Hair products, like most cosmetic products, contain hundreds of chemicals that can pose a threat to your health and the environment. Many of the ingredients and chemicals found in these products are made from petrochemicals (originating from crude oil). The chemicals run into our waterways, absorb in our skin, and add to our landfills. What is the best solution to this problem? Make your own natural products at home! Not only will homemade products be better for your health and the environment, but also according to www.hairinformation.com, “It has been observed that natural hair care products derived from plants and herb extracts improve the blood circulation in the scalp and stimulate the growth of hair follicles.” Read on to find some good natural recipes!
Hair Shine
This all natural hair shine helps keep hair looking shiny, manages frizz in hot weather AND it is good for the environment!
Ingredients/Materials:
• 1.5 ounces liquid shea butter
• 1 ounce avocado oil
• 1 ounce hazelnut oil
• 0.5 ounces virgin coconut oil
• 10 drops red grapefruit essential oil
• 10 drops blood orange essential oil
• 5 drops lime essential oil
• 2 drops bergamot essential oil
• 2 drops lemon essential oil
• 1 drop ylang ylang essential oil
• Plastic/glass bottle
Instructions:
1. Mix the essential oils together first so that they combine well. Use the plastic/glass bottle as a container.
2. If the coconut oil needs to be melted, use a boiler to do so. Then combine the other ingredients with the essential oil mix.
3. Shake gently and then apply to damp hair. Brush hair.
Rosemary Shampoo
This fresh smelling, natural shampoo not only adds shine, but rosemary can also be used as a hair growth stimulant!
Ingredients:
• 1/4 cup fresh rosemary
• 1 cup distilled water
• 1/2 cup unscented liquid shampoo
• 2-4 drops rosemary essential oil
Instructions:
1. Boil water.
2. Add the rosemary.
3. Reduce the heat so that the herb is simmering. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Strain the herb from water.
5. Add this water to the liquid shampoo and then stir.
6. Add the essential oil.
7. Use as normal shampoo.
Bulgarian Rose Hair Mousse
This mousse is good for people with dry/brittle hair. It may be too greasy for those with thin or straight hair, though. It certainly leaves your hair shiny!
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (virgin coconut oil)
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
• 1/16 teaspoon rose concrete
Instructions:
1. All ingredients should be room temperature. The coconut oil should have liquid consistency. Mix the coconut oil in a bowl and stir it.
2. Add the jojoba oil and stir well.
3. Add the concrete last. You can choose from Bulgarian, Moroccan or Turkish.
4. Stir everything together to form a rich, thick, oily mixture.
5. To apply, cover a dry hair strand with mousse and cover with a plastic bag or hairnet. Also sit under a dryer for 30 minutes.
6. Shampoo and rinse as usual.
Avocado Conditioner
A great conditioner for dry hair. Additionally, the oil from avocado is an especially good conditioner for dark hair.
Ingredients/Materials:
• 1 very ripe avocado
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• Food processor
Instructions:
1. Use the food processor to combine avocado and yogurt until smooth.
2. Apply to damp hair and comb through. Massaging your scalp also helps.
3. To remove, use your hands and squeeze into a plastic bag.
4. Shampoo and rise as usual.
These recipes should help you make your own eco-friendly and hair-friendly products at home! This could be a great weekend activity to share with your kids, or just fun on your own. A simple Google search will provide you with many options to order these ingredients online if you can’t find them locally. Have fun and enjoy!
