If you have any clear memories of the 1970s, you may recall that herbal haircare products were in vogue. In the era of green goddess salad dressing and earth shoes, lathering hair in coconut oil was not surprising. Homemade beauty products are gaining popularity again.Make an herbal hair conditioner from food-grade oils and essential oils extracted from plants and flowers. You may also add fresh or dried herbs for their efficacy and for making these more attractive to give as gifts. Oils and herbs are available online or at health food stores.
Instructions
Balance oily hair by combining 2 cups of any of the following oils: almond, canola, corn, safflower or sesame. Use organic oils or herbs whenever possible. Add 7 to 11 drops of any of the following essential oils: lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, clove, basil, dill, rosemary or vanilla. If you want to add dried herbs, use 2 to 4 tablespoons. Fresh herbs, add 6 to 8 tablespoons.
Moisturize dry hair by blending 2 cups of any of the following oils: olive, coconut, avocado, safflower or sesame. Add 7 to 11 drops of any of the following essential oils: cloves, marjoram, mint, rosemary, orange peel, peppermint, lavender or wintergreen. If using dried herbs, use 2 to 4 tablespoons. Fresh herbs, add 6 to 8 tablespoons
Harmonize normal hair by combining 2 cups of any of the following oils: soy, canola, olive, walnut, coconut or avocado. Add 7 to 11 of any of the following essential oils: fennel, hibiscus, lemon balm, raspberry, strawberry, violet, peppermint or spearmint. If adding dried herbs, use 2 to 4 tablespoons; fresh herbs, add 6 to 8 tablespoons.
Pour your herbal hair conditioner into a dark-colored jar or bottle and cork it. Let it sit in a cool place in your home that is out of direct sun for 2 to 3 days. Shake it occasionally to distribute the oils and herbs throughout the mixture.
Prepare your hair for this rich, emollient conditioner by washing it with a mild, unscented shampoo. Rinse in cool water and towel dry. Measure out 1 to 4 tablespoons of the hair conditioner (depending on the length and thickness of your hair) and massage it through your hair thoroughly. Wrap plastic wrap around your hair and rest for at least 20 minutes.
By combing out your wet and conditioned hair and tying it up into a bun or ponytail or tucking it under a baseball cap, you could sneak out to do your errands, and after as long as 4 hours, return home to rinse out the conditioner and style as normal.
Sleeping overnight with this hair conditioner is not advised as the herbs may seep onto skin. If you do a skin patch test first, you may choose to deeply condition overnight and rinse it out in the morning.
