The majority of hair products commercially available, even among those advertised as all-natural, contain synthetic detergents, fragrances, petrochemicals, and known allergens. These ingredients can be harsh for the scalp and hair. Let’s talk about gentle, safe products that clean and condition your hair.

 

Organic hair care products contain natural, plant-based ingredients to cleanse and condition hair without toxic or harmful chemicals. Organic shampoos are safe enough to use daily because they have gentle cleansing agents such as Castile soap, an odorless soap traditionally made from olive oil.  The original recipe for Castile soap can be traced back to the 11th century. Today many commercially made soaps that call themselves Castile, use less expensive oils like coconut and palm. I prefer formulas that follow the original formula made from olive oil with no artificial coloring, synthetic perfume or chemicals you cannot pronounce. A mix of oil isn’t too bad either, but I want olive oil in the formula. The natural glycerin is retained in the soap, leaving your hair and skin soft. Using Castile liquid soap works for cleaning your whole body.

 

 

 

Lucy’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

 

For most of my life, I’ve used a vinegar rinse. My mother always said lemon juice and water for blondes (my sister) and vinegar and water for brunettes (me).  It help cut the shampoo and conditioners and also brought out natural highlights in my hair. I went from commercial shampoos to organic shampoos to no poo (didn’t like that) to my current shampoo. For the last 10 years, I’ve used Heritage Store Olive Oil Shampoo with an herbal infusion. It cleans my hair gently without stripping away the nature oil and leaves it so soft I seldom need to use a rinse. (I also use it as a hand soap in dispensers. It leaves my skin feeling soft and silky.) The difference is the ingredients: herbal infusion of herbal extracts, including yarrow, rosemary, nettle and sage; hydrating organic aloe vera; and panthenol (vitamin B5) which adds body and fullness while helping to protect and tone the scalp.

 

 

Heritage Store Olive Oil Shampoo

 

 

Most of you have a shampoo you like. How about enriching your hair with a homemade rinse? For hundreds of years, people have been using herbs to nourish the scalp and promote the growth of strong, healthy hair. Research has shown that some herbs may help strengthen hair, support scalp health, improve hair thickness, or stimulate the hair growth cycle.  Adding herbs to a rinse customizes your hair care specifically for your hair type; for example, chamomile softens and lightens blond hair, sage conditions dark hair, and parsley enhances dull hair. Be sure to not use metal bowls, utensils, or containers when using herbs. This will ensure there is no chemical reaction. If you’d like information on growing herbs inside your home see Windowsill Herb Garden.

 

Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit

 

 

Below is a list of herbs for each hair type and for hair highlights which you can download in PDF form.

 

 

Herbs for Organic Hair Care

 

 

There are two ways to make an herbal rinse for your hair: the simple tea method and a vinegar method.  The simple herbal tea rinse can be adapted for all hair types with a change in the herb mixture.  Apple cider vinegar makes a wonderful conditioner for hair, closing the hair shaft and sealing in moisture. Adding herbs to the rinse only makes it better. Making herbal vinegar may take more time to make, but it keeps for a long time, saving you the work of making a new rinse each time you want to wash your hair. If you don’t want to make herbal vinegar, I suggest you add a tablespoon or 2 of vinegar to the tea and mix before using on your hair.

 

 

Quick Tea Herbal Hair Rinse

Ingredients

• 2 cups filtered water
• 2 to 3 tablespoons organic herbs of choice (see list above)

 

 

 

 

 

Directions

 

 

 

Vinegar Herbal Hair Rinse

Ingredients

• Glass jar
• Enough organic herbs to fill jar
• Organic apple cider vinegar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Directions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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