We love sharing our customer’s experience with Plaine Products. I read a comment Kyla made about us, noticed she had her own blog, Back Yard Seahorse (website no longer maintained), a lifestyle blog about living consciously, simply, and as eco-friendly as possible in Los Angeles. I asked if she’d be willing to tell us more. Not only did she share her review, we also got her recipe for DIY Oil Treatment – bonus! Let me know if you have a story or a non-toxic beauty treatment you want to share!

I’ve been experimenting with natural, non-toxic beauty products for years, but it wasn’t until earlier this year when I found Plaine Products. I felt like I had stumbled upon the Holy Grail: good-for-you, non-toxic shampoo & conditioner that also eliminates plastic waste? Sign me up!

Review of Plaine Products Non-Toxic Beauty Products

I’ve been using the Rosemary, Mint, & Vanilla shampoo and conditioner since the spring. So far it’s worked really well for my hair. The shampoo is tough enough to remove any oil buildup from my scalp and the conditioner is light enough that it doesn’t weigh down my locks after air-drying. I try to avoid using a hairdryer whenever possible because I find that it strips my hair of any moisture and can make it feel really brittle. The fact that these products come in reusable/ refillable stainless steel bottles and minimal packaging makes them such a great alternative to wasteful plastic. It is something I wish more companies thought to do with their products.

I’m very minimal with my hair care (no dyeing/coloring or chemical treatments). I like to keep my daily routine and maintenance just as simple. My hair is long, straight, and fine, and I’m often prone to an oily scalp in between washes. Unless I get really sweaty or dirty, I can usually get by with washing it twice a week. However, sometimes I also need an extra boost of natural nourishment, especially in the winter while living in a desert climate. (Static hair, anyone?)

Weekly DIY Oil Treatment to Nourish Your Hair

I’ve recently started experimenting with a once-weekly coconut oil treatment. I keep it in for 24 hours and then scrub out with Plaine’s non-toxic beauty products. So far, it’s worked wonders on my limp and dried-out hair. Here’s what my routine looks like:

• First thing Saturday or Sunday morning, I untangle and brush my hair through several times.
• I scoop out 1⁄4 cup or so of Organic Virgin Coconut Oil* (I use Trader Joe’s brand) and mix in 1-2 drops of my chosen essential oil. Last week I used Rosemary; this week I think I’ll try Peppermint!
• If the oil is solidified, I’ll either warm it up by placing the measuring cup within a bowl of hot water, or just rub it between my hands over the top of my head. It melts pretty quickly either way.
• Starting from the top, I work the oil through to coat every strand, massaging my scalp and moving down towards the ends.
• Once it’s pretty evenly coated, I use a wide-tooth comb to help work it all through.
• Then I wrap my hair up into a bun for the day and let the oil work its magic!
• At night, I put a clean towel over my pillow to avoid getting any oil on my sheets.
• The next morning I start by working a dollop of shampoo into my scalp without any water. It helps dissolve the oil better this way. Then I add a bit of water and scrub my entire scalp for 2-3 minutes, working the lather through to the ends, followed by a good rinse.
• My last step is to use conditioner as normal. Sometimes I’ll follow it up with a rinse of diluted apple cider vinegar. I’ve found that the ACV helps remove any remaining oil residue and also adds a subtle shine to my hair once dry.

Results

I’ve done this weekly for about a month now and even though I’m still fighting some static, the coconut oil has made my hair feel softer and more voluminous for longer in between washes. I highly recommend trying your own oil treatment in addition to your normal hair care routine.

*Note: Some people might be sensitive to coconut oil, so you could also experiment with other oils like argan, olive, jojoba, or castor. Be sure to do your own research to determine what would work best for your hair/skin.