18 Aug The Mane Issue: Magical Natural Hair Care Treatments

Whether you rock bouncy curls or super-straight tresses, bangs, braids, a perky pixie cut or a gorgeous natural afro – your “crowning glory” needs gentle natural care to stay in tip-top condition. Our green team has put together some “magnificent mane management” tips and tricks – including five fab hair care recipes you can use at home.

General Tips

• Know your type: Get to know your hair type, and choose products that help specifically with your common hair care concerns.
• Keep your cool: Avoid excessive heat styling, and use warm water rather than hot water to wash your hair. Overheating can leave your hair brittle and dry.
• Cut down on chemicals: Sulphates and parabens are common irritants found in ordinary hair products. For healthier hair and scalp, use natural shampoo, conditioner and styling products to reduce the toxic load on your tresses.
• Careful combing: Don’t brush your hair while it’s wet, as this will cause breakage. Instead, use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb.
• Smart snacking: Eat the right foods to nourish your hair from the inside out.

DIY Treatments for Your Hair Type

These natural hair care treatments are so easy to make at home; because they’re so gentle and free of harsh chemicals, you can use them every week without damaging your locks. Try the recipe that suits you best:

Rescue Dry Hair: Avo Magic

Packed with omegas and nourishing vitamins, this mask hydrates dry, brittle hair beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1Tbsp honey
• 2Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Method:

• Mash the avocado.
• Blend well with the honey & olive oil until smooth.
• Apply the mixture to dry hair.
• Wrap your hair in a shower cap & relax for 20-60 minutes while the mask works its magic.
• Rinse the mask off in the shower, using warm water rather than very hot water.
• Shampoo & condition your hair as usual.

Volumise Thin Hair: Banana Bounce

This mask is loaded with potassium, which strengthens thin, damaged hair without weighing it down.

Ingredients:

• 1 large ripe banana
• 1Tbsp honey

Method:

• Blend the banana & honey in a blender, until its creamy & smooth with no chunks.
• Apply the mixture to your hair.
• Wrap your hair in a shower cap & relax 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse the mask off in the shower, using warm water rather than very hot water.
• Shampoo & condition your hair as usual.

Tame Frizzy Hair: Brown Sugar Blast

De-tangle your tresses and take the frizz out of your curls with this ultra-natural, simple and alcohol-free homemade hair spray.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup filtered water
• 4tsp brown sugar
• 6-8 drops of your favourite essential oil (optional)

Method:

• Boil the water in a saucepan.
• Add the sugar & stir until it dissolves.
• Allow the mixture to cool. Add the essential oil.
• Transfer your mixture to a clean spray bottle.
• Wash your hair. Apply the spray to wet hair.
• Leave your hair to air-dry; the spray will add a bit of “crunch” & de-frizz your curls.

Balance Oily Hair: Oatmeal “Hair Porridge”

Feed your hair with this nourishing mixture, which protects the hair follicles and prevents the build-up of excess oils.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup oatmeal
• ½ cup fresh milk
• 1-2Tbsp almond oil (depending on the length of your hair)

Method:

• Mix the ingredients into a paste.
• Apply to dry, tangle-free hair.
• Relax for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse the mask off in the shower, using lukewarm water.

Banish Dandruff: Rosemary Hair Rinse

This is like a cup of herbal tea for your hair. Rosemary relieves dry, itchy scalps, clears dandruff and product build-up, and adds shine to dull hair.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 10-15 sprigs fresh rosemary OR 4Tbsp dried rosemary
• 3Tbsp apple cider vinegar (for deep conditioning)

Method:

• Boil the water & pour into a large teapot.
• Add the rosemary. Leave to steep for at least 30 minutes.
• Strain & pour into a clean plastic (shower-safe) bottle or cup.
• Add the vinegar & stir/ shake well to combine.
• Shampoo your hair as normal.
• Rinse out the shampoo; pour about half the rosemary rinse over your head.
• Leave for 4-5 minutes, then wash out the rinse with cool water.

We’d love to hear your natural hair care secrets – share your must-have DIY recipes with us!