Hair Rinses The Beauty of Nature

I don't know about you, but for me, a bad hair day seems to set the tone for everything else. I can leave the house without make-up, dress down on a regular basis, and never feel as if I am missing a beat, but unruly hair...it makes me crazy.

Each and every day, our tresses are attacked by environmental damage; pollutants, dry air and heat, all of which, wreak havoc on what my grandmother called "a woman's glory." If we look even further, we can also see that much of the damage our hair experiences comes as a direct result of our own actions; permanents, dyes, strong shampoos and conditioners all contain chemicals. Not to mention, most hair care products (shampoos and conditioners) do nothing more than coat the hair with a protective layer of film.

Natural rinses strengthen and repair damaged hair. They stimulate the scalp, which is responsible for supplying the hair with protein and nutrients. Thus, they do not simulate a fresh, silky appearance, but rather supply the scalp with stimulation, and in turn, provide nourishment to the hair follicle, which promotes healthy growth.

Herbal rinses are formulated in the same way we prepare tea. It is as effortless as boiling water, adding a teaspoon of herbs, steeping, straining, and massaging the rinse onto your scalp before combing through (adjust amounts according to the length of your hair). Unlike store bought conditioners, there is no need for rinsing- simply towel dry.

• Those who suffer from oily hair can prepare their rinse with a variety of dried herbs; sage, chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm to name a few. Each of these herbal concoctions will assist in reducing oil buildup and producing healthy hair.
• An infusion made from dried birch leaves will not only promote scalp and hair health but ward off hair loss as well. An added benefit....... soft, shiny, luxurious locks. Note, this rinse, is not recommended for those with blonde or gray hair as birch leaves may darken the hue.
• Chamomile, used for centuries to relieve stress, is just as beneficial to those suffering from itchy scalp (dry skin, eczema, dandruff). It has also been used to naturally lighten hair, something we may not all be interested in...... so beware and use with caution.
• Linden-Flower rinse is the perfect choice for overworked, stressed, or damaged hair. Repeated coloring, processing, and other chemical treatments can cause hair to become brittle, which often leads to split-ends and breakage. Linden-Flower will soothe the brittleness, promote circulation in the scalp and nurture healthy outgrowth.

Another well-known rinse, perfect for the day after an outdoor barbecue, makes for an excellent way to utilize that leftover over beer (flat and straight from the can or bottle), and yes, you do need to wash this rinse away with warm water after treatment. Abundant in B vitamins and sugar, a beer rinse will leave your hair full of body and alive with radiance. Whoever said "leftovers" were a bad thing?

As you can see, homemade, natural hair rinses are just as beneficial, and far more economical than most any product you will find in the beauty department of your local store. Better yet, they contain no preservatives or chemicals...... nothing but pure, natural goodness.