UPDATE: This post is from October 2012, just a few months after I began my journey towards a holistic lifestyle. You may be interested in reading a more recent post, 70 Ways to Be a Hippie, For the Crunchy-At-Heart.
Last month, I showed you my Hippie To Do List. In an effort to boost my healing and the healing of our environment, I decided to wander tentatively into what I considered “hippie territory.” The list included:
- Putting down my shampoo and conditioner bottles… for good
- Trying the oil cleansing method, with high hopes that it might help my acne and oily skin
- Giving the cold shoulder to my (albeit aluminum free) deodorant in favor of this homemade version
- Using homemade toothpaste instead of my glycerine-laden natural brand of toothpaste
- Giving up tampons in lieu of the Diva Cup
I worried that I might turn into a greasy, smelly monster with bad breath and blood-stained panties within the month. Fortunately, I have positive results to report!
The Results
‘Poo-free:
It probably took a good three weeks for my hair to adjust. The transition period was greasy, I’ll admit. I am still recovering from a devastating period of hair loss due to past medication and colitis, and so I really don’t have much hair to test this technique out on. But now my hair is noticeably softer and it is much less greasy–I can go three days without washing it!
On a side note, I recently learned that I have low thyroid and this may also be contributing to my premature receding hair line and bare patches. I am relieved to know another piece in the puzzle so I can correct it! I have full faith that my hair will grow back completely as I continue in my healing journey.
Oil Cleansing
I was apprehensive about smothering my face with oil, since my face is a veritable oil slick one hour after I wash it. So it took a big dose of courage to throw out my face wash and use the oil cleansing method in the evening and just rinse with water in the morning.
The good news? My acne certainly isn’t worse after a month of this new regimen. The oiliness is improving, but I haven’t seen other results yet. I also stopped using all my other skin care products except for alcohol-free witch hazel for a toner and a few drops of jojoba oil mixed with tea tree oil patted on top.
Homemade Deodorant
This passed the test with flying colors since it stands up to very sweaty ballet classes. I put a few drops of vanilla or sweet orange oil in the recipe and it smells divine!
Homemade Toothpaste
This tasted so gross at first… the bitter baking soda made me grimace for a few days. But now I don’t even notice it. I don’t really use a recipe, just mix up a paste with baking soda, water, and a few drops of peppermint oil.
Menstrual Cup
This was really awkward the first few times, too. But it is even more awkward to discuss this here, so I won’t. I’ll just say that I am now a convert. And it also stood up to the ballet class test.
What’s next?
Are you on a hippie transition? What are the strangest, most difficult, or most adventurous changes you’ve made? Now that these to-do list items are crossed off my list, please tell me what I should try next!
Hubby was just telling me that his mom, who is a dental assistant by professional, has for years brushed her teeth with really nothing but water. The brushing action does all the work. I do like a “clean” taste, but I think it’s pretty hippy 😉
I have been using products from a small company – econaturalsoap.com . I too am experiencing hair loss due to low thyroid. I find their shampoo bar makes my hair feel fuller and I am beginning to see less hair in the drain. It has taken about three weeks, but I definitely see a difference. Also, my skin was very dry and flaky (again, thyroid) and the face balms have really helped.
I know this post is from october so you probably already found another toothpaste recipe, but I like baking soda, coconut oil, a bit of Hydrogen Peroxide, spearmint Essential oil, and a dash of vanilla. Its really good. Minus the initial transition from the salty taste. My daughter prefers it to regular toothpaste. Now, if I could only get my Husband on board. LOL. I just ordered some bentonite clay to try that out in my recipe.
Oh One more thing…. I Use a salt stone for deodorant, but recently started using magnesium oil (for Morning sickness) like I saw on Mommypotomus and have notice a decrease in my need for deodorant.
I had trouble with acne before adjusting my diet and lifestyle. My face really seemed to respond to steaming. I steam in the morning and at night after my make up is off. After steaming I wash my face gently, pat dry and apply jojoba oil. I am starting to add rose water as a toner. My skin is looking better than it has in a long time.
I also just ordered coastal classic creations make up. You should look into it. I can’t report how it works until I get though but I have a good feeling about. I love that with my skin so much clearer I don’t have to wear powder if I don’t want to. I am hair stylist though so going natural and looking the part have been a challenge. I want to stop heat styling my hair but I’m in an awkward phase of growing it out and it big and curly. If you know any tips to help with that please share! Thanks for all the great tips and recipes you share.
I use Moroccan clay to wash my hair followed by rinsing with lemon juice. I have very short hair and have been using the clay/lemon juice method for 2 years now. No shampoo, just the clay once a week, plus I rinse my hair daily with lemon juice. My hair does not feel oily or dirty and my scalp does not get itchy. I have no plans to ever go back to using shampoo. I also like using coconut oil as my night cream before bed every night. It’s cheap and last for quite a long time. Buy a good quality oil and you can use it for both cooking and as a body product. I also love Uncle Harry’s toothpaste and tooth powders and the hair gel is great also. Minimal, “clean” ingredients. I also like the fact that the company does not produce 50 different products. All of their products contain the same basic ingredients.
After searching online for reasons that my breasts have been hurting, I found a lot of information about the increased risks of breast pain and cysts (and even cancer) from wearing bras, especially underwires. Here is just one site that explains it: http://www.spiritofchange.org/alternative-medicine/better-health-through-bra-free-living. So, as far as my “hippie” action goes, I went bra free two weeks ago, and now my breast pain is completely gone. Before it had been so bad that I cringed whenever somebody was giving me a hug.
I have been doing natural remedies and oils my whole life. I never really thought about makeup because I don’t really wear it that often and even then not too much. I have recently been making my makeup but I can’t get a good mascara recipe.