• There are plenty of alternatives to standard shampoos.Shampoo? image by Fenia from Fotolia.com
  
  With growing concerns about synthetic chemicals and their effect on health, many people are seeking alternatives to commercial hair and body care products. One common hair care product that has come under scrutiny is synthetic shampoos, especially those which contain sodium lauryl sulfate and other related surfactants. Though it may seem like these synthetic shampoos are the only option for hair care, there are plenty of non-shampoo options for cleansing your hair, some of which you might not expect.
  
  

Whipped Raw Egg

• Whipped raw egg is a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner.raw egg image by Marek Kosmal from Fotolia.com
  
  According to nutritional scientist, author and long-term raw-food proponent Dr. Aajonus Vonderplanitz, whipped raw egg is a good alternative shampoo. Make sure to apply it to your entire hair and scalp and leave it in your hair for 1 to 5 minutes before washing out. This works as a hair conditioner, too.
  
  

Vinegar Water

• Vinegar primes hair for cleaning.bottled vinegar apricots image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
  
  Applying a combination of a high-quality vinegar, such as organic, raw apple cider vinegar, and water to the scalp is another alternative way to clean your hair. The combo provides nutrients that support hair health, helps maintain a healthy slightly acidic hair pH, is antibacterial and smooths the surface of hairs, allowing water to penetrate hair more effectively. It also acts as a hair conditioner.
  
  

Lemon Water

• Lemon juice works similar to vinegar.lemon image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Similar to vinegar, lemon juice is also antibacterial and, in combination with water, maintains a healthy hair pH and results in smoother hair, allowing water to clean hair with less resistance.
  
  

Soft Water

• Water is the universal solvent.shower image by Ekaterina Shvigert from Fotolia.com
  
  Water is known as the universal solvent. As such, water can clean your hair pretty effectively. Hard water is a bit more complicated. When it comes to cleaning your hair, hard water will work against you to some extent. This is because the high mineral content in hard waters makes hair temporarily rough and lessens the water's ability to penetrate and clean hair. This can be resolved through the use of a shower filter or softener, allowing the water to get dirt and grime out of your hair.
  
  

Natural Soap

• Soap is the gold standard for all sorts of cleaning.soap image by ivan kmit from Fotolia.com
  
  Soap was the original shampoo before synthetic shampoos were created. Soap alone acts as a surfactant reducing the surface tension of water allowing it to penetrate and clean your hair more effectively. Keep in mind, though, that using natural soap with hard water to clean your hair can result in some soap residue left in your hair and on your scalp. If you plan on using soap to clean your hair, make sure that you either check to make sure that your local water supply is soft or invest in a good quality shower filter or softener.