Whether you want to save a little money or just want to try something a little different for your hair, you can make home remedies for daily hair care. The ingredients are readily available and inexpensive. Homemade hair products lack the chemicals and long list of ingredients that can harm your hair and scalp. As an added benefit, you will save money and can personalize your hair care products.
Shampoo
Drying, breaking and dullness can occur from overuse of harsh shampoos. A gentle, homemade shampoo will clean your hair while reducing damaging effects. Pure Castile soap–made from olive oil–makes the base for your homemade shampoo. Mix 4 oz. of grated Castile soap into 1 quart of boiling filtered or spring water. Add three to five drops of essential oils per every 4 oz. of base. For dry hair, use lavender, rosemary and geranium. Normal hair benefits from lavender, lemon and rosemary.
Conditioner
To make hair manageable and soft, use conditioner. It also protects hair from the elements. Homemade conditioner base requires a few harder-to-find ingredients. You will need liquid lecithin made from soy, almond oil, jojoba oil and cocoa butter. Boil water in a pan and place a bowl in it. Add about 2 oz. each of liquid lecithin and almond oil. Stir in 2 tsp. jojoba and ¼ oz. cocoa butter. Heat and stir until blended. Add essential oils, such as geranium and lavender. The conditioner works best for normal to dry hair.
Rinses
Hair rinses clarify the hair by removing residue and build-up. Apple cider vinegar mixed with water makes an exceptional rinse. Use approximately 1 oz. vinegar for every 1/2 cup water. You can add essential oils to leave your hair pleasantly perfumed.
Treatments
Certain conditions, like dandruff, require special treatment. To clear the dead skin cells and stimulate your scalp to heal, add up to 20 drops rosemary, 10 drops thyme and 5 to 8 drops sage essential oils to 4 oz. of your shampoo base. You can also add 3 to 5 drops of each essential oil to apple cider vinegar rinse. For a regular hot oil hair treatment, simply heat 3 tbsp. oil, such as olive or avocado. Rub it into your scalp and finger comb it through your hair. Wash and condition as usual after at least one hour.
Photo Credit
- hair care image by Glenn Jenkinson from Fotolia.com
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