Herbal Home Hair Rinses

When it comes to hair care, we run to the counters trying numerous shampoos, conditioners, styling gels and body boosters. With the knowledge of how our bodies are combating daily toxins, we would do well to consider giving our hair, and our systems a break.

Our skin absorbs anything put on it, and the scalp is no different. When you choose to use natural ingredients, you are choosing to nourish not only your hair, but your whole body with something healthy.

These rinses are easy to make, and easy to use. They will give you subtle, natural highlights and healthy shine. There is also the added benefit of increasing circulation to your scalp which in turn, creates healthy hair.

In some cases, you may need to use them a few times to see the desired results. Not only are they good for you, they cost a fraction of the store-bought products.

For the individual herbal hair rinse recipes, simply

• add the herbs to 2 cups boiling water
• let steep til cool
• strain out the herbs
• Pour over hair
• Do not rinse out, unless specified to do so

Rosemary - Thyme Rinse - darkens hair and leaves it soft, and shiny
1 Tbl fresh, or 1/2 Tbl dried Rosemary
1 Tbl fresh, or 1/2 Tbl dried Thyme

Lavender - Mint - Adds shine to dull hair, cleans and energizes
1/4 cup fresh or dried Lavender
1/4 cup fresh or 1/8 cup dried Mint
Rinse with cool water

Blackberry Leaf - deepens dark hair, and highlights light hair. Treats dandruff.
1/2 cup fresh blackberry leaves
2-3 fresh blackberries (optional)
Add all to saucepan and cover w/water.
Bring to boil, then simmer 15 min. Let sit 20 min. Strain.

Rosemary - brings out dark brown and red highlights. Helps with dandruff
1/4 cup fresh or dried

Rhubarb - Chamomile - best on blond or light brown hair
1/4 cup chopped rhubarb
2 Tbl dried Chamomile leave

Chamomile - lightens fair hair - helps with dandruff - give shine
1/4 cup fresh or dried Chamomile
2 tsp fresh lemon juice

Hibiscus - red highlights to light or dark hair
1/4 cup fresh or dried Hibiscus

Sage - darkens hair and covers gray
1/4 cup fresh or dried Sage

Parsley - creates soft hair, free of dandruff
1/4 cup fresh or dried Parsley

Lavender - healthy shine, leaves a sweet, floral scent
A few sprigs fresh lavender, add water to cover
simmer til tea-colored, strain
Can store up to one week

Lemon Juice - leaves hair shiny and clean
Juice of one lemon + 1 cup water

Catnip - Cures dandruff
1/4 cup fresh or dried Catnip
massage into scalp
rinse will with cool water

Baking Soda - removes all residue from hair products
1 Tbl baking soda + 1 cup water, mixed
massage into hair and scalp
rinse with warm, then cool water

Flat beer - gives body - don't rinse out

Apple Cider Vinegar - gives shine and bounce
2 Tbl Apple Cider Vinegar + 1 cup water
use after shampooing - rinse well