Whether you're looking to make the switch to ecologically friendly products or are trying to save money by creating hair care products at home, natural ingredients are one way to go. Mother nature provides a plethora of plants and substances to choose from that help keep hair healthy, shiny and in top condition.
Honey
Honey is a natural ingredient found in home remedies and commercial hair-care solutions alike. Listed commercially as mel, honey is a natural moisturizer, drawing moisture from the air and sealing it into the hair shaft. Honey is also naturally antibacterial, a benefit outlined by a 1999 study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. Honey removes potentially harmful environmental organisms from your hair while imparting moisture and shine. In addition to the soothing properties of honey for both hair and scalp, it provides a pleasant fragrance. If you have a known allergy to honey, avoid using it as a natural hair care solution and look for honey or mel on natural hair care products.
Oils
Jojoba oil mimics the body's natural oil, sebum, as outlined in a 2009 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. Because of this similarity, jojoba moisturizes and softens hair without leaving thick buildup or residue. Dry hair benefits the most from jojoba oil. Greasy or oily hair may benefit from tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic, according to the International Aromatherapy and Herb Association. Tea tree oil removes dead skin cells and oil from your hair, reducing the occurrence of dandruff and skin irritation. Tea tree oil is also an antibacterial substance, an added bonus for those suffering from acne due to oily locks. Natural essential oils can also provide benefit to hair in any condition. Chamomile naturally lightens hair, bringing out your hair's own highlights, as noted in “The Herbal Companion.” Lavender has purported antimicrobial effects. Lavender oil or extracts condition hair and provide a soothing, natural scent. "A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients" reports that coconut oil has detergent-like properties and is the origin of controversial synthetic detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate. Olive oil conditions and softens hair; it is the basis of castile soap, a mild cleanser. These oils can be used on their own but are also found in commercially available hair care products. Individuals with sensitivities to certain plants may wish to avoid essential oils made from those plants.
Acids
Hair is covered by a scaly outer covering known as the cuticle. Hair that is damaged or dry may look bad due to the cuticle's scales snagging other hairs. Synthetic ingredients such as dimethicone coat the hair shaft, covering these scales. Natural acidic ingredients like lemon juice, citric acid and vinegar cause the scales to shrink on their own without introducing chemicals to your locks, leading to more shine and volume without product buildup, as noted by “Cosmetics Unmasked.” Use caution when experimenting with acidic substances–if they are left undiluted, they may cause sores on the scalp. These ingredients can also be found in commercially available hair care ingredients, for the same purpose.
References
- "Herbal Cosmetics Handbook"; H. Panda; 2000
- "A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, 7th Edition"; Ruth Winter; 2009
- "The Herbal Companion: The Essential Guide to the Properties of Herbs"; Marcus A. Webb; 1998
- "Cosmetics Unmasked: Your Family Guide to Safe Cosmetics and Allergy-Free Toiletries"; Stephen Antczak, Gina Antczak; 2001
- PubMed: PubMed: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine: Antibacterial Activity of Honey Against Strains of Staphylococcus Aureus from Infected Wounds
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