Herbal Scalp Cleansers

Spring is here and summer quickly approaches, which means more outdoor activities, which means your hair will be more prone to the elements (sun, wind and water) and styling manipulation.

Herbs are known for their healing abilities on the scalp and of the hair itself. They add luster and shine to fine, limp hair. Herbs have been shone in the aid hair growth and treating hair loss. Here are few examples

Lavender is known to promote hair growth and prevent balding
Rosemary strengthens weak hair follicles from the shaft
Nettle stimulates hair growth
Horsetail rejuvenates the hair and stimulates hair growth
Sage helps to prevent gray hair
Basil heals and sooths the scalp
Chamomile is healing and soothing; known to soften the hair, soothe and condition the scalp and stimulate hair growth

Here are few simple scalp cleansing recipes.

Herbal ACV Scalp Cleanser
2 Tbsp ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar)
1 1/2 Distilled water, hot
1 tsp Lavender
1 tsp Rosemary
1 tsp Mint, crushed
1 tsp Green tea
1 tsp Hibiscus flowers
5 drops Lemon essential oil
5 drops Lavender essential oil
5 drops Sweet orange essential oil

Add herbs to hot water and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain herbs through a cheescloth and add in apple cider vinegar and essential oils. Pour into applicator bottle. Apply cleanser directly to scalp and massage gently. Do not rinse out.

Note: You can make a big batch of this and add grapefruit seed extract, tea tree oil or vitamin E as a preservative.

Herbal Scalp Cleanser
1 tsp Horsetail
1 tsp Rosemary
1 tsp Nettle
1 tsp Lavender
1 tsp Chamomile
1 tsp Sage
1 tsp Basil
1/3 cup Castile Soap
1 1/2 cup Distilled water, hot

Combine all herbs in the hot water, cover and let it steep for up to an hour. Strain herbs from the herbal water through a cheescloth and mesh trainer. Combine with castile soap in an applicator bottle. Apply to scalp and massage with pads of finger tips. Rinse out with cool to lukewarm water.

These cleansers work especially well for those that have locs, wear braids or twists.