Natural Hair Care and the Herbs that Help Nourish It!

Source: http://colorfulkinks.tumblr.com/ Natural hair art by Annie Lee

Our hair grows about a half an inch once a month and if you are a product junkie like myself I am sure you find your self always reading label ingredients and trying some new concoction to nourish you precious curls. While I would hope and pray that their is just one magic product to give us the lush bouncy curls we always wanted or that long flowing shiny head turner there is no one product. But there are several natural herbs and ingredients that stimulate the scalp and aid in hair growth that you can grab at your nearest market. Even our most beloved "All Natural" hair products have certain types of chemicals just to maintain a shelf life let alone to contribute to our hair issues. Yes, genetics diet and age play a huge role into your hair growth, but their are some great natural herbs, oils and ingredients that can help promote hair growth.

Let's get in to your "Beauty Breakdown Tuesday" with the natural ingredients below!

Sage

Sage is a stimulant and is anti-bacterial. Sage essential oil and can be combined with rosemary and lavender and used on your scalp to balance the oils in your scalp and help stimulate hair growth.

Sage Tea and Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has a very high natural pH and gets rid of product build-up by dissolving minerals, toxins, and dirt particles as well as fights dry scalp and dandruff .

Scalp Treatment

Mix four ounces of apple cider vinegar (ACV) with four ounces of cooled sage tea or ten drops of sage essential oil. Pour the mixture on your scalp, then wrap your hair with a towel or put on a plastic cap for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse and shampoo as usual.

After wash rinse

Add about 5 drops of sage oil, or 2 cups of cooled sage tea, with 1 capful of ACV and use as a final rinse after washing. The mixture does not have to be washed out.

Source: http://www.teamajesty.com/

Aloe

Aloe can be applied directly onto your scalp and promotes hair growth. It stimulates blood circulation in the scalp and also fights against alopecia.

Source: http://hairaboutthis.wordpress.com/

Rosemary

Rosemary oil is very useful for hair growth. It also strengthens hair and increases shine, leaving locks soft and luscious! It also works great for dry scalp and dandruff. But be sure to always mix rosemary oil in a base oil (such as olive) before using.

Rosemary-olive blend*:

You will need:

1. An air tight container (preferably glass)

2. 1 1/2 cups of olive oil

3. Rosemary oil

Pour the olive oil into the container. Add about 20 drops of rosemary oil to the olive oil and store in a dark place for about an hour. After storing for an hour, massage the oil into your scalp and leave it in until you wash your hair. It is recommended to leave it in for an hour; however it’s okay to leave it in overnight. Just don’t forget to wash it out.

Source: http://un-ruly.com/

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle disinfects the scalp and increases blood circulation. It blocks the enzymes that cause hair loss and promotes hair re-growth.

Source: http://sweetsistersbodycare.wordpress.com/

Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose increases blood circulation in the hair follicle and is high in the essential fatty acid known as gamma-linolenic acid which stimulates hair growth. You can purchase Evening Primrose in both capsule and oil.

Source: http://hairstylescoops.com/

Horsetail

Horsetail, contains high concentrations of silicic acid and other silicates. It also contains potassium, aluminum, and manganese, all of which aid in the prevention of hair loss.

How to Use: Boil a handful of horsetail leaves with stems in a gallon of water. Let the horsetail sit for about 20-25 minutes and then use the water as the last rinse after washing hair. You can also buy the herb in capsule form.

Caution: Excessive use of horsetail herb could lead to dryness in hair or dermatitis.