I heart the extra virgin

Have you looked at the lists of ingredients on the containers of your soaps, moisturizers, exfoliators, shampoos, make-up removers, et cetera?  Many of them contain loads of chemicals and unpronounceable agents.  There are claims that some of these ingredients (such as sodium lauryl sulfate, glycerin, and artificial colorings) may be harmful to one's health.  I'll let you do that research on your own.  The way I see it... why not go as natural as possible?  I've discovered that- when it comes to any aspect of life- simple and natural is way better.  This year, my new favorite multi-functioning product is extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).  Not only is it fabulous on crusty breads and fresh salads, it's also wonderful for the skin and scalp.  I've actually tested & tried the following list of suggestions:

* For an exfoliating scrub, mix sea salt into a few spoonfuls of EVOO.  After soaping & rinsing delicate regions (such as the "anatomical jewel" [see:  Cunt by Inge Muscio]), gently exfoliate dead skin cells on the non-delicate areas by applying the scrub with a washcloth or your hands.  Rinse well with water only.  

* For the best moisturizer ever, use EVOO after showering.  Pat yourself dry with a towel, allowing the skin to retain some dampness.  Apply EVOO all over the body.  Sure, you'll smell like a salad for five minutes, but the scent dissipates.  Rejoice at having the softest winter skin.  

* Dab a piece of cotton or facial tissue into EVOO for a great natural make-up remover.  From what I've read, it apparently conditions your lashes.  It's so nice not to use chemically, drying agents on the skin... especially your beautiful, delicate eyes. 

* For dandruff or dryness, massage EVOO into the scalp.  Let it do its magic for 15-30 minutes before rinsing it out.  Follow with this shampoo-free magical formula:  beat two egg yolks with some water, massage into hair.  Let it sit for five minutes as you proceed with a shower.  Rinse hair very well.  Follow with an apple cider vinegar rinse to condition:  mix about 1/4 cup (or less for short hair) with water and pour onto hair.  Rinse, rinse, rinse and enjoy your healthy mane.  For real. 

poo-free

ON A RECENT bus ride, I overheard some chick talking about how it takes, on average, about six weeks for a person’s hair to re-balance itself to its natural state of health when one stops using shampoo.  The woman went on to comment that she could never stop using shampoo because of the ‘sweaty smell’ that would be so prevalent.  Being an every-other-day hair washer and someone who’s always up for trying new things… I haven’t washed my hair in 16 days.  I might not ever use shampoo again.  

I went online to see what people had to say about this, and found several dozen blogs.  When we use shampoo, it washes away our hair’s natural oil, sebum, and that causes an over-production of the sebum, which gives us the need to wash it again.  That’s the cycle.  But, according to many, the hair and scalp can take care of themselves.   As I read up on the subject, memories were jogged of the junior high P.E. teacher, who was also my beloved tennis coach, rumored to have used Ivory soap as her hair cleanser.  Why this would be the subject of student gossip is beyond me.  I discovered that a lot of people do ‘water only’, but several choose to massage a baking soda paste into the scalp once or twice a week.  People with long hair prefer to use natural conditioners.  The most popular conditioner seems to be apple cider vinegar; others use honey.  The majority of write-ups warn of the gross, greasy hair that one must live through for one or two weeks before moving on through the 4-6 week process that apparently leads to the healthiest hair and scalp we could imagine.  

For me, day five was pretty thick on the grease.  I was wondering if I’d break down and wash it.  I held out.   I guess I’m lucky for having short hair and only a day or two of nastiness (as opposed to the average week or two of grease ball hair).  My hair seems wavier than it’s been in a while… almost like… ‘beach hair’ without the sand.  Last Thursday, I rode the bike for a few hours, wearing a piece of t-shirt as a headscarf, or do-rag, whatever you wanna call it.  I decided to try the baking soda paste that day in the shower.  My hair looked and felt awesome.  According to a trustworthy friend, my hair does not stink.  For the people who always enjoyed the smell-good aspect of shampooing, many use essential oils, vanilla, and cinnamon to please the nose.  I’m even tempted to let my hair grow, without a trim, until at least February.  This is partly because I’d like to see what it’s like, and also because nobody compares to Wendell.  Happy hair, and I dare you to try it.