So, due to the fact I love trying new products I tend to buy various shampoos and conditioners which I love for a short time and then realize they've left my hair feeling waxy due to build up. And inevitably I end up going back to my trusty "homemade" version. I use quotes on homemade because I technically still use shampoo, I just dilute it a whole bunch because most shampoos are too strong anyway. Keep reading, it's pretty awesome...
What you will need:
1/2 a cup of shampoo of your choice
I am currently using Giovanni Organic Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo, but any shampoo will work. Just think of what you want the end product to smell like.
1/2 a cup of vinegar
Because I also make all my house hold cleaning products, I like to get a large 5 Liter bottle of vinegar from Costco and then add herbs and/or citrus fruits to it to not only mask the vinegar smell, but to up the cleaning power. With the one I am currently using I've added orange, lemon and grapefruit peels. During the summer every time I ate an orange, lemon or grapefruit I'd just add the peel to the vinegar bottle until it couldn't hold any more. LOL.
About 1 cup of dried herbs.
For this one I am using a combination of thyme, rosemary and parsley. You can also use fresh herbs if you'd like.
32 oz. of water
A 1 quart mason jar with lid
Really any 1 quart glass jar with a lid will work. If you don't have a mason jar on hand, the next time you make spaghetti save the jar and lid.
A 32 oz. bottle to store it in
I am currently using a recycled Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap bottle, but any empty bottle works.
A funnel is optional but, makes for less mess
First, boil the water and add your herbs to your glass jar. Then cover herbs with boiling water and put the lid on. Let this sit until cooled. There's no exact time frame for how long you let this sit. Sometimes I'll wait until it's just cool to the touch and sometimes I'll leave it all day because I am doing other things. After, add shampoo, vinegar and herbal infusion to your bottle and you are all ready to wash your hair. No need for conditioner because it will leave your hair nice and soft.
Why it works:
Vinegar removes build up and residue from the hair and closes the cuticles. Since residue coats the hair causing it to look dull and weighing it down, removing the residue leave your hair looking shiner and more voluminous. By closing the cuticles the hair will slide more easily and will leave you with fewer tangles. It's also a natural softening agent. Win- win, right?
Herbs are also great for your hair and different herbs have different effects on the hair. Thyme is good for oily hair, dandruff and mild hair loss. Rosemary is good for all hair types and problems and acts as a tonic and conditioner for your hair. It gives luster and body, helps with dandruff and brings out the warmth, richness and depth of dark colored hair. And has also been know to stimulate the scalp, prevent hair loss and help to regrow hair. Parsley enriches hair color and gives a nice luster to the hair.
Other herbs to use:
Black Tea: Stimulates hair growth, reduces shedding, brings out dark tones, highly astringent. Not good for every day use due to it's low pH level.
Burdock: Great for thinning hair, dry, irritated scalp, dandruff and seborrhea.
Calendula: Conditions and brings out blonde and/or red tones. It also has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Catnip: Promotes healthy hair growth.
Chamomile: A healing and soothing herb to soften hair, soothe the scalp, lighten, condition and stimulate growth. It also has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-septic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnamon: Brings out red tones. Cinnamon shows anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. It increases restricted blood flow demonstrating mild anticoagulant properties.
Green Tea: Stimulates hair growth, reduces shedding, somewhat astringent. Less acidic and therefore more suitable for every day use.
Horsetail: Helps brittle hair due to its high silica content.
Lavender: Useful for all hair types it stimulates hair growth and degreases. It also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial qualities.
Nettle: Conditions, improves color and texture, helps with dandruff, irritated scalp and dry scalp. Also, brings out dark tones. And stimulates circulation in the scalp. Excellent for use during winter.
Peppermint: Stimulates the scalp.
Peppermint is lesser known for its properties as an anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, (although is has been demonstrated in numerous studies).
Plantain: Great for dry, irritated scalp, dandruff and seborrhea.
Red Clover: Brings out red tones.
Sage: Traditionally used to restore color to graying hair, excellent for weak hair. Sage is mildly anti-fungal, as well a good anti-septic and astringent.
Saw Palmetto: Good for thinning hair and hair loss.
White Tea: Stimulates hair growth, reduces shedding, mildly astringent. Less acidic and therefore more suitable for every day use.
Witch Hazel: Leaves and bark are astringent and cleanse oily hair.
Yarrow: Good for oily hair, stimulates circulation, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, astringent and it's also been said that yarrow can restore your natural hair color for people with graying hair.
Yucca: Navajos swear by yucca root to prevent hair loss and to cure dandruff.
I really love experimenting with this basic recipe by using different scented shampoo's, herbal vinegar and herbal infusions. The possibilities are endless. Enjoy! xoxo
** Photo was taken from Here
