I experimented with natural hair care

Yesterday my mother-in-law took my daughter to a kids hair salon to get her bangs cut.  This has happened numerous times, but yesterday the hairdresser "found" some lice nits (i.e. lice eggs).  Of course everyone freaked out, but my mother-in-law was pretty sure it was just dandruff, which I've noticed in my daughter's hair for a couple weeks.  She bought lice treatment just in case.  It was administered and sheets, blankets, clothes, whatever were all washed.  Lice checks were done on me, my husband, and my other children.  The only thing found was dandruff/dry skin/whatever in my hair, which I also knew about.

I've been struggling with an itchy scalp for weeks.  I've tried dandruff shampoo, more conditioner, cleansing shampoo, and more frequent washings, but nothing helped.  In fact, the dandruff shampoo made things worse so I was pretty frustrated.  I did some reading.  Supposedly, apple cider vinegar will help with dandruff and other scalp issues.  Dr. Oz swears by it.... Anyhow, I figured it can't hurt to try.  It helped with my heartburn and sore throat when mixed with honey.  The other things that might work are aloe vera, tea tree oil, and coconut oil.  Well shit, I already had coconut oil from a skin/health care routine that fell by the wayside.  I dug it out, heated it up and took it into the bathroom with me.  I got the apple cider vinegar and mixed half a cup with one cup water, put that in my hair with fingers, a fine tooth comb, and mild pouring.  Since I lacked a shower cap, I used saran wrap to cover my hair and put on my Ninja Turtles beanie.  I let that sit for fifteen minutes before rinsing it out.  I shampooed with a new "natural" shampoo that I also added the coconut oil to.  Rinsed that out and voila, done.

First impressions:

1. My hair is soft, silky smooth
2. My head isn't itchy 
3. Less flaking 

Since these are first impressions, they are extremely subject to change.  I also plan on doing this treatment again.  I'll update my results, provided I remember it.  Either way, it's working so far and it was worth trying, especially since I already had the ingredients.  Here's hoping it does the job.


Update:
   
I didn't keep up with the routine for more than about a week.  I did start washing my hair every day with a "natural" shampoo and conditioner (it's a big-name brand so I doubt how natural it is, but it doesn't have any silicone).  After one night, I'm finding my hair seems oily in a place best compared to cats and where their scent glands are on their heads.  Considering previous research, I think I might be causing my hair to release more oil because I'm drying it out.  To switch that up, I've tried using the diluted vinegar before my shampoo and including coconut oil in my conditioner.  That resulted in really oily hair for the day (I showered in the morning).  I might try the same treatment at night so the coconut oil can really set).  Either way, I still have an itchy scalp and mild dandruff.  The number of flakes has, in fact, decreased, but I'm still not satisfied.

I can't help but wonder though, if there's really that much I can do because I'm outside in the cold, dry air both in the morning and during the day.  I wear a hat, but maybe it isn't really helping.  I'm hoping I can finish up my shampoo and conditioner quickly so that I can get a different brand that I've had more time to research and maybe that would help.  There's a good chance I'll see a dermatologist if it keeps up.  I'd be curious to know if the small patch of eczema on my wrist predisposes me to having scalp issues.  That could be some useful information to have.

Update 2:

After reading about shampoos for eczema on the scalp, I found a product for me and one for my son.  I have yet to bathe my son with his new calendula shampoo, but I did start using my tea tree oil shampoo.  This stuff is amazing.  I've had hardly any flakes, my scalp feels good, and my hair looks healthier.  Instead of one shampoo bottle and one conditioner, I accidentally got two shampoo bottles.  Since I've been using it for about a week and love it, I'm going back for the conditioner.

This stuff has been working great for me so far.  I bought mine on Amazon.

How I avoided shopping the week of Christmas

I work retail so this whole week I've seen people running around like chickens with their heads cut off.  Or maybe their heads are still on because there's been some squawking.  I will say though, that most people have been really nice.  I've worked ten Christmas' and this year is the nicest customers have been and yet, I'm almost more miserable than I've ever been during holidays.  The worst was when I was left to work Christmas Eve by myself in 2006.  I think my problem this year is that I'm tired.  I had exams last week on the 16th and then I've been working my ass off since.  Don't get me wrong, my coworkers have worked more than me, but they don't have children.

Thanks to my children, I ensure I am done shopping before this week.  When my first child was due two days before Christmas (and arrived four days before Thanksgiving), I got my shopping done by the end of October.  I knew there was no way I could stand in a long line or squeeze between shelves and shoppers with an enormous, bulging belly so I sought gifts out in advance.  The relief I felt knowing my shopping was done before the holidays started was so great that I decided to make the effort to recreate the experience each year.

Three years ago, it started to be popular to host online deals Thanksgiving night.  After indulging in a fantastic meal, I sat down to my laptop and ordered my gifts without leaving the sofa.  I still bought stocking stuffers near the end, but was otherwise done.

This year, I bought everything by the end of November, including stocking stuffers.  I happened to be at Target and only had the toddlers with me so I was able to sneak things into the cart.  Realistically, they weren't going to be any cheaper closer to the holiday and I'd be less likely to get the ones I wanted.  Stocking stuffers? Done.  I looked through a catalog and saw something for my mother-in-law, but why order through the catalog?  I went on Amazon, ordered it Prime, BAM! Two days later and it's here.  Better price, faster shipping, and rewards points to my Amazon Rewards Visa.  Gifts for my mom?  I buy them through the year.  If I see something on sale that I know someone would like, I buy it and keep it until birthdays or holidays.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't feel like the sales were as good this year as they've been in the past.  Thanks to that, I don't feel bad that I didn't wait for the "big deals".  I'd much rather spend a few more dollars and be done shopping sooner.  That way I don't become the last minute shopper.  I'm sure the day will come when my kids want the "hottest toy" and maybe I'll feel desperate to get it for them, but for now, that day has not arrived and hopefully when it does, I'll remember working the week of Christmas and will keep my cool.