by Kiianah of Rockin’ it Napptural
There are many environmental factors that contribute to unhealthy hair. Heat, dry indoor air, hair dyes, shampoos, and styling products can lead to breakage, split ends, stunted growth, dry and brittle natural hair. A hair rinse is a very inexpensive way to treat and strengthen hair and scalp, and many ingredients can be found in your kitchen.
Herbal rinses can help with circulation in the scalp, aiding in the stimulation of the hair follicle which leads to hair growth. Some have the potential to help repair scalp disorders such as dandruff, itchy or flaky scalp and stunted hair growth.
Here are 7 of my favorite hair rinses:
1. Sage Hair Rinse — for Invigorating and Cleansing
Sage helps cleanse the hair of oil buildup and promotes healthier hair.
Recipe
2 cups boiling water
2 tsp. dried sage (or 1/2 cup fresh sage leaves)
Pour the water over the sage and steep until cool. Remove (or strain) the sage and apply to freshly washed hair. Don’t forget to massage into your scalp!
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse — for Cleansing and Clarifying
If you haven’t tried an ACV rinse yet, you must be living under a rock! Okay, kidding but seriously the ACV rinse is one of the easiest and most popular hair rinses within the natural hair community. Click here to discover six apple cider vinegar rinse recipes.
3. Beer Hair Rinse — for Sheen, Body and Resilience
Once a month, you can use flat beer to rinse your hair. Yep, beer! Beer acts as a natural “setting lotion” and works great in adding vitality to hair when blow drying. The added sheen and body comes from the natural sugars and the B vitamins that are found in beer. You can try my Beer &Vinegar Green Tea hair recipe and see if you feel a difference in your hair.
4. Birch Leaf Hair Rinse — to Prevent Hair Loss, Maintain Scalp Health and Soften Hair
When used on a regular basis, the birch leaf rinse will help prevent hair loss and maintain the overall health of your hair and scalp. Birch leaf will also soften the hair and add sheen.
Recipe
2 cups boiling water
2 tsp dried birch leaves
Pour boiling water over birch leaves and steep until cool. Strain and pour over clean hair. Massage into scalp. Caution: Consult your physician before using this rinse if you are allergic to wild carrot, mugwort, celery, and certain spices. Also know that birch leaf can darken hair over time.
5. Chamomile Hair Rinse — for Soothing and Healing the Scalp, Giving Hair Sheen
Chamomile has been used for centuries to add in relieving stress and restlessness at bedtime. It is also great for soothing an itchy or sore scalp. It has also been said to heal scalp ailments such as dandruff, dry patches and eczema.
Recipe
2 cups boiling water
2 tsp. dried chamomile (or fresh chamomile if available)
Pour boiling water over chamomile and steep until cool. Strain and pour over clean hair. Massage into scalp. Caution: Chamomile has been known to lighten hair.
6. Linden-Flower Hair Rinse — to Promote Healthy Hair Growth, and Strengthen Dry and Brittle Hair
Linden-flower is great if you’re dealing with dry, brittle hair as a result of over-dying or dying the hair too often. For hair that is severely damaged, linden-flower will aid in overly brittle hair. It also promotes circulation in the scalp and will help new hair grow in healthier.
Recipe
2 cups boiling water
2 tsp. linden flowers
Pour boiling water over linden flowers and steep until cool. Strain and pour over clean hair. Massage into scalp.
7. Lemon & Tea Tree Scalp Rinse — for Flaky Scalp and Excessive Dandruff
Lemons are very versatile and they can be used for so many things! Lemon juice is great for treating oily dandruff but be careful, using too much lemon juice can dry out your hair. Caution: Lemon juice can lighten your hair, especially if you tend to play in the sun a lot.
Recipe
4 tbsp lemon juice (use real lemons!)
5 drops tea tree essential oil
3 cups hot water
Add 5 drops tea tree oil and 4 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice to 2 cups of hot water. Pour over hair and avoid getting into eyes. Massage into scalp and rinse out. Follow up with a clarifying conditioner.
What are some of your favorite hair rinses?
Kiianah is the creator of Rockin’ it Napptural, a vibrant natural hair, beauty and lifestyle blog which focuses on a simple approach to achieving healthy hair, skin and health. A natural-born writer with a glowing personality, she has a huge heart for rescue animals, big earrings and an obsession with dark chocolate.
Reference: The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
