DIY Herbal Hair Rinse
Many of us suffer from dry, itchy scalps or are simply in need of increasing our scalp health. For an easy at home cleanse and strengthening scalp treatment, try one of these natural hair rinses using herbs, water and essential oils.
Instructions:
You have the option to use the kettle or stove top when boiling water and combining ingredients. This depends on if you are using distilled or tap water. If using a pot, mix and stir ingredients until boiled and let cool before skipping to step 3.
- Pour simmering water into the jar or container of choice and stir in herbs with long-handled spoon.
- Cover the jar and let the tea infuse for 2 to 3 hours at room temperature.
- Strain the tea into a clean jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To use: Pour the tea in a small spray bottle and apply to freshly washed wet hair. If you find it easier to pour directly on scalp, use a cup full at a time until you feel hair is completely covered. Massage into hair and brush or comb as normal. Let hair air-dry.
Ingredients and benefits:
Rosemary increases circulation and promotes hair growth.
Sage fights oily scalp and used to gradually and gently darken grey hair.
Violet leaf or marshmallow root are great for soothing dry itchy scalps.
Thyme and calendula are powerful antimicrobials to clear up scalp conditions.
Nettle and horsetail are filled with nutrients for strong healthy hair.
Apple cider vinegar removes scaly buildup and reside from the hair shaft providing more shine while balancing the pH.
Add essential oils for a fragrance such as rosemary, lemon, grapefruit, peppermint.
Recipes:
Healthy Hair Rinse (200ml)
- 200ml mineral, distilled or tap water
- 1 tbsp nettle dried herb
- 1 tbsp sage dried herb
- 1 tbsp rosemary dried herb
- 4 drops peppermint essential oil
Strengthen Rinse
- 2 tbsp nettle leaf
- 2 tbsp horsetail
- 2 tbsp dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Balancing Hair Rinse (120ml)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 8 tbsp water
- 8 drops rosemary essential oil
- 6 drops lemon essential oil
- 4 drops grapefruit essential oil
Extra tips: to make the rinse last longer than a week use distilled water instead of regular boiled water and refrigerate.
Use regularly for several weeks for best results.
Recipes adapted from The big book of homemade products by Jan Berry
and Natural Beauty by Susan Curtis.
