A Simple Philosophy About Hair and 4 Hair Conditioning Recipes

For most of my adult life I've had a very simple philosophy about why we have hair on our heads - but not one of my friends has ever agreed. My philosphy? Hair is on our heads to protect our heads.

For example, if outdoors during the summer, even with a blazing sun, you are less likley to go home with blisters on the scalp. In the winter, even if caught in a hailstorm, you are not likely to get your head dented. Of course, even indoors if you slip on a marble floor and bang your head you may not crack it if you have hair. Even neglected frizzy hair may offer added protection. I could never think of any good reasons what else hair was there for. Surely, we are not meant to be obsessed if it gets frizzy or looks wild. It's just hair, right?

The Belief of My Friends?

My friends on the other hand always felt hair is put there for fun. Fun as in coloring and cutting, dyeing and frying, going to the hairdresser every two weeks, and having your hair straightened if it's curly, and curled if it's straight. Like nature, we must tame it.

Can we Tame Nature?

Can we ever win? One friend tried a new straightener. She's always colored her hair a fun bright color and now wanted to wear a page boy style. I admit she looked gorgeous around the head. But after going back to the salon a second time for a touch-up, her hair came out in clumps leaving her with a buzz-cut, actually a fuzz-cut. A former neighbor went to the hairdresser every two weeks for years to keep her hair cut very short, permed, touched up, and colored when necessary. Several years ago she lost all her hair - permanently and now just has fringe around the edges. Wigs are a must.

Warning: If we must do all this fun, why not in a nontoxic way, and heed the warning of Oregon's Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA)?

Oregon OSHA issued an alarming report about the levels of formaldehyde in hair-smoothing products, but these products designed to fight frizz are still in demand. Keep in mind that formaldehyde is a suspected human carcinogen and these treatments are not regulated. When Oregon OSHA tested products labeled formaldehyde-free, it was found that some of the highest levels - nearly 12% - were found in the Brazilian Blowout formulas.

The Nontoxic Approach

All of my friends are not fanatical about the use of the many toxic products on the market but still do worship their hair. I have a supernatural hair-care friend who has never applied a chemical straightner to her hair. Many of her products she has always made herself and her hair is spectacular. In fact it is because she told me early in June that she was coming to town to celebrate my birthday on the 27th that made me reach for the molasses. With fabulous results.

What Can Molasses Do?

My reason for reaching for the molasses, however, was not as a conditioner but because I wanted to show my friend that I was making some hair care effort. I purchased a natural herbal product to condition my hair. It had henna in it which I know is a natural conditioner. Unfortunately, because I have about an inch of gray roots, I wound up looking like my scalp and temples were on fire. Sigh. After internet research, I found that molasses will help remove the henna. It did reduce the flaming orange to a deep faded red but what I also got was one of the best hair conditioners ever.

Molasses made my hair feel so luxurious, so smooth, so glossy and all the frizz was gone. The recipe is amazingly simple. This was a bit of okay then.

1 - Very Simple Molasses Hair Wrap

About 1/2 cup of molasses - depending on your hair length and thickness.

Massage into clean damp hair/cover with a shower cap, plastic bag or plastic wrap/leave on for at least 20 minutes/rinse with warm water/shampoo with a gentle shampoo.

I use Dr. Bronner's liquid soap that is scent-free.

I used blackstrap molasses because this is what I had on hand.

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This same super natural hair friend spent several days with me and of course much time on her hair. This is all too much work for me but her hair is fabulous. When she walks down the street, everyone looks and many will stop her and ask what products she uses. While staying with me this is the conditioner she used.

2 - Avocado and Mayo (Good for Dry Hair)

- ripe avocado

- 1 cup mayonnaise

Thoroughly mash avocado to get out all lumps and then blend in the mayo. Massage throughout the hair. Cover with a plastic shower cap or plastic bag and leave treatment on for 20 minutes. Shampoo and rinse well.

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TIP - My friend uses a clear gel on her hair. I used some and like so many gels I had flakes. She now puts a bit of olive oil in it and I do get a nice smooth, less flaky product.

3 - Colorless Henna and Yogurt (good for dry, frizzy hair)

Note: This treatment is not recommended for hair that is chemically treated or colored

- 1/4 cup colorless/neutral powdered henna

- 1/2 cup plain yogurt

Shampoo hair first and leave damp. Blend together henna and yogurt and apply to damp hair. Cover with shower cap or plastic wrap and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse well.

Henna coats the hair follicles with a film that both seals in the natural oils of the hair while tightening cuticles to give hair more shine.

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My friend will try new homemade recipes and one is this rinse.

4 - Hijiki Seaweed Rinse (adds nutrients and removes residue)

- 1 teaspoon dried and powdered Hijiki (make sure you get the powdered form)

- 1/2 cup distilled water

First shampoo and leave hair damp. Mix water and powder until it forms into a paste then apply to damp hair. Massage into the scalp and wrap in a towel. After 10 minutes rinse thoroughly with cool water.

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Enjoy your natural beauty! Yay!

For natural recipes and more see the links below: