Herbal Treatments for Damaged hair

If unhealthy, damaged hair is weighing you down then you may want to consider trying an herbal treatment to give it some renewed bounce and shine. Not only will it make you look healthier, but you will feel better.

Damaged hair can be caused by a number of things including:

• Poor diet
• Using the wrong shampoo
• Over use of colouring or perming solutions
• Over use of flat irons, hairdryers, heated rollers and curling tongues
• Improper cutting and styling
• Excessive brushing and combing
• Ultra violet rays from the sunlight

Signs of Damaged Hair:

• Hair looks dull
• Hair is brittle and breaks easily
• Hair tangles easily
• Hair has split ends
• Hair is frizzy or fly-away

Here are some simple recipes for herbal treatments for damaged hair that you can make yourself and will help your hair regain its natural health, strength and shine:

Egg and Herb Conditioner

This conditioner should be warmed and applied to your hair for fifteen minutes before you shampoo.

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 egg
• 2-3 drops essential oil of lavender
• 70 millilitres safflower oil

Beat the egg, lemon juice and honey, warm in a double boiler, stirring until the mixture is warm and creamy. When it is cool add the oils and whisk together.

Herbal Conditioning Oil

You can double or triple the ingredients and store the extra in an airtight bottle for future use.

• 2-3 drops essential oil of chamomile
• 2-3 drops essential oil of rosemary
• 250 millilitres sweet almond oil

Warm the mixture over a very low heat for just a few minutes and then. Wet your hair with hot water, squeeze out excess water then apply the oil evenly through your hair with our fingers. Cover your hair with a plastic bag for 20-30 minute then rinse and shampoo twice.

Mild Herbal Shampoo

This will leave your hair feeling soft and smelling great.

• 2-3 drops essential oil of rosemary
• 2-3 drops essential oil of sage
• 2-3 drops essential oil of chamomile
• 100 millilitres boiling water
• 100 millilitres baby shampoo

Mix ingredients and allow standing for 20 minutes.

Herbal Dandruff Shampoo

If you suffer from dandruff, try this recipe. You should notice a difference after two or three applications.

• 3-4 drops of essential tea tree oil
• 100 millilitres baby shampoo

Mix ingredients and wash as usual.

Dry Shampoo

If you can't get to a shower, or you want a dry shampoo for in between washes this is a great idea. Part your hair in even sections and sprinkle arrowroot powder lightly on your hair and scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the oils then brush out until your hair is clean and shiny.