Who doesn't love honey? Honey is all-natural, and safe for use on the body and the hair. It can be used to treat acne, skin blemishes, scalp conditions and even dry, damaged hair. Honey is also easy to find, inexpensive and a little bit goes a long way. If you're asking yourself if honey is good for your natural hair, the answer is, OF COURSE! Honey contains essential vitamins and minerals for healthy hair growth, and has even been used to heal various skin and scalp diseases...
1| Honey Kills Bacteria & Reduces Inflammation
Honey has natural antibacterial properties, and can fight nasty microbes and impurities that can be found on the scalp and cause dandruff, itchy scalp, patches, and dry spots. Dandruff can sometimes be caused by an overgrowth of yeast, fungus or bacteria on the scalp, and honey can often be used to treat and rid the scalp of the bacteria that causes these conditions. Honey is also good for those suffering for eczema of the scalp, dermatitis or psoriasis by soothing the affected skin and regenerating new skin cells, based on its antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties.
2| Honey Helps Reduce Breakage & Shedding
As a natural humectant, honey is great for preventing breakage and shedding caused by dry or damaged hair. Honey is also great to use on dry scalp patches and flaky scalp, which can also stunt hair growth. Try adding honey to your at-home protein treatments, or try this recipe: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2 cups for longer hair), 1 egg, 3 tbsp honey (1/4 cup for longer hair), 5 drops rosemary oil. Mix and apply to hair and allow to sit for 45 minutes to one hour before rinsing.
3| Honey Strengthens the Hair & Scalp
Overall, honey helps to improve the health and strength of the hair follicle and scalp. It is filled with minerals and nutrients that will generally benefit the needs of your hair strands and scalp. Honey will leave your hair softer, shinier and full of body.
4| Honey Can Cure Dry, Parched Hair
Honey attracts moisture from its surroundings and when used in your hair, helps your natural hair to retain moisture. Try deep conditioning with honey by itself or by adding it to one of your favorite store-bought deep conditioners. Cover with a plastic cap and allow to sit for 30 minutes. Your body heat will amplify the moisturizing and conditioning benefits of the honey.
5| Honey Softens your Natural Hair
Emollients are know for their unique softening abilities. Honey is a natural emollient and works to soften your natural hair, helping to reduce frizz and fly-a-ways. Honey will act as an awesome conditioner and keep the hair moisturized.
Word of Caution! Be careful of the honey you buy! Most honey sold on supermarket and drug store shelves today aren't real honey, according to safety requirements set by the Food and Drug Administration. These honeys have been so ultra-filtered that they contain no pollen. Some are actually corn syrups that are labeled as "honey flavored". I would recommend buying honey from places like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, MOM's, your local farmer's market or organic market.
How do you use honey in your natural hair care routine? What are some of your favorite products that contain honey as an ingredient?
