Index so far

Hey, so this blog was originally created for WANG (Women against Unnecessary Grooming) so people can make cheap alternatives to day to day stuff and some extra 'pamper' recipes.


Essentially this blog goes against the ethos of WANG to a certain extent. But for all of you using toothpaste, deodorant, hair masks, face masks and anything else... This is a cheaper DIY alternative that will probably save your pennies and actually be something your body welcomes.

I'l add more to this. But for now here are some direct links to certain things people have been asking for:

DIY Vegan Toothpaste (very easy!)

NO-POO METHOD

Many Uses of Aspirin

Vegan Deodorant

Coffee Body Scrub (and wrap)

Firming, Moisturising, Grease and Spot Busting Face Mask

Vegan Hair Shine and Moisturise Mask (Also good for dandruff)

Info and thoughts about the base ingredients I use on my body and hair

Aspirin Uses

Aspirin and its other uses

(Note, something like 10% of asthma sufferers are allergic to aspirin, make sure you know if you are!)

Ok, not only does aspirin help to thin your blood (especially good for certain heart problems but do consult your doctor) and help clear up a minor head ache... It's also good for your skin as well.

Spots

In most spot creams and washes you'll find an ingredient called 'SALCYLIC ACID' it's the actual thing that helps fight the spots. Aspirin essentially is salicylic acid and so mixed with warm water into a paste (between 2-5 tablets) it really helps reduce swelling and dry out spots. Make sure to use moisturiser after though!

Do note that if you're making an aspirin mask for your entire face, don't leave it on for more than ten minutes. Don't use this if you have really sensitive skin. I do and just use it solely on the actual spots. 

Mosquito Bites
As above, it reduces swelling -it also helps with disinfecting the scratching you inevitably end up doing and relieve the itchiness of the bite.

Treat hard calluses
Soften hard calluses on your feet by grinding five or six aspirins into a powder. Make a paste by adding 1/2 teaspoon each of lemon juice and water. Apply the mixture to the affected areas, then wrap your foot in a warm towel and cover it with a plastic bag. After staying off your feet for at least ten minutes, remove the bag and towel, and file down the softened callus with a pumice stone.

THE NO-POO METHOD

The NO-POO Method

So you may have heard the phrase 'no-poo' going around recently. It's an alternative hair washing method that's suitable for... wait for it... EVERYONE!
(NB, this is similar in a way to cowashing which is usually for dark, coarse hair)

Some of the benefits of the no-poo method include:

·         more body

·         easier to style

·         less oily hair

·         less frizz and fly-aways (great for curly hair)

·         added shine

·         SAFE for dyed hair

·         GREAT for grey hair (commercial shampoos can cause grey hair to yellow)

·         wash hair less often as your scalp will no longer be over producing oils (I know I already mentioned that, but it’s a really good point)

·         no chemicals on your hair, scalp or washing down the drain (the Earth will love you too! And all the other hippy shit)

·         more money in your pocket – let’s face it, baking soda and vinegar cost pennies per wash (a big difference from those fancy-looking shampoos and conditioners)

·         new hair growth (for some people) –follicles are no longer clogged with oil and debris.

Part of the reason the no-poo method has so much hype at the moment is because more and more people are finding out what's in our shampoos. Head and Shoulders Anti-Dandruff shampoo has a chemical (a type of silicone) in it which is used for getting rid of oil in factories -now that doesn't sound too good for the scalp. The reason they work is because you have to keep using it to keep the dandruff at bay. The way you can tell it's not working is that if you switch shampoo then the dandruff comes back.

The no-poo method actually helps your scalp heal itself and return to a natural PH which means that the skin isn't bombarded with man-made chemicals and eventually you're able to produce your own natural oil that protects your head and helps for a lasting shine.

Now I'm not going to lie, the first few weeks of the no-poo method are actually really hard to get through. You find your first wash was great and then it seems to go a bit greasy or dry after that. What's happening is your hair/scalp is essentially going through withdrawal and detox to get use to going o'natural. It's a transition process and it takes a different amount of time for each person.

One thing I do recommend for this is buying a clarifying shampoo. Preferably one that says 100% natural. Like I was saying above, silicone and other igrideidents ending in “zane” “xane” “cone” or “conol” aren't water soluble and don't leave your hair when you wash your shampoo out. That's where the clarifying shampoo comes in, perhaps use it for a week instead of your old one first.

Now what you need is:

·         Baking Soda

·         Apple Cider Vinegar

·         Water

·         Squirt Bottle (or just a empty bottle you had water in before)

Why do we use baking soda?
Baking soda has a million great uses, but in regards to the no-poo method it takes away the oily build up at the top of your scalp as well as helping to get rid of dust and dead skin.

Why do we use Apple Cider Vinegar?
It's a natural moisturiser. It is ideal for dry hair and scalp.

Now different people have different ways of using the ingredients.
If you have very dry hair, it's best to use both but if you have very greasy hair it's best to use just baking soda and then once every week or two weeks use the apple cider vinegar if you feel you need it.

What I personally find best is

1.       1tbsp of Baking soda + 250ml water (mix till dissolved)

2.       1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar 250ml water (mixed till dissolved)

Directions for baking soda

1.       Apply the solution on your hair and massage gently.

2.       Rub your hair the same way you rub your regular shampoo, until it feels smooth. Since baking soda has no soap base, there will be no lather.

3.       When you are through, rinse off your hair under the shower.

Your scalp produces natural oil and so there may be no need for conditioning. However, baking soda can leave your hair very dry and give your scalp a scaly look, and so you may consider applying a moisturizer on your hair. Baking soda is good for people who have an oily scalp. People who have a dry scalp may need to consider using extra ingredients, and this is where cider vinegar comes in.

Directions for apple cider vinegar

1.       Pour or spray the vinegar/water solution on the length of your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave this on for a minute or two before rinsing.

 (the vinegar may smell quite strong while you’re using it but don’t worry, your hair will have no odour once it dries).

Always if possible allow your hair to dry naturally.

Dealing with the dryness at the beginning (if you have it):

·         You can apply a tiny amount of coconut or jojoba oil to your hair after it has been washed and is dry. Simply add a few drops to your palms, rub your hands together until there is just a light sheen on your hands, and then run your hands through your hair, avoiding the roots.

NOTE: Coconut oil has a fatty acid that penetrates the hair shaft the deepest and provides the greatest benefit. Jojoba oil is most like our natural sebum and is great for hair and skin, but does not penetrate as deeply as coconut oil.

·         Wear your hair up. 

·         Or what I like to do, is to mix 1 tbsp linseed oil, ripe and mashed avocado (or banana) and aloe gel together and put it all over my head for half an hour before hand.

Dealing with the oily hair at the beginning (if you have it):

·         between no-poo washes, try a hot-water wash. It’s as easy as it sounds – simply wash your hair with the hottest water you can stand (don’t burn yourself!), then dry.

·         increase the amount of baking soda you use when you wash your hair by 1/4.

·         decrease the amount of vinegar in your conditioning solution by 1/2.

·         switch from apple cider vinegar, if using, to plain white vinegar.

·         remember, don’t apply your vinegar solution to the roots of your hair.

·         remember to rinse, rinse, rinse.

·         try using a dry shampoo, and I don’t mean any of that spray-can rubbish! Blondes and red-heads, use corn starch or arrowroot powder on your roots and brush through. This will absorb the excess oil. Brunettes, use coco-powder as you might find that corn starch or arrowroot leave your hair looking “grey”.

What happens if my scalp gets itchy/flaking?

·         decrease the amount of baking soda you are using

·         be sure you are rinsing the baking soda completely from your hair

·         do a scalp rinse with your vinegar solution to condition your scalp

My final tip would be to keep a written record of what works well for you and what doesn't. That way you can make your own recipe.

NB: If you have dry ends, try adding some coconut oil (just a little).

Natural Vegan Deodorant

Personally what I find is if I shave or use deodorant or especially both, I end up with dry and itchy armpits. Therefore I like to use my own type of

• ·         6 tablespoons  coconut oil
• ·         4 tablespoons  baking soda
• ·         4 tablespoons arrowroot or cornstarch
• ·         essential oils (optional)

What to Do:

1.       Mix baking soda and arrowroot together in a medium sized bowl.

2.       Mash in coconut oil with a fork until well mixed.

3.       Add oils if desired.

4.       Store in small glass jar or old deodorant container for easy use. (I'd suggest keeping it in a cool place in your room, but not the fridge).

Make Your Own Vegan Tooth Paste

So there's lots of icky stuff in toothpaste we buy in the shops. not just sodium fluoride, which can be toxic in many ways, but also chemicals such as benzoic acid, sodium lauryl sulphate. Not to mention lots of colorants and preservatives.

So here's a recipe to clean your teeth and mouth and help keep them white and fresh. The coconut oil is soothing, peppermint to give it a nice taste, stevia is a sugar free sweetener and baking soda cleans, whitens and has a slightly rough property that helps with cleaning.

Personally I find the veg glycerine optional.

Ingredients (Makes a standard size jar-full)

• ·         3 tbsps baking soda
• ·         3 tbsps coconut oil
• ·         Around 25 drops peppermint oil
• ·         1 packet of stevia
• ·         2 tsps vegetable glycerine

1) Mash together the baking soda and coconut oil

2) Mix in all the other ingredients to form a paste.

3) Store in a closed jar, and dip your toothbrush in whenever you need to use.

Coffee Body Scrub

• ·         Coffee Granules
• ·         Olive Oil (Or aloe gel)

So getting coffee granules is easy (replace with slightly cheaper alternative such as salt, or sugar, but they don't have the same benefits as caffeinated coffee).

Ten table spoons of coffee and mix with some table spoons of olive oil.

Then just use as you would any other body scrub.

Done, smoother skin ahoy!

NB: For wrap, people put this mixture on their body and you cellophane to wrap round theemselves for an hour. I don't do this, but it does yield tighter skin if you want it)

Coffee, Egg yolk and Apple Cider Vinegar mask

(Vegan option: replace egg yolk with aloe gel)

• ·         Egg yolk
• ·         Apple Cider Vinegar
• ·         Coffee Granules  
• 
  
• The coffee both exfoliates and firms your skin, the apple cider vinegar cleanses and for some reason it helps with spots, finally the egg yolk moisturises and brings a certain 'glow' that all the kids are raving about. The aloe works as a cooling and soothing agent -especially if you have a sensitive face.

1. 1.       Mix egg yolk, table spoon of apple cider vinegar, and enough coffee to to make the mixture thick and sticky. 
2. 2.       Dab onto your face, wait for it to dry.
3. 3.       Wash off with warm water.
4. 
   

Vegan Hair Mask

You will need:

·         Cold pressed linseed oil (two tablespoons for short, 6-8 for long

·         Apple Cider Vinegar (two tablespoons, double for long hair)

·         Aloe gel (big squeeze of it)

1.       Mix together in a mug or a pouring jug etc.

2.       Then with a towel over your shoulders slowly pour and comb through the mixture until it’s all over your hair and scalp. All these things are really good for your scalp and will help prevent dandruff. 

Use the towel on your shoulders and wrap your hair up and secure it then leave for about an hour. Go save the world. It’s what we do. 

Finally, rinse off and maybe use a 50p size amount of shampoo to help, but no more than that.

Base Ingredients

Natural alternatives to hair face and body products

Ok so the reason we have these ingredients ….  They’re all from the earth, which is an appeal to some; they’re also fantastic for you inside and out and possibly most importantly at the moment for all of us is that the ingredients are CHEAP.

This is my face. Hello.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Has a tonic action that promotes blood circulation in the small capillaries that irrigate the skin. It is also antiseptic, preventing the proliferation of bacteria, viruses, or yeast that trigger infection. It can dissolve excessive fatty deposits at the surface of the skin and reduce scaly or peeling conditions. Lastly, vinegar regulates the pH of the skin. 

Linseed oil
Also known as flaxseed, is the richest source of omega 3 essential fatty acids.  It contains 50 to 50 percent omega 3s, almost twice as much as is contained in fish oil. It’s great for hair growth, it’s great for stopping nails cracking but it’s also a moisturiser that works well for dandruff as well.

Aloe Gel
Aloe Vera contains over 200 active components including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, polysaccharide, and fatty acids- no wonder it’s used for such a wide range of remedies. The bulk of the Aloe Vera leaf is filled with a clear gel-like substance, which is approximately 99% water.

Egg Yolks
Egg yolks contain more vitamins -- and larger quantities of those vitamins -- than egg whites. Each egg yolk contains seven vitamins: B6, folate, a B vitamin, B-12, A, D, E and K. Of those, vitamins A, D, E and K are found only in egg yolks and not in egg whites. In fact, egg yolks are one of only a handful of foods in which vitamin D is naturally found. Applied to hair, it strengthens and moisturises.

Manuka Honey
So it turns out all honey is good for us, so long as it isn’t heavily processed. Manuka honey is best for your hair, face and insides. It has antibacterial properties and is a great cleanser.

Coffee Granules
Caffeine is a vasodilator which works to firm and tighten your complexion. Coffee is also naturally full of antioxidants, it will firstly work to reduce redness. Secondly, it will firm and tighten surface of your skin through constriction and can reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Olive Oil
The antioxidants contained in olive oil can benefit more than your heart. Because this substance prevents cell destruction, it fights the signs of aging and gives you a more youthful appearance. When applied topically, olive oil moisturizes and softens dry skin. Since the product is natural, adverse reactions are not common.