Take a walk down the hair care aisle and you’ll see dozens of products that promise long, thick, shiny, strong hair. They make it seem like getting Disney princess hair is just that simple, if you’re willing to pay the steep price. Many of these “miracle” products cost far more than you might think without actually doing anything. What a waste!
However, with the right all-natural ingredients, you can achieve your hair goals and have Instagram-worthy hair. All it takes is herbs.
The Herbs
Combining herbs isn’t just for cooking. Mixing together the right herbs in this easy-to-make rinse can have a huge impact on your hair and scalp health. You’ll enjoy less inflammation on your skin, stronger strands, and an overall healthy, shiny head of hair that everyone will notice. It starts with these ingredients.
Horsetail
A lesser-known herb, Horsetail has some serious power. To start, it’s high in silica, not to be confused with the silicone that many over-the-counter products include. While that silicone mimics the effects of silica, it’s a poser. It’s actually just coating the hair without actually helping it long-term. Instead, the silica in horsetail will strengthen your strands from the inside out. And it’s not a temporary fix - this will be long-term improvement.
Because horsetail is slightly astringent, it’s also a great ingredient for those with an oily scalp. To top it off, horsetail is packed with vitamins and minerals, including:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Bioflavonoids
- Chromium
- Potassium
- Copper
- Iron
Lavender
Known worldwide for its ability to calm and soothe your mind, lavender is also a powerful hair-care ingredient. It can calm inflammation in the scalp just like it calms your mind after a stressful day. Say goodbye to skin irritation, itchiness, and flakes - lavender is here to ease it away.
Additionally, lavender has shown to be effective at increasing your circulation which can improve your hair growth. If you’re trying to grow out your luscious mane, including lavender in your hair-care routine is the way to go.
Rosemary
Delicious on chicken and great for your hair, rosemary is one herb you should free from the kitchen. Like lavender, it can improve your circulation and therefore, your hair growth. It combines that with the slightly astringent properties of horsetail, making it a valuable herb to include, especially for those with an oily scalp.
Aside from helping regulate the oil on your scalp, the astringent nature of rosemary can even help strengthen your hair follicles, preventing hair loss.
Nettle
For a scalp-nourishing boost, include nettle in your hair rinse. The best part about nettle is that it can improve the health of your scalp overall. While it does that, it will also naturally strengthen your hair. And the best part: your hair will be more vibrant, giving your whole aesthetic a little oomph.
The secret behind nettle is how many vitamins and minerals it contains. Nettle has enough vitamins to serious improve your overall hair health, including:
- Vitamin A carotenoids
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin K
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Boron
- Chromium
- Silica
Basil
Another common kitchen ingredient, basil is far more than just a garnish. Basil feeds and nourishes your scalp, removing toxins and heavy metals to promote hair health and growth. By adding basil, you’re adding a sort of superfood to your hair rinse.
Basil’s key nutrients are the reason for the health boost:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Flavonoids
- Polyphenolic Acids
Ready to mix up your magical, miracle DIY hair rinse? Check out the recipe below.
DIY Hair Rinse
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Nettle Leaf
- 1/4 cup Horsetail
- 3 Tbsp Dried Basil
- 4 Tbsp Dried Lavender
- 3 Tbsp Dried Rosemary
- 3 to 3-1/2 cups Apple Cider Vinegar
Instructions
- Add your herbs to a quart-sized glass jar with a lid.
- Place the lid on the jar and shake it to mix. You can also stir it with a spoon.
- Fill the jar with apple cider vinegar until it’s 1-inch from the top.
- Close the lid on the jar tightly and shake it vigorously.
- Keep the rinse in a cool, dark location for 2 to 4 weeks, shaking it once every day or so.
- After the first few days, you’ll notice the herbs have absorbed some of the vinegar. When the liquid level drops, refill the glass with apple cider vinegar to the 1-inch from the top.
- After the 2 to 4 weeks, pour the mixture through a strainer to catch the remaining herbs. You can use a cheesecloth or very clean fabric from an old tee shirt. You can also try a coffee filter or a sieve.
- Store the liquid you’ve drained in a clean glass jar.
To Use:
- Clean your hair thoroughly, then mix equal parts of the prepared rinse and regular water together in an empty mason jar or container. Use 1/4-cup of each for short hair, 1/2-cup of each for shoulder-length hair, and more for longer hair.
- Tip your head back and pour the rinse slowly over your head and through your hair.
- As you pour, tip your head from side to side and work your fingers through your hair. This will help the rinse to reach all areas of your hair and scalp.
- Leave the rinse in or wash it out briefly with water.
Tips:
- Use the rinse one time per week or even every day per your preference.
- You can use the rinse between shampoos or in place of shampooing.
- Don’t mix the rinse with water until you’re ready to use as it will reduce the shelf life.