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When I first started my healthy hair journey, my hair was breaking like crazy. Every time I would comb, brush, or style my hair, there would be tiny little broken hairs on my shirt, bathroom counter, and floor. At that time I tried heavy protein treatments [which caused some shedding], as well as hair creams specifically formulated to control breakage [which resulted in dryness]. - A few months later I began to dabble in herbal remedies, and I was hooked on Herbal Rinsing!
Herb rinsing can be done by steeping herbs in hot water, letting the water cool, then pouring it over your head after rinsing out your conditioner. You can do herbal rinses to add shine, softness, nourishment, elasticity, and my favorite; to control breakage. Here's a list of my favorite [and extremely effective] herbs you can use for herb rinsing:
Breakage
Burdock Root: This herb is known to strengthen and repair hair while adding sheen, hydration & luster. Burdock Root is also effective in reversing hair loss, correcting scalp issues, and promoting hair growth in individuals with a short growth cycle. The mucilage in Burdock Root also helps add "slip" to your hair making the detangling process a lot easier.
Rosemary: The nutrients found in Rosemary can strengthen your strands much like that of a protein treatment, minus the drying effects. Rosemary also imparts shine, body and softness. This super herb also helps to correct scalp issues like dandruff and psoriasis.
Blue Malva: Is one of my favorite herbs to use for strengthening and repairing hair. Blue Malva is extremely effective in controlling breakage, and repairing chemically damaged hair.
Hibiscus: Hibiscus strengthens hair from the papila root to the ends of the hair, and works to seal the cuticles stopping breakage in it's tracks. Hibiscus is also loaded with mucilage which means it is very effective as a detangling agent for highly textured curlies. This herbs also adds an incredible amount of softness and body to both relaxed and natural hair. **Hibiscus can stain clothes, so use caution when attempting a rinse with this herb**
Shine + Softness + Body
Horsetail: Horsetail contains high amounts of silica and cysteine which are both great at conditioning hair, whilst adding shine and body. The silica found in Horsetail also helps to strengthen the hair and improving the elasticity as well.
Nettle: Nettle is rich in nourishing minerals that work to strengthen hair, add luster, and impart softness. This herb also stimulates circulation which in turns promotes hair growth.
Coltsfoot: Coltsfoot contains an abundance of mucilage, minerals, silica, sulfur and plant proteins which all work together to help add sheen, body, repair the hair shaft, improve elasticity, and promote hair growth.
Split Ends
Burdock Root
Horsetail
Nettle
Hibiscus
Directions:
- Add 1 cup of water to a small saucepan and bring to a boil
- Turn off heat and add 2 heaping teaspoons of your herbs to the water << For best results, use herbs that have been cut and sifted [these are usually labeled as C/S on packing and websites], as they contain more essential ingredients and are usually easier to use in comparison to powdered herbs.
- Cover saucepan and allow herbal infusion to steep for about 15-20 minutes
- Remove the herbs, or strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth
- Let cool
- Pour entire mixture over your hair after rinsing out conditioner
- Do not rinse out, any smell from herbs should dissipate after about 20 minutes
How often should I do an herbal rinse?
For best results, use once weekly [or as often as you shampoo].
Where to purchase herbs?
You may purchase these herbs at your local Health Food Store, or online through the following reputable vendors:
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