If we’re not careful, we can end up emptying our wallets on hair products alone! But whether you’re on a budget or just wanna try your hand at some DIY hair care, these 8 “products” in your very own kitchen can help you maintain healthy hair without breaking the bank!
1. Honey– Known as a natural humectant, honey is great as a conditioner and moisturizer because of its ability to attract and retain water molecules. Read more about honey and its benefits for your hair. It’s also a natural emollient. With these properties, honey leaves hair looking shinier, feeling softer and full of body, plus, it’s full of enriching vitamins and minerals.
Mix with banana and olive oil for a deep conditioning treatment or use as rinse in the final step of your wash routine. One teaspoon of honey to about four cups of warm water should do the trick. { Honey at Amazon, $10.97 }
2. Bananas- We may already know that bananas are rich in potassium but they also contain Vitamins A, C and E- all vital for healthy hair growth! So save one of those delicious bananas in your fruit basket for your hair, mash it up to a smooth, pasty consistency- no chunks- and use alone or along with your favorite oil (like EVOO-Extra Virgin Olive Oil- or sweet almond oil) as a moisturizing hair mask. Be sure to shampoo afterwards. Did you know that bananas are also great for treating dry, itchy scalp?!
3. Avocado– This fruit promotes hair growth as it is rich in Vitamin B which is essential to healthy hair, as well as Vitamin E, which heals and repairs damaged hair and scalp. As a natural moisturizer, avocados are rich in protein and those “good fats” which help keep split ends and breakage at bay and keep your hair strong, soft and shiny. Grab your blender and mix an avocado with a ripe banana and some EVOO for a deep conditioning treatment your hair will thank you for!
4. Apple Cider Vinegar- When diluted with water, ACV is not only an effective clarifier used to deeply cleanse hair without over drying it but can also be used as a final rinse to close the hair cuticle, restore pH levels and promote shiny hair. Two ounces of ACV diluted with six ounces of water has worked for me. { Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon, $6.38 }
5. Baking Soda – This is another awesome product that can be used to cleanse the scalp and hair of buildup without stripping the hair of its natural oils. I like to add a teaspoon of baking soda to a bottle of 1 ½ cups of warm water… shaken, not stirred! { Baking Soda at Amazon, Pack of Two $7.85 }
6. Extra Virgin Olive Oil– A deep conditioner, a sealant, a hot oil treatment, the perfect addition to any conditioner… this natural emollient is simply amazing! Scalp massages promote hair growth by stimulating blood flow to the follicles. Use some EVOO along with an essential oil like tea tree or rosemary and you’ve just boosted that scalp massage to level ten! { Extra Virgin Olive Oil
at Amazon, $10.00 }
7. Eggs- Protein! Hair is mostly made up of a protein called keratin. Therefore, egg protein can temporarily repair any weak spots in your strands to help strengthen the hair overall. Vitamins A, D and E plus fatty acids help prevent breakage and hair loss while adding moisture and shine. Mix with EVOO and/or honey to repair and moisturize.
8. Mayonnaise- Think about it… this sandwich condiment has it all: The vinegar in mayonnaise helps balance the pH to your hair; the protein (from eggs) helps strength the hair; the oils condition the hair and give it shine. Work a generous amount into your strands and top with a plastic cap for about 30 minutes. Rinse, shampoo and you’re good to go!
More Do-It-Yourself Recipes
Have any of these worked for you? What uncommon items have you grabbed from your kitchen pantry or fridge to use in your hair care routine?
I used to use mayo as a treatment but since all the new products out there forgot all about it. Will be going back to it an adding the avocado which is one of my favorite of a foods! Great to info! K
i use honey, egg,banana,avocado and coconut oil as my deep conditioner and trust me my $c hair is thanking me now. its so perfect. Give it a try and i bet ur hair will never be the same
I mix honey, coconut/avocado oil, eggs and my favorite conditioner for a deep conditioning treatment every week. It leaves my hair shiny, soft and more manageable. Im looking forward to trying the mayonnaise.