Nappturals, there are so many factors out there that contribute to unhealthy hair such as the environment, heat, dry indoor air, hair dyes, shampoos, and hair styling products. All of which can cause problems for your hair such as breakage, split ends, stunted growth, dry and brittle hair.
A hair rinse is a very inexpensive way to treat your hair with some TLC and not to mention, many of the items your have in your kitchen work well as a hair rinse. A hair rinse is not only highly beneficial for hair but also for the scalp.
A natural hair and scalp rinse can help with the circulation of the scalp, which also aids in the stimulation of the hair follicle. Your scalp is what supplies the hair with protein and other nutrients.Of course, this helps stimulate the hair for growth and some have the potential to help repair scalp disorders such as dandruff, itchy or flaky scalp and stunted hair growth.
Here are 8 of my favorite hair rinses:
Sage Hair Rinse
{invigorating, cleansing}
Sage helps cleanse the hair of oil buildup and promotes healthier hair.
Recipe
2 cups boiling water
2 tsp. dried sage (or 1/2 cup fresh sage leaves)
Pour the water over the sage and steep until cool. Remove (or strain) the sage and apply to freshly washed hair. Don't forget to massage into your scalp!
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
{cleansing, clarifying}
If you haven't tried an ACV rinse yet, you must be living under a rock! Okay, kidding but seriously the ACV rinse is one of the easiest and most popular hair rinses within the natural hair community. I wrote a post a while back on the benefits of ACV for the hair. There are also a few recipes for you to try.
Beer Hair Rinse
{invigorating, adds body and sheen, resilience}
Once a month, you can use flat beer to rinse your hair. Yep, beer! Although it is not necessary, I prefer to rinse my hair with cool water after this rinse. Beer also acts as a natural "setting lotion" and works great in adding vitality to hair when blow-drying. The added sheen and body comes from the natural sugars and the B vitamins that are found in beer. You can try my Beer &Vinegar Green Tea hair recipe to see if you can feel a difference in your hair.
Birch-Leaf Hair Rinse
{helps prevent hair loss, maintains scalp health, softens hair}
When used on a regular basis, the birch leaf rinse will help prevent hair loss and maintain the overall health of your hair and scalp. Birch leaf will also soften the hair and add sheen.
Recipe
2 cups boiling water
2 tsp dried birch leaves
Pour boiling water over birch leaves and steep until cool. Strain and pour over clean hair. Massage into scalp. Caution: Consult your physician before using this rinse if you are allergic to wild carrot, mugwort, celery, and certain spices. When using on blond or gray hair, birch leaf can darken the hair over time.
Chamomile Hair Rinse
{soothes and heals, provides sheen}
Chamomile has been used for centuries to add in relieving stress and restlessness at bedtime. It is also great for soothing an itchy or sore scalp. It has also been said to heal scalp ailments such as dandruff, dry patches and eczema.
Recipe
2 cups boiling water
2 tsp. dried chamomile (or fresh chamomile if available)
Pour boiling water over chamomile and steep until cool. Strain and pour over clean hair. Massage into scalp. Caution: Chamomile has been known to lighten hair.
Linden-Flower Hair Rinse
{promotes healthier hair growth, ideal for over-stressed hair that is dry and brittle}
Linden-flower is great if you're dealing with dry, brittle hair as a result of over-dying or dying the hair too often. For hair that is severely damaged, linden-flower will aid in overly brittle hair. It also promotes circulation in the scalp and will help new hair grow in healthier.
Recipe
2 cups boiling water
2 tsp. linden flowers
Pour boiling water over linden flowers and steep until cool. Strain and pour over clean hair. Massage into scalp.
Lemon & Tea Tree Scalp Rinse
{great for flaky scalp, excessive dandruff}
Lemons are very versatile and they can be used for so many things! Lemon juice is great for treating oily dandruff but be careful, using too much lemon juice can dry out your hair. Caution: Lemon juice can lighten your hair, especially if you tend to play in the sun a lot.
Recipe
4 tbsp lemon juice (use real lemons!)
5 drops tea tree essential oil
3 cups hot water
Add 5 drops tea tree oil and 4 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice to 2 cups of hot water. Pour over hair and avoid getting into eyes. Massage into scalp and rinse out. Follow up with a clarifying conditioner.
Nappturals, what are some of your favorite hair rinses?
Reference: The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
