Rainwater

[OriginalKat]

I saw in Nitsa's journal that she uses rainwater on her hair. Can you buy rainwater or do you have to catch it?

[spidermom]

I'm pretty sure you have to catch it, as I've never seen any for sale. My grandmother, who had hip-length hair all her adult life, only used rainwater on her hair. If the rain barrel was empty, her hair didn't get washed. I used to think that was pretty gross. But she did have lovely hair.

[songofsunlight]

Does it rain where you live, OriginalKat? Is the rainfall clean and not polluted? If so, then catch all you can! Why pay for something that the skies give so freely?

In addtion to Nitsa's journal, here is a thread that discusses rainwater, if you are interested.

Celuriel

[Nitsa]

I catch mine and then filter it. I usually just put out lots of bowels when I know it is going to rain hard. I also had an Aunt who had a rain barrel and it was almost always full. I remember every time we would go to their house as a child I would have to put my head down into the barrel and take a deep breath. It always smelled so wonderfuly fresh. I wish I had one. Hopefully someday

[Nenwing]

Hmm, I would make sure you aren't in an area that could have pollutants first off. Heck where I live right now (not forever though!) if I used rain water to wash my hair would probably be like gunk. Isn't there such thing as acid rain too? I don't know about that though. I suppose if you live in an area that doesn't have smokestacks and such it would be good. I'm not sure though.

[EAM]

Nitsa,

How do you filter it?

Thanks.

[CrazedArtist]

How about spring water? Or distilled? ... or am I missing the point?

[coppercurls]

My great grandmother had a rain barrel. She washed her hair with it. When she passed on at 84, she had beautiful waist length hair that she wore in "Heidi Braids". I am trying to think where I have seen rain barrels for sale. I am pretty sure it was on an organic gardening site. Darn it, I can't find the link! ARRGH! Our air is still pretty clean here, I may give this a try. I too am curious about filtering it. I wonder if you could just boil it for a few minutes or would that alter it too much. Hmm need to research.

[Lone]

I collect rainwater as well. I actually wait about 15 minutes after the rain has started to put out my bowls/containers, just in case of pollution. Then I run it through a Brita and store it in old water jugs.

[Tea Lady]

I recently started to use rainwater. I pour the water through a coffee filter to get any debris or dirt out. I really like how soft it makes my hair.

However, we are undergoing a severe drought - I mean, severe. I got about a half gallon in mid-August, and then quite a bit on August 19th. The only time it has rained since then was this past week, but I only got about 3/4 cup in my various collecting bowls. Of course, I worry most for the farmers, but...I want my rainwater rinse (stomps feet)!

Tea Lady

[Flaxen]

Originally Posted by coppercurls

I am trying to think where I have seen rain barrels for sale. I am pretty sure it was on an organic gardening site. Darn it, I can't find the link! ARRGH!

Gardener's Supply.

[Speedbump]

I used rainwater once in washing my hair and it gave me horrible tangles. I have the feeling that the rainwater here in the Chemical Valley (yes that's a real nickname for where I live) is not the best to wash anything with, much less my hair.

Like Celuriel says: If it's clean, catch all ya can!

Speedy

[Tap Dancer]

How can you tell if it's acid rain?

[Cichelle]

I really wish I could use rainwater! I love the idea so much. But I live in a city and the pollution here is....ick. I'm always complaining and lately my asthma has been acting up. I can't imagine using the rain that falls here. It's such a shame. Makes me sad.

[Toria]

I love to use rainwater,ive had a barrel out for the last nine years for just this purpose.Sadly though for the last three months no water for me as my barrel is infested with tree frog tadpoles and i just cant kick them out,"yes im a softie".