Herbal Hair Rinses

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.
August 8, 2000

      When the hair and scalp are damaged by such environmental factors as air pollutants, heat, ultraviolet radiation or dry indoor air; or by permanents, hair dyes or strong shampoos, hair rinses can help. Because the scalp supplies the hair with protein and other nutrients through a network of delicate blood vessels, the most effective hair rinses act directly on the scalp rather than on the hair shaft itself.
      Of the two main types of rinses (chemical and natural), natural rinses are preferable because they act to stimulate circulation in the scalp rather than just coating the hair with a protective chemical film. Natural rinses repair damaged hair by strengthening it, giving it a fresh appearance. They nourish the hair follicle and promote healthy growth, too.

For Healthier Highlights
       Want a natural alternative to damaging chemical color treatments? Use lemon juice to bring out blond highlights in your hair. Combine the juice of 1 lemon with ¼ cup of water in a glass jar, shake well and use as a rinse after shampooing. Rinse with cool water after 5 minutes. Lemon juice will also help treat an oily scalp.

Application
       Prepare an herbal hair rinse the same way you make an herbal tea. Pour a cup of boiling water over a tsp. of herbs. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Massage the rinse gently and evenly into the scalp; leave it on the hair without rinsing. Dry your hair with a soft towel. Heat can damage your hair, so try to avoid using a blow-dryer and allow your hair to dry naturally.

Rinse with beer to add shine and body
       If you want to do something nice for your hair, rinse it once a month with flat beer. After applying the beer, you can rinse the hair with warm water or not, as you choose. The beer acts as a natural setting lotion, giving blow-dried hair increased vitality, resilience and hold. The B vitamins and natural sugar add body and shine. Don't worry; the stale beer smell will disappear very quickly.

Apply sesame oil to reduce sun damage
       The rays of the sun are extremely damaging to your hair, bleaching and drying it until it becomes brittle. Indeed, hair damage caused by too much UV radiation is irreparable. However, sesame oil can provide excellent sun protection. Massage a few tbsps. of the oil into your hair and scalp before going out into the sun for prolonged periods. Sesame oil includes a natural SPF of about 2.5. For added protection you can blend the sesame oil with 10 drops of carrot-seed essential oil, which is high in antioxidants.

Brush the scalp to improve circulation
       Give your hair 100 strokes with a natural bristle brush every day to stimulate circulation in the scalp and give hair a silkier appearance. Regular brushing will also help to remove the pollutants and dust that settle on your hair every day and potentially cause damage.

Olive oil for split ends
       To help prevent split ends, rub olive oil into the ends of your hair 2-3 times per week. For best results, leave the oil on overnight and wash it out in the morning.

Sage Rinse

      Pour the water over the sage; steep until it cools a bit. Strain.
Effect
      Sage helps reduce the buildup of oil on the scalp and promotes healthier hair. Use this herbal rinse after shampooing for 3 weeks.

Birch-Leaf Rinse

      Pour the water over the birch leaves; steep until it cools a bit. Strain.
Effect
      When used regularly, this hair rinse will help to maintain the health of the scalp and may even be a good choice for preventing hair loss. It also keeps the hair soft and gives it a silky sheen.
Contraindications: Do not use this rinse on blond or gray hair, as it may darken the color.
Chamomile Rinse

      Pour the water over the chamomile flowers; steep until it cools a bit. Strain out the flowers.
Effect
This rinse soothes and heals the scalp and gives hair a silky sheen. You can also use the rinse to lighten blond hair.

Linden-Flower Rinse

      Pour the water over the linden flowers; steep until it cools a bit. Strain out the flowers.
Effect
      This rinse is helpful for over-stressed, dried-out hair. It is ideal, for example, if a permanent or repeated dyeing has made your hair brittle. It also promotes circulation in the scalp and makes the hair grow in healthier. You can use the rinse after shampooing for up to 6 weeks.
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Sources:
      All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden, Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D