Keeping your hair healthy and beautiful does not have to cost a fortune. In fact, with just a few common household ingredients, you can give your hair a deep moisturizing treatment, subtle highlights and prevent dandruff. Here is a list of homemade hair treatments made with household ingredients and inexpensive
(easy to find) oils:
Coconut oil-- Buy a good quality coconut oil from a health food store. Use virgin coconut oil made from fresh coconut meat rather than a refined coconut oil which has been stripped off its beneficial nutrients. Heat 3/4 cup of coconut oil. After the oil has melted , massage one tablespoon into the scalp. After you gently finger massage, apply the remainder of the oil to your hair. Wrap your hair in a warm towel and leave for at least an hour before washing out. You could also cover your pillow with a towel and leave the oil in overnight. Also, jojoba and olive oil work wonders to condition the hair and scalp.
Mayonnaise--Another wonderful treatment is simple mayonnaise (which contains oil to nourish the hair) and egg (which is a natural conditioner). For an extra deep-conditioning treatment for dry or damaged hair, add half an avocado and 1/3 cup mayonnaise and mash until creamy. Apply to the hair and cover with a shower cap. Leave for about 30 minutes and wash out. You can wrap your hair in plastic and a warm towel to allow the conditioner to penetrate more deeply.
Aloe Vera--A dollop of aloe vera gel does wonders to control frizz, enhance curls and condition the hair.
Rosemary--A rosemary hair rinse is excellent for oily hair and helps dark hair retain its color. Simply simmer 1/4 cup fresh or dried rosemary in two cups water for about ten minutes. Strain and apply to hair; leave in overnight.
Rosemary and Sage--To restore the color in graying hair, simmer equal parts rosemary and sage in water, and strain. Apply to the hair daily until you are satisfied with the results.
Apple Cider Vinegar--To remove hair product build-up, you can make a rinse from apple cider vinegar mixed with water, poured on the hair after you wash and condition. You do not need to rinse it out. You can vary the ratio depending on the condition of your hair but generally about 1/2 cup cider vinegar to 1 1/2 cups cold water will effectively remove product build-up.
Also, here are some natural food products to enhance the color of your hair. A mixture of equal parts carrot and beet juice will bring out the tones in red hair. For brunettes, soak in very strong black coffee. For blondes, mix lemon juice with a little olive oil, slather on your hair and sit in the sun for about half an hour to bring out your natural highlights. Also, a strong chamomile tea as a final rinse will enhance blond hair.
Ginger. Ginger is an excellent dandruff remedy. Grate a knob of fresh ginger and squeeze out about 1 tablespoon juice (you can do this using a small strainer or squeeze between two spoons). Mix with one teaspoon lemon juice, one teaspoon sesame oil and massage into the scalp. Leave on for about 30 minutes before washing out. Repeat three times a week until the condition improves.
Please feel free to add your own home hair remedies in the comments section of this story. And remember, good quality hair care products can be easily found in your kitchen and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to have beautiful hair.
Sources:
http://www.todayshow.com
http://www.ehow.com
http://www.oprah.com
MC Ortega is the former publicist for the late Walter Payton, Coca-Cola and Dunkin’ Donuts. Ortega is a senior communications and messaging executive specializing in media relations, social media, program development and crisis communications. Also, Ortega is an avid traveler and international shopper. Ortega resides with her partner, Craig, dog, Fionne and extensive shoe collection. Ortega also enjoys jewelry design/production and flamenco dancing.