11:21:04 AM »
Try not shampooing. If you don't strip out the natural oils in your hair, you won't need to put them back.

Rinsing your hair with hot water in the shower may serve to remove dirt without removing everything.

I'm 17 days into trying this. There was an adjustment where my hair was pretty gross but then my scalp adjusted... my hair looks great now! It looks better each day. For reference it got fine straight blond hair. It's easier for curly folks. Google "water only wash" for detailed instructions.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just curious... I've read that people are very happy with the way their hair looks doing this, but how does it smell? If I go a few days without washing my hair, it starts to smell... not clean.

Good question. I haven't noticed much of a smell. I do use very small amounts of cinnamon as dry shampoo, which maybe helps. I've also done lemon juice (I use that for natural highlights). I read you can mix a few drops of essential oil into a spray bottle of water and spritz it on as well.

It could be that the smell also gets better as hair adjusts?


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RedmondStash

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #35 on: July 21, 2017, 06:36:12 PM »
Just curious... I've read that people are very happy with the way their hair looks doing this, but how does it smell? If I go a few days without washing my hair, it starts to smell... not clean.

Honestly, this is why I stopped water-washing. I didn't like how my hair and scalp smelled, even if I put cocoa powder & cornstarch in it to sop up the grease. It smelled slightly sour, a little like weak tea. Not really bad, and not at all strong, but I didn't like it even though spouse thought it smelled fine.

My hair actually looked great when I was water-washing; it was like I had built-in product. Combing in powder extended the times between washing. But even though the smell was faint, I got self-conscious about it. I have friends I hug whose heads do not smell that great, and it makes the hugs a less pleasant experience.

Now I wash with a mix of peppermint-scented Castille soap and coconut milk, alternating with regular shampoo & conditioner. So far, that's worked out pretty well for me.

GreenSheep

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #36 on: July 21, 2017, 08:17:27 PM »
Thanks for the feedback! My philosophy with cleaning in general is that if it smells bad, something more than covering up the smell needs to be done, so I'm not too keen on just applying something scented. Good to know.

Pigeon

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #37 on: July 21, 2017, 08:20:31 PM »
Very pretty infographic, but seriously, Avocado Oil "prevents premature graying"?

Caveat emptor.

I had a similar thought. Pretty graphic isn't the same as accurate graphic.
I'm not buying the "promotes hair growth" stuff either. 

RedmondStash

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #38 on: July 21, 2017, 09:07:23 PM »
Thanks for the feedback! My philosophy with cleaning in general is that if it smells bad, something more than covering up the smell needs to be done, so I'm not too keen on just applying something scented. Good to know.

I think it was just a natural, normal smell, not a bad or unhealthy smell. It's just not a smell we're used to in this culture anymore. So it was a little weird to me. It didn't smell like something was wrong or even unhygienic. But not all natural or healthy body smells are appealing.

Dicey

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #39 on: July 22, 2017, 09:48:34 AM »
Very pretty infographic, but seriously, Avocado Oil "prevents premature graying"?

Caveat emptor.

I had a similar thought. Pretty graphic isn't the same as accurate graphic.
I'm not buying the "promotes hair growth" stuff either.
Agreed. I just focused on the most egregious of self-promoting errors. There are plenty to choose from, all very prettily presented.

TomTX

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #40 on: July 22, 2017, 10:35:25 AM »
Try not shampooing. If you don't strip out the natural oils in your hair, you won't need to put them back.

Rinsing your hair with hot water in the shower may serve to remove dirt without removing everything.

This has been working extremely well for me for ~6 months. Unless I get excessively dirty, I just stopped using shampoo. I rinse thoroughly while agitating with my fingers whenever I shower.

A few weeks ago, I had a teenager ask me what product I used for my hair because it looked so great (!)

As a side benefit, if my hands start to get dry because of washing too much (I work with some dirty stuff) - after washing I can just rub them through my hair to moisturize. Natural human oils for my natural human body.

No smell issues.

Straight, relatively thick, blondish hair. Long enough to reach my collar because I haven't bothered with a haircut in a while either.

rachael talcott

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #41 on: July 23, 2017, 06:45:47 PM »
One of my new retirement hobbies is making hair and skin care products.  My favorite hair oil so far is camellia seed oil. It is incredibly light and reduces frizzies without feeling heavy.  I use it alone on wet hair or mixed into various conditioners that I make.  If anyone is interested in making their own products, this blog, written by a chemist, is helpful:

http://swiftcraftymonkey.blogspot.ca/

ixtap

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #42 on: September 26, 2017, 12:38:11 AM »
water

It seems like hippy bullshit, but it really is a huge improvement. Your hair will be very oily for a few weeks as you transition, but eventually your hair will be better than ever with zero effort. I think going from shampoo every day to every other day was a bigger transition than from every other day to never.

I don't use shampoo, but I still need conditioner or twice a week.

galliver

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #43 on: September 26, 2017, 05:13:26 PM »
I have fine wavy/curly hair that tends to frizz/flyaways (I've found this hair type pretty characteristic of Eastern Europeans especially...). I also have a pretty greasy scalp :( . I've tried minimizing shampoo use, co-washing, etc but it always just ends up so greasy it's just untenable for going out in public (and it makes me break out).

After some experimenting, I landed on Renpure brand "cleansing conditioner". It doesn't lather like shampoo, but gets off a bit more grease than regular conditioner; it's coconut oil based, I believe, but it doesn't smell much like it, which is a plus for bf who hates all things coconut. And it's $6-7/16oz bottle which yes, is pricey compared to $1 Suave but really good among "natural" products that are usually like $1+/oz. We haven't kept track too carefully but I'm pretty sure a bottle lasts us 2 mos at least (bf uses it too for similar hair, but shorter). I find <10c/day worth it to feel clean and pretty :)

westtoeast

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #44 on: September 27, 2017, 01:57:03 PM »
I'd mentioned water only washing a month or two ago on this thread, and thought I'd update since it's active again. Some folks were concerned about hair smell with this method-- a fair concern. I'm now doing an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse once a week (nothing else goes in my hair) and that takes care of pretty much every issue, including hair waxiness from hard water and hair smell. After this rinse my hair is super silky and easy to comb!

Deanna_Phoenix_Life_Unscripted

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #45 on: November 01, 2017, 05:36:39 PM »
Apple Cider Vinegar rinse

Hi West to East,

Do you also rinse it with water after?

Thank you,
Deanna

letired

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #46 on: November 01, 2017, 06:23:45 PM »
Apple Cider Vinegar rinse

Hi West to East,

Do you also rinse it with water after?

Thank you,
Deanna

I use regular white vinegar, let it sit for a min or two, then rinse. If I don't do a reasonable rinse, the vinegar smell lingers.

westtoeast

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Re: Alternatives to Hair Conditioner?
« Reply #47 on: November 02, 2017, 06:34:40 PM »
Apple Cider Vinegar rinse

Hi West to East,

Do you also rinse it with water after?

Thank you,
Deanna

I use regular white vinegar, let it sit for a min or two, then rinse. If I don't do a reasonable rinse, the vinegar smell lingers.

I pour the vinegar/water mix onto my hair and massage it in. Then I let it sit for a little bit while I wash my body and shave my legs. Letting it sit makes the rinse more effective. Then I rinse it out. BUT because my water is hard, I don't rinse for a long time because that will leave too much waxiness from minerals. I do a quick 20 second rinse with warm water and then about 10 seconds with cold water.