Hair care can be very expensive. But many experts agree that many of the ingredients you need to help keep your hair shiny and beautiful are already in your kitchen.
Which ingredients are the best for your hair?
White Vinegar
Before trying any of these treatments cleanse your hair with a clarifying agent, such as white vinegar. This first step will rid the hair of build up from hard water and certain conventional hair products and get it ready to absorb the nutrients of the special treatments.
Molasses
Raw molasses, found at natural food stores, prevents oxidation of your hair to preserve your gorgeous color while infusing your locks with nutrition; ideal for coarse hair. Add it directly to your favorite organic conditioner and slather it onto hair. Try this treatment on a Saturday morning when you’re doing laundry, picking up the house, etc. and rinse at the end of the day before blow-drying your hair for your night out. A quicker alternative is to wrap a hot damp towel over your head and sit and let it all steam-soak in for 25 minutes.
Avocado
To add spring back to your curls, mix 1/4 fresh avocado with a deep conditioner. Apply to damp hair and wrap a hot damp towel over your head, sit and let it steam-soak for 20 minutes. This deeply conditions your tresses and enhances the bounciness of your curls.
Egg Whites
Your favorite brunch item also makes fine hair super shiny. Mix three to six egg whites (depending on length) with 3 pumps of your favorite conditioner. Wrap a hot damp towel over your head and let it steam-soak in for 15 minutes. Egg whites contain complete proteins and amino acids that coat the hair shaft acting as a shield that prevents breakage.
Olive Oil
Show your hair and your scalp some love with an olive oil treatment. Olive oil is a natural way to add back some of the essential oils that our scalp produces and that is often stripped away when washing with harsh shampoos and using other chemicals. Apply the oil directly to your scalp pre-shampoo and leave it on between 20 to 30 minutes. Wash and condition as usual.
Coconut Oil
Coconuts aren’t just for piña colada or a tasty coating for shrimp. The oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids and essential compounds that penetrate the hair shaft providing the deepest hydration. Also, coconut oil contains phytochemicals that act as an antioxidant that rejuvenates and prevents breakage. Apply some organic coconut oil on the areas that are drier and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Bonus: it also helps control dryness and dandruff. You’ll find pure coconut oil at your local health food store.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg
Add these two spices to your shampoo to stimulate hair growth. Mix in fresh shavings to your regular shampoo and massage into your scalp for a few minutes.