How to Start Using Natural Hair Products
I once thought that strong and beautiful hair was just a pipe dream, but the change in my hair was significant once I switched to natural hair care products. I went from having a daily battle with my hair to falling in love with it! It changed from dry and damaged to voluminous and healthy - from roots to ends. Hair products without synthetic additives have their own positive attributes.
Natural hair products differ from mass-market products in that they do not contain sulfates, parabens, silicones and other synthetic ingredients. Instead, the ingredients in natural hair products will be sourced from items that you know about and are familiar with, most of which can be found in your own kitchen!
Find truly natural hair products
To understand whether a hair care product is natural or not, simply read the label. A natural hair care product will contain ingredients that are organic, from a plant sourced base. And, to be truly considered natural it will be sulfate-free. The main purpose of sulfate is to make your shampoo lather, so a natural shampoo may not produce as much foam as other shampoos.
If you are considering changing your hair care regime to a natural one, keep a look-out for products with natural ingredients on their label. Here are some ingredients to look for:
Aloe vera
Chamomile
Coconut oil
Essential oils
Fruit extracts
Organic green tea
Organic honey
Olives and olive oil
Organic hemp
Plant oils
Root extracts
Choose products according to your hair type
For best results remember to choose natural shampoo and other products according to your type of hair and to solve a specific problem. After shampooing make sure to follow by a conditioner and a hair mask when required.
If you implement a hair mask into your hair care regime, keep in mind your type of hair. The point of a hair mask is to deep condition your hair, so how often you use one will depend on your hair’s moisture requirement. Curly hair may need a mask more often than fine straight hair. The rule of thumb is to use a mask once per week then adjust accordingly as your hair responds to the product.
Properly store natural products
You don’t have to use shampoo, conditioner and mask of the same brand - the main thing is that they are all-natural, suitable for your hair type, and cover a specific need.
Unfortunately, there is usually not a “better before” or “expiration” date on most natural hair care products. If there is a change in odor (if the smell of your product begins to change or it smells rancid or the fragrance is no longer noticeable) or there is a change in appearance and consistency (such as the ingredients separating or the product changes color) it is time to ditch it!
Proper storage is especially important for natural products - they contain natural preservatives that are not as stable as synthetic ones. As well, their shelf life will be shorter, shampoos are good for approximately one year, conditioners for about six months and hair masks in jars are good for approximately three to four months.
Natural hair products you can try at home
Be daring and try the below natural hair care recipes at home.
For hair shine - avocado
If you want to add shine to your hair, avocado is your go to!
Ingredients
1 Avocado
2 Tbsp olive or almond oil
Procedure
Mash the avocado and mix in the olive or almond oil;
Apply mixture on slightly damp hair from roots to ends;
Wash your hair after 30 minutes.
To strengthen and grow hair - aloe vera and an egg:
Aloe vera is a rich source of amino acids, and eggs are an abundant source of protein and nutrients. Both curb and prevent hair loss and are wonderful for hair growth.
Ingredients
2 egg whites
2 tbsp aloe vera gel
Procedure
Whisk ingredients in a bowl to get a smooth mixture;
Apply mixture to scalp and hair until hair is completely covered;
Leave on for 30 to 60 minutes;
Rinse with cool water (Do NOT use warm or hot water as this will cook the egg and the smell will be hard to get out of your hair);
Condition your hair as usual.
For cleansing and shining hair - apple cider vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar strengthens hair and adds volume and shine, eliminates dandruff and cleanses the scalp of sebum and styling residues. Try incorporating the rinse into your hair care routine a couple of times a week.
Using ACV is about bringing your hair back into balance, you don’t want to over do it. If your scalp or hair issues worsen, either stop using ACV or lower the amount you put into the rinse.
Ingredients
2 - 4 tbsp apple cider
16 oz water
Procedure
Mix the apple cider and water together;
After shampooing and conditioning, pour the mixture over your hair evenly, working into your scalp;
Let it sit for a couple of minutes;
Rinse out.
If the smell is too strong, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. The smell of the apple cider vinegar should go away when you rinse out your hair.
To get rid of oily hair- cornstarch:
Out of dry shampoo and in a hurry? Fortunately making your own dry shampoo is quick and easy! Here is a simple recipe which you can modify for our specific needs.
Ingredients
½ cup of baking soda
½ cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
A mixing bowl
A shaker
Procedure
Mix the baking soda and cornstarch together in a bowl;
Transfer your dry shampoo to a shaker (a large salt shaker, an empty spice jar or anything else that has a cover with multiple small holes in it). This will give you a way to sprinkle it on your hair;
Apply a small amount to your hair then work it through your hair with your fingers or your brush.
This is great for blond hair, if you have dark hair add some cocoa to the recipe or cinnamon if you have reddish brown hair!
To strengthen and grow hair - aloe vera and an egg:
Aloe vera is a rich source of amino acids, and eggs are an abundant source of protein and nutrients. Both curb and prevent hair loss and are wonderful for hair growth.
Ingredients
2 egg whites
2 tbsp aloe vera gel
Procedure
Whisk ingredients in a bowl to get a smooth mixture;
Apply mixture to scalp and hair until hair is completely covered;
Leave on for 30 to 60 minutes;
Rinse with cool water (Do NOT use warm or hot water as this will cook the egg and the smell will be hard to get out of your hair);
Condition your hair as usual.
For the ends of the hair - coconut oil
The benefits of coconut oil for hair are incredible!
Ingredients
Coconut oil - use amount needed
Procedure
Warm some coconut oil between your palms;
Apply to split ends;
Leave on for at least 1 hour, or as long as you like, it will not damage your hair;
Wash and style hair as usual.
Your split ends will love this if you do it regularly!
For soft hair - mayonnaise:
Because mayonnaise contains oil, it can benefit curly hair by making it softer.
Ingredients
1 cup of mayonnaise
Procedure
Wet your hair;
Apply mayonnaise, starting from the scalp and working towards the ends. You can use more mayonnaise if needed, making sure your hair is well covered;
Massage into your hair or use a wide toothed comb to distribute evenly;
Cover with a cap or plastic bag for 20 minutes;
Rinse out thoroughly and shampoo as normal.
For hair growth - honey & yogurt:
Yogurt is naturally full of protein, it nourishes the hair so it can grow healthy and strong.
Honey is a humectant which means that it attracts and retains moisture in your hair. Honey is also an emollient which means it helps to soften and smooth. Try the below yogurt and honey deep conditioner hair mask.
Ingredients
2 tbsp natural yogurt
1 tbsp honey
Double ingredients if you have longer hair
Procedure
Combine ingredients;
Massage mask into your hair from roots to ends;
Massage your scalp;
Leave mask on for up to 20 minutes;
Wash your hair well, making sure to get out all of the yogurt and honey;
Apply conditioner just to the ends of your hair;
Repeat weekly.
Let’s Sum Up
Natural hair products provide more than just a cosmetic effect - they treat hair and allow it to return to its natural beauty. Keep at it, at first it may seem that nothing is happening, but be patient, your hair needs time to repair itself! Be kind to your hair.
Whether you choose to purchase all of your organic natural hair products or make your own from natural ingredients found in your home, it won’t be long before your hair will be thanking you by responding to your kind, gentle treatment.
So, are you ready to start on your natural product hair journey and experience your best hair affair yet? Go for it!
