GladRags' Green Goal: Homemade Hair Treatments
In response to our recent No-Poo post, commenter Jadea suggested making your own hair care products as a way to avoid icky chemicals and excess packaging. I had planned to write about Farmer's Markets this week, but since it feels like November outside here in the Pacific Northwest and I can think of nothing better than a hot shower, your Green Goal this week is to try out one of these eco-friendly hair recipes. And of course, please share your favorite natural haircare tip in the comments!
Rosemary Rinse for Oily Hair
Ingredients
1/4 cup organic dried rosemaryDirections
Simmer rosemary in 1 1/2 cups of water. Strain mixture and discard rosemary. Use remaining mixture as the final rinse after shampooing.
Ginger Dandruff Treatment
Ingredients
Ginger root (grated)
1 teaspoon organic sesame oil
1 teaspoon lemon juiceDirections
Squeeze ginger root through press to obtain one tablespoon of juice. Mix all ingredients. Apply to scalp and let dry before shampooing. Repeat three times a week for best results.
Color-Enhancing Rinse (Red)
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrot juice
1/2 cup beet juiceDirections
Rinse thoroughly (and carefully -- beet juice can stain!) through hair after shampooing to add or enhance a red tint. Brunettes: Try a rinse of black tea or coffee to add shine and deepen color. Chamomile and lemon juice will brighten blonde hair.
Banana Avocado Mask for Dry or Damaged Hair
Ingredients
1 banana
1 egg
1/2 avocado
2 tbsp honey
3 tbsp buttermilk
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oilDirections
Mash banana, egg, and avocado in a small bowl. Add remaining ingredients and stir until well combined. Apply to hair from roots to tips. Leave in for 30 minutes and then wash out with a moisturizing shampoo.
Nourishing Tea Treatment
Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tsp ground lavender
Dry contents of 2 peppermint tea bagsDirections
In small saucepan, heat olive oil, lavender, and peppermint tea. Do not boil. Massage into scalp over damp hair. Cover hair with shower cap or towel to keep in heat and leave in for 20 - 25 minutes.