Health & Beauty Recipes >


Hair Care



PLEASE NOTE:

Although all the ingredients in these beauty recipes are natural, remember that it is still possible to be allergic to anything applied to the skin. DO NOT USE ANYTHING NUT BASED ON YOUR SKIN IF YOU HAVE A NUT ALLERGY. To test other ingredients make up a very small amount of the recipe you intend to use. Wash and gently dry a small patch of skin inside your elbow. Apply a little of the mix to the skin and leave for 48 hours. If you experience any redness or swelling DO NOT USE THE BEAUTY RECIPE AT ALL.

We strongly recommend that you do your own research before using any of the ingredients in these recipes since some ingredients should be avoided by certain groups of people. Mountain Rose Herbs' website has a wealth of information on herbs, their uses and possible side effects. Many essential oils and herbs should always be avoided by pregnant/nursing ladies. Always check with a qualified health advisor if in doubt.






For many centuries people relied entirely on natural products to keep their hair clean and shining. The many and differing properties of herbs were valued for their softening, perfuming, colour enhancing and health-giving effects. If you've tried every shampoo and conditioner on the Pharmacy shelf see what Nature can do for you!

Rinses

Hair rinses were really the forerunners of conditioners. Depending on the ingredients used they can add shine, combat grease and dandruff and enrich the colour of the hair.

Rinse for Blonde Hair Recipe


Ingredients

3 tablespoons chamomile flowers
1 pint water

Method

- Boil the flowers in the water for 35 minutes.
- Allow to cool.
- Strain.
- Use as a hair rinse to lighten and condition hair.


Rinse Said to Darken Grey Hair Recipe


Ingredients

4 tablespoons sage
1 pint water

Method

- Boil the leaves in the water for about 35 minutes.
- Cool and strain.
- Use as a rinse.
- This may help to darken grey hair.


Rosemary Hair Rinse


Rosemary is a very aromatic herb. It adds shine and can add attractive lights to dark hair.

Ingredients

bunch of rosemary
water

Method

- Put the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to the boil.
- Simmer for half an hour.
- Cool and strain.
- Use as a final rinse for hair.


Shampoos


A Mild Shampoo Recipe


Ingredients

1/2 oz soapwort root (crushed) - follow packaging instructions
1/2 oz chamomile flowers
2 pints water

Method

- Bring the water to the boil.
- Put the soapwort and the chamomile flowers into a bowl.
- Pour the boiling water over them and leave to steep for 15 minutes.
- Cool and strain.
- This amount is sufficient for about 4 washes.


Dry Shampoo Recipe


Ingredients

1/4 oz orris root powder
1/4 oz arrowroot powder

Method

- Mix the powders together.
- Sprinkle a small amount onto the hair.
- Brush in and leave for a few minutes.
- Brush out.


Soapwort Shampoo Recipe


Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon dried soapwort root (crushed and soaked in 3/4 pint water overnight)
or
5 fresh soapwort stems about 8inches long with leaves

Method

- Boil the soaked root in its soaking water or boil the fresh soapwort in 3/4 pint water then simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cool and strain through a piece of muslin.
- Bottled this ill keep for a wee in a cool dark place.
- It can be perfumed with 2 drops of essential oil such as lavender or rosemary.



Conditioners


Conditioner (for dry hair)


Ingredients

1 large ripe banana
10 drops walnut oil
5 drops lime essential oil

Method

- Liquidise the banana and add the oils.
- Whizz up again for 10 seconds.
- Apply to the ends of clean hair.
- Wrap in a towel.
- Leave on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse out with lukewarm water.


Honey Hair Care Treatment


Ingredients

3 tablespoons clear honey
1 tablespoon olive oil

Method

- Mix the honey with the olive oil.
- Make sure the oil and honey are thoroughly mixed.
- Wash hair in the normal way and towel dry.
- Massage the mixture thoroughly into the hair and wrap head in a warm towel, or use a hair dryer for 20 mins.
- Rinse hair with warm water and wash it with a good shampoo.
- This treatment is good for dry or damaged hair.