I have a drawer, neatly organized with all my cosmetics. Assorted facial products line the medicine cabinet shelves and fill baskets in the adjacent linen closet.

Since I was a little girl, however, I have enjoyed creating my own concoctions. I would take my mom's old makeup and mix it up to make my own. I remember sharing some with my very gracious grandmother who complimented my little experiment (and if she was smart, wiped it off the minute I left the room!). I have even been known to mix raw egg, avocado and mayo to make a natural hair mask! Sadly, my endeavors never ended up on supermarket shelves, but I still enjoy mixing up ingredients to make my own personal care products.

With the recent negativity about sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, etc., I began scrutinizing labels. Could the silicones and sulfates I have been slathering on my scalp to straighten my strands cause my hair to thin? What about all the links to Alzheimer's disease from aluminum—a key ingredient in every antiperspirant and deodorant I have ever used. I read labels on everything I eat, don't use harsh chemicals to clean, but why I am still putting who-knows-what, you-know-where?

Caught in a Hair Care Catch 22?             

Hair is frizzy so we straighten and use serums and gels to add shine, or hair is flat so we use mousses and volumizers. Frequent use of product means more washing (often with harsher shampoos to remove product) which can strip natural oils and irritate scalps. For a little experiment, I decided to limit the use of hair products over the past several months. No more gels, serums, mousses or sprays. I also found a recipe for a scalp and hair rinse—no egg, avocado or mayo needed (though I challenge you to find a better deep conditioning treatment!)

Initially I used it as a rinse with a small amount of my regular shampoo and conditioner, but several weeks ago I decided to try what I found online is referred to as "No 'Poo." (Note: you may not want to bring this up during lunch. Your dining companion may not be as enthused with your conversation as you are. I speak from experience.)

Spray or squirt liberally on hair and scalp before shampooing. Use less of your shampoo—or skip shampooing and just rinse with water. After a few weeks, you will notice your hair feeling smoother and have more body, without using additional products when you blow dry. Really! I haven't even needed to break out the straightening iron in weeks!

Is the "No 'Poo" movement too severe? Not interested in giving up suds altogether? Suzanne Ryan, a Maplewood resident and teacher at Jefferson school, started using a non-sulfate shampoo and is pleased with the results. "My hairstylist told me that I might like the way a non-sulfate makes your hair feel. I really do like the way it does not strip the natural oils from your hair. I can tell that my hair is healthier. It seems shinier, too."

Sweating the Small Stuff

I tried limiting my antiperspirant use to every other day, but even with the "clinical strength" versions I still felt, well, not well deodorized. I thought why not try to make my own natural version? First, I just dabbed some anti-bacterial essential oils under my arm. (Is that TMI?) It was okay, but I thought I could do better. One of my favorite basics came to mind—baking soda. It's known to absorb odors. Could I mix it with something? Use it like powder or make a paste? I did some more research and came up with a recipe that includes cornstarch (to absorb perspiration, not stop it), baking soda (to absorb odors), essential oils that are anti-bacterial and antiseptic and olive oil or coconut oil to make a paste. I have been using it for several weeks and even after strenuous exercise, no offensive odor.

If you don't want to do as I do and DIY your own deodorant, natural salt-based deodorants are an option and are now widely available. South Orange resident Lauren Collura, Executive Chef and Owner of Bacco Catering, explains, "About 3 years ago, I decided I wanted to eliminate as much toxicity from my life as possible. One of my main concerns was the aluminum in conventional anti-perspirant/deodorant. I was hesitant to make the change given my profession. Being a professional chef is the type of work that creates quite a bit of perspiration! Finally, however, I took the plunge. Three years later, I am happy to say I have been using the salt stick and natural deodorant on top of it for a bit of scent. Granted, on a super stressful day it may not hold up as well as conventional. It does not eliminate perspiration, which, at the end of the day, is one of the ways your body eliminates toxins. But for over all health, what's wrong with washing your shirts a few more times?"

Try these simple recipes below. Note that it takes about two weeks to see and feel a change from using them, so give them a trial period. They may not replace your medicine cabinet favorites, but I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how well they work. They cost only pennies to make and limit the packaging waste from store-bought products.

No 'Poo Recipe:

Step 1.

I find this step does not need to be done every time I "wash" my hair, but the scalp massage deep cleans pores and stimulates growth.

1.    In an old shampoo bottle or squeeze bottle, mix one part baking soda to six parts water. Shake well to mix before each use.

2.    Before wetting hair, squeeze baking soda solution onto dry scalp and massage gently.

3.    Leave solution on hair for one minute and rinse thoroughly.

Step 2.

This step not only "conditions" hair, it eliminates and prevents dandruff and itching which tends to worsen in the winter. I use this each time I need to "wash." Adding the oils help make the solution anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, helps prevent lice and makes the mixture smell great! The mixture is well diluted and rinsed quickly, so I don't find the peroxide to lighten my hair color. Feel free to experiment!

1. In a spray bottle mix one part hydrogen peroxide to one part organic apple cider vinegar to ten parts water. Add five to ten drops tea tree oil, lavender and other essential oils as needed.
2. Spray on scalp and hair (just enough to dampen hair).
3. Let sit for a minute then rinse well.

DIY Deodorant             

You can make a small amount of this (as shown below) and store in a small, container with a tight-fitting lid. Just apply a small amount of this cream deodorant with your fingers. You can also reuse an empty deodorant container if you use the coconut oil method, which will remain solid as long as it stays below 72 degrees.

In a small bowl mix: one tablespoon cornstarch (to help absorb moisture), one tablespoon baking soda (to deodorize) with one tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil. (Note: coconut oil will be solid at room temperature, so you may need to gently heat it to soften). Add 5-10 drops of essential oils and stir to combine. I use Thieves® and Lavender. The essential oils give a subtle fragrance but are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, so they prevent odor-causing bacteria from forming. (If using a deodorant container with your own solid, you will need to make a larger batch to fill.)

I would love to hear comments on these recipes, and please let me know if you have a favorite of your own.

Coming soon in Part 2, skin remedies for face, hands and body.

Suzanne Hassler is a Wife, Mom, Interior Design Consultant, and Independent Distributor of Young Living Therapeutic Grade Essential oils, Member # 1109967
If you would like more information on using therapeutic grade essential oils throughout your home, please contact Suzanne at suzhassler@optonline.net.