The modern world has seen it's share of advancements, especially in areas such as technology and engineering , however, many people are seeking a more serene, natural way of living.

Many are joining the efforts of top "green" celebrities such as Al Gore, Stella McCartney and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Although these crusaders go beyond what most people can do, there are subtle ways one can improve the quality of life for all. Take hair care products for example, these carry a stew of chemicals that not only damage your hair but also weakens nearby ecosystems.

Most products on the market today don't deliver on their promises of beautiful shiny hair, however, homemade herbal concoctions are a great way to preserve the health of your locks all while protecting the environment.

Below you will find some of the most popular herbs that can be used on your hair and tips on how you can improve the look and feel of your tresses without the use of chemical laden products.

Exceptional hair starts from the inside out. A diet rich in omega fatty acids and protein provide your hair follicles with important vitamins and minerals needed to thrive.

B vitamins are especially valuable and are abundant in animal protein such as red meat and fish. If you are vegetarian, eggs and brown rice are good alternatives. Drinking plenty of water is also important in keeping your roots hydrated. Water also helps keep your locks soft and supple. Dark green vegetables are a great source of iron which delivers oxygen to every cell in your body including your hair follicles.

Taking preventative measures against harsh elements is also a great way to keep your locks healthy and beautiful. The following tips will help counteract these harmful effects as best as can be expected.

Choose the Right Brush - It's important to choose the right brush for the job. A wide tooth comb is best for detangling while a flat, paddle brush is ideal for everyday use. Remember that over brushing causes breakage and split ends, giving your hair an unhealthy appearance, especially if you have layers.

Weather Beware - The weather is definitely the guilty party when having a "bad hair day", however, armed with the right information, you can prevent your mane from getting frizzy, pouffy, dry and lack luster.

Humidity is mostly to blame for unwanted frizz, mainly because of your hair's ability to absorb moisture causing your hair to expand and twist. The best way to prevent this is to use hair styling products that coat the strands, controlling the saturation of humidity. Aveda sells organic hair products just for this purpose. Try the "Air Control" hair spray.

Dry heat, excessive winds and chlorinated water are also to blame for dry, brittle hair. Consider wearing a swimmer's cap when diving in a pool and wear a hat whenever possible in windy weather. If you hair is already fragile, buy a leave in conditioner to restore sheen.

Avoid Excessive Use of Heat Styling Products - Not many of us can go without our favorite styling tool, but if you're not in a hurry, let your hair dry naturally. If curls are your thing, perhaps old fashioned sponge rollers are worth considering. If you can't escape the heat as part of your daily routine, then consider buying products that lessen the damaging effects. Again, Aveda sells an amazing line of organic hair products for just about every hair dilemma.

Avoid Excessive Washing - Washing your hair everyday sounds like a good plan, however, this practice can lead to a dry, itchy scalp, stripping you hair of healthy oils that add shine and luster.

The medicinal properties of herbs have been revered by many throughout history and the new world is no exception. Many still turn to good old fashion remedies to help alleviate and treat all kinds of ailments, including hair dilemmas. Please enjoy perusing the following herbal information and recipes.

Chamomile - Chamomile is a fragrant anti-inflammatory herb that is used mainly to aid in digestion and calming the nerves, but can also be used on hair. It brings out your natural highlights and restores shine. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over 1/4 cup of chamomile flowers. Cool and strain before using.

Coconut Oil - Coconut oil can be used as a conditioner as it softens and conditions the scalp. Mix two parts coconut oil with two parts olive oil and add an essential oil of your choice and strength. Message the scalp, let sit for 45 minutes and rinse.

Citrus - Citrus fruits work well at removing oil and residue. Boil the rinds of your favorite citrus fruits (about 4 fruit) for 10 minutes, apply and rinse.

Nettles - Nettles are said to prevent hair loss as well as give your locks a soft and glossy look. Nettles can be boiled and simmered for a couple of hours, strained and applied to your hair as a one time shampoo or it the juice can be bottled and combed through your hair on a daily basis for hair regrowth.

Burdock - This mildly aromatic herb was very popular in Europe and was used as a scalp treatment. It's also know to aid in hair loss, add shine and body.

Rosemary - This herb is excellent for stimulating hair growth. It also helps control dandruff and gives subtle, dark highlights. Can be used as a tonic or conditioner.

Vinegar - Vinegar is very useful in removing residue giving hair shine and manageability.

Vinegar Hair Rinse (for Hair Shine)

White Vinegar (any good quality brand) Dry Roses Fresh Rosemary or essential Oil Dried Anise

Combine in glass jar and store for at least a weeks before using. When ready to use: dilute 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of the herbal vinegar in 1 cup of water. Rinse through wet hair after shampooing. Rinse it out with fresh water or, for extra conditioning benefits, just leave it in and towel dry hair. The vinegar scent will disappear as your hair dries.

This recipe has been reprinted under a creative commons licence. Original article can be found here.

Hair Tonic (for Healthy Scalp & Hair and for Hair Loss)

• fresh Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, peppermint
• Distilled water
• Lemon essential oil
• Rosemary essential oil
• Vodka

1. Boil Herbs in Distilled water till 1/3 remains.
2. Strain into spray bottle when cooled.
3. Add 1/10 part of Vodka
4. few drops lemon and rosemary essential oil & shake.

This recipe has been reprinted under a creative commons licence. Original article can be found here.

For years eggs got a bad rap, however, it has been proven that eggs can be a part of a healthy diet. More over, eggs can also do wonders for your hair. Eggs contain nutrients that boosts natural shine and tames frizzy hair. It coats every strand with essential fatty acids, restoring your locks to a beautiful glow. Have fun dabbling with these recipes!

To add body, bounce and shine to your hair

Whip up one/two raw eggs. Massage this mixture on your hair and let it stay for half an hour or so or until dry. Shampoo your hair and then follow it up with a vinegar and water rinse The protein in the egg coats each hair shaft and adds body and thickness. Follow this procedure twice a month for bouncy, soft and smooth hair.

For oily, dull and limp hair

Add 2-3 tbsp of lemon juice to a whole egg. Whisk it properly. Once applied on your hair keep it for sometime. Rinse it thoroughly. Follow it up with a lemon and water rinse. This gives a shine to your dull hair.

For smooth hair

#1 Mix together 1 tbsp. honey, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 tsp. almond oil and 1 tbsp. yogurt. Make a frothy paste and apply it on your hair. Rinse it in 1/2 hours time. This will smooth your hair and moisturize it evenly.

#2 Beat egg yolk thoroughly to make a frothy solution. Add 1 tsp baby oil and beat again to make a proper mixture. Add water to this mixture and apply it all over your scalp. Once dry, rinse well to get a proper conditioned treatment.

For dry hair

Add a cup of milk to a whole egg and beat it until frothy. Then rub this mixture into your scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse the hair thoroughly with water. Do this once in a week to condition your hair.

Good Conditioners

#1 Mix 1 or 2 egg yolks (depending on how long and dense your hair is!) with 1/2 tsp. Castor oil. Massage this mixture on your hair. Keep it for sometime then rinse it thoroughly.

#2 Mix egg yolk in 1/4 cup of yogurt with 1 tsp of lemon peel powder. Blend the ingredients thoroughly and apply it to every single strand of hair. Keep it for 10-15 minutes and then wash it off.

#3 Beat egg yolk to make a frothy paste. Then add one tablespoon honey, one teaspoon almond oil/olive oil and ¼ cup of yogurt. Apply this on the hair and rinse off after 20-25 minutes. Yogurt is also a very good conditioner and the combination of these two works wonders on your hair. This is also a good treatment for dry and damaged hair.

To treat sticky hair

Add 2 tsp of olive oil to a whole egg and beat this mixture well. Then add 3 tbsp of amla powder to it and mix it thoroughly. Apply to your hair. Leave it on for half an hour and then shampoo it off.

These recipes have been reprinted under a creative commons license. Original article can be found here.

Do you have some useful tips or recipes that have done wonders for your hair? I would love to hear about it. Use the comment box below to share your secrets.