Are you looking for an effective natural moisturizer that is not too heavy for the summer? Do you want to make your own? Then, check out these four easy recipes:
1. Castor and Coconut Mist
The beauty of distilled water is that it is “soft” water; it does not have the negative effects (e.g., stiffening of the hair strand[1]) like hard water. Meanwhile, castor oil can improve the shine or sheen[2] of your natural hair, which is a plus for you castor oil lovers out there. As for coconut oil? Well, you all should know about its strengthening and moisturizing benefits by now.
References:
[1] Evans AO, Marsh JM, Wickett RR. “The structural implications of water hardness metal uptake by human hair.” Int J Cosmet Sci. 2011 Oct;33(5):477-82.
[2] McMullen R, Jachowicz J. “Optical properties of hair: effect of treatments on luster as quantified by image analysis.” J Cosmet Sci. 2003 Jul-Aug;54(4):335-51.
Ingredients:
2 oz distilled water
2 tsp extra virgin coconut oil
1 tsp castor oil
a few drops of essential oil (e.g., lavender, jasmine, orange)
Directions:
Pour all ingredients into a spray bottle, and shake vigorously to blend. Store in a refrigerator until ready for use. Shake before each use. SHELF LIFE: ~2 weeks.
2. Coconut Water Mist
Coconut water is high in potassium (hundreds of milligrams), which is generally involved in water softening and may possibly help to soften the hair. Glycerin is a well-known humectant (i.e., a substance that retains moisture) and works well in humid environments.
Ingredients:
2 oz coconut water
0.5 oz glycerin
a few drops of essential oil (optional and of your choice)
Directions:
Pour all ingredients into a spray bottle, and shake vigorously to blend. Store in a refrigerator until ready for use. Shake before each use. SHELF LIFE: ~1 week.
3. Strengthening Green Tea Mist
Green tea (tea, in general really) contains L-theanine, which can penetrate deep into damaged hair[1] and restore mechanical strength. Olive oil acts as a great moisturizing oil.
Reference:
[1] Kojima, T.; Kitano, H.; Niwa, M.; et al. “Imaging analysis of cosmetic ingredients interacted with human hair using TOF-SIMS.” Surface and Interface Analysis. 2011 Jan-Feb;43(1-2):562-65.
Ingredients:
2 oz cool steeped green tea
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
a few drops of essential oil (e.g., lemon, rosemary)
Directions:
Pour all ingredients into a spray bottle, and shake vigorously to blend. Store in a refrigerator until ready for use. Shake before each use. SHELF LIFE: ~1 week.
4. Aloe Vera Mist
Avocado oil is a monounsaturated oil, which may readily penetrate into the hair strand [1]. It, along with aloe vera juice, can make for a very moisturizing combination.
Reference:
[1] Keis K, Persaud D, Kamath YK, Rele AS. “Investigation of penetration abilities of various oils into human hair fibers.” J Cosmet Sci. 2005 Sep-Oct;56(5):283-95.
Ingredients:
2 oz aloe vera juice
2 tsp avocado oil
a few drops of essential oil (e.g., lemon, rosemary, tea tree)
Directions:
Pour all ingredients into a spray bottle, and shake vigorously to blend. Store in a refrigerator until ready for use. Shake before each use. SHELF LIFE: ~1 week.
Do you have a homemade moisturizing mist? Share below!
