With homemade hair care products, you will avoid the many dreaded toxins and detergents inevitably present in synthetic alternatives and your hair will reap the benefits of a much more soothing and gentle treatment. Homemade shampoos will cleanse your hair just as well as any other chemical-laden shampoos without irritating your scalp or stripping away natural sebum – essential in nourishing the hair from its root.
a) Repairing Herbal Conditioner with Lavender Oil
Ingredients:
- Water (1 cup)
- Herbs of choice (try nettle, sage, chamomile or nut-tree leaves)
- Lavender Oil (5 drops)
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon)
- Almond Oil (3 tablespoons)
Directions:
Boil water and pour over herbs, let steep for 20 minutes. Strain liquid and pour into a suitable container to be mixed with other ingredients. Add all ingredients and mix well. You can use this conditioner for several months if you store in a cool, dry place. Lather onto your hair (especially the ends) and leave in or gently rinse.
Benefits:
Vinegar is a traditional, yet potent remedy that fortifies and deeply cleanses the hair. This is an effective antibacterial ingredient that removes build-up, such as: dirt, oil or residual styling products.
Numerous herbs can stimulate hair growth and make the hair shaft stronger. Nettle may help bring back natural hues to graying hair. You can also use nut-tree leaves, recommended only if you have brown or dark hair, as the natural pigment may easily show in blonde hues (which of course works well if you choose to add darker shades into your hair). Chamomile is a great alternative for those with lighter hair. Nettle is a well-known and appreciated hair fortifier, as it stimulates hair growth and adds shine to dull, brittle hair. If you have balding problems, nettle is one of the best natural conditioner remedies that you can apply directly to your scalp. Sage is also an excellent treatment for hair loss and graying hair and will add extra shine and luster.
Almond oil is extremely moisturizing and stimulating with high levels of magnesium. If you have long or curly hair with split ends, you have found one of the best weapons to make your hair look smooth, glossy and healthy again. It works to help detangle hair with ease and avoid breakage. Use this soothing conditioner often if you have any kind of scalp inflammation or irritation.
Lavender oil is particularly calming and relaxing for both your hair and your mind. It releases stress and evokes a balancing and soothing effect no matter where it is applied.
b) Soothing Rosemary Oil and Lemon Hair Conditioner
Ingredients:
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 cup)
- Rosemary Oil (10 drops)
- Lemon Juice (2-3 tablespoons)
- Sunflower Oil (1/3 cup)
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together into a container and shake well. Lather onto your hair, let sit for 5 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
Benefits:
A great ‘go to’ conditioner when you need a quick and cost-effective solution to nourish your hair naturally. Lemon will act as a unique tonic that will also add shine to your hair, whilst sunflower oil will provide nutrients and dilutes your rosemary essential oil. Ensure you use unrefined sunflower oil if you want to take advantage of its full benefits. Lemon juice contains vitamin C and antioxidants and adds a fresh, revitalizing fragrance to your conditioner. Rosemary essential oil is incredibly soothing for your scalp. Apply as a tonic (diluted with your preferred carrier oil)if you suffer from any irritation. Rosemary helps activate hair growth, because it dilates blood vessels and stimulates your follicles to produce new hair.