The 20-Minute Environmentalist™: Hair Care and Styling

Between work and school and family obligations, sometimes it's hard to find the time to take care of ourselves - not to mention finding the time to indulge in a little pampering. Couple that with our concern for the environment and trying to find personal care products that aren't laden with chemicals and it can become quite a challenge.

With these five super easy DIY hair care products you will limit the impact your personal care regimen has on the planet, save time and save a lot of money - all while getting the same (or better!) results you would receive from expensive salon treatments, specialty products and energy consuming styling tools.

1. DIY deep conditioning treatment - Deep conditioning treatments are quite expensive at salons and require a big chunk of time out of your schedule. At home commercial treatments are more convenient, but they can still be pricey, full of unnecessary chemicals and come in packaging that you will then have to dispose of. Avoid scheduling appointments, slathering on chemical concoctions and tossing out boxes and bottles with one of these quick, easy DIY deep conditioning treatments. The first option is to simply purchase all natural coconut oil, work it into your hair, throw on a reusable shower cap and get some house cleaning done while it works its magic. Then, rinse and allow to dry naturally for soft, luxurious, shiny hair. For another great deep conditioning treatment that can be whipped up in a couple of minutes, take ½ of an avocado and mash it up, then mix in coconut milk (1/4 to ½ cup) to make a semi-thick mixture. Work the avocado/coconut milk deep conditioner into your hair, comb through, throw on that reusable shower cap and check your email or load your dishwasher for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing. Avocado also works well by itself as a deep conditioning treatment.

2. DIY clarifying treatment - Remove build up from shampoo, conditioner, hairspray and whatever else you have been putting on your hair with this simple DIY clarifying rinse. After shampooing (hopefully with an all natural or homemade shampoo) apply an apple cider vinegar rinse to your hair that is about half apple cider vinegar and half water. The measurements don't have to be exact and the amount will depend on the length and thickness of your hair. Leave the rinse on your hair for 1-2 minutes then rinse.

3. DIY natural dandruff and itchy scalp treatment - You don't need to purchase expensive specialty shampoos and scalp treatments to have a flake-free and non-itchy scalp. Avoid the unnecessary packaging, harsh chemicals and the expense by trying all natural at home remedies that have been used for generations. There are lots of options to try, but here are a couple of the basic dandruff and itchy scalp treatments that will only take you a few minutes to mix up and apply. One easy solution is to simply mix a few drops of tea tree oil into your shampoo and use as usual. This won't take any more time than your regular shampooing and you may find that this works well enough to cut out commercial dandruff shampoos completely. Alternatively, try a rinse made from apple cider vinegar and hot water before you shampoo. To make the rinse even more effective, try adding a few drops (or an herbal mix) of rosemary, oregano, nettle, thyme or comfrey. Massaging aloe vera gel onto your scalp is also an age-old cooling and soothing treatment.

4. Make your own rag rollers - You can get soft, sexy curls without the expense and wasted energy use of hot rollers (not to mention the packaging of the hot rollers and figuring out how to dispose of them once they stop working). Take 20 minutes to cut an old bed sheet or t-shirts into strips that are about one inch wide and six-eight inches long (depending on the length of your hair). Then, any time you want to wake up with some great curls, take about 20 minutes (again, this depends on the length and thickness of your hair) the night before to roll your hair around the strips, tying each one in a bow or knot. For more information on how to make and use rag rollers, read How to Make and Use Rag Rollers for Your Hair.

5. DIY hot oil treatment - You don't need to purchase commercial hot oil treatments to experience the benefits of luxuriously soft hair. Everything you need is probably already in your pantry. For a great at-home hot oil treatment simply place a bowl of olive oil (or canola, soybean or other light cooking oil) in a larger bowl or saucepan of warm water and allow the oil to heat up to your desired temperature. Work the oil through your hair and put on a reusable shower cap while you catch up on household chores, then just jump in the shower and shampoo as usual. It will only take a few minutes to warm up the oil and apply and it won't take any extra time in the shower, but you will get all of the benefits of a commercial hot oil treatment without the chemicals or packaging.