Conditioning Herbs For Hair

Dull, dry and lifeless hair can occur as the result of poor nutrition, perms, hair dyes, use of styling products and overuse of heat appliances, such as curling irons and hair dryers, writes Roberta Wilson, author of "Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health and Beauty." Good conditioning products are essential to restoring and protecting dry and damaged hair. Many natural herbs are reputed to moisturize and condition dull, dry and lifeless hair.

Lavender

Lavender is commonly used in skin and hair care products, with its use dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Lavender has a fresh floral scent that aromatherapists believe has a calming, soothing and relaxing effect, writes Gill Farrer-Halls, author of "The Aromatherapy Bible."

Use lavender as a deep conditioner to repair hair that has been damaged by chemical treatments, such as perms and hair dyes. Wilson recommends blending lavender essential oil with jojoba base oil to create a deep conditioning conditioning treatment for dry, over-processed hair. Other conditioning herbal essential oils, such as clary sage and cedarwood oil, may be added to this conditioner. Add approximately 20 total drops of essential oil for every 2 oz. of jojoba oil.

Discontinue use and consult with a health care professional immediately if allergic reaction occurs. Lavender essential oil is meant for topical use only.

Aloe Vera

The use of aloe vera dates back to 1,500 B.C. and was commonly used by the Egyptians for skin and hair care, writes Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs." Today, aloe vera is a common ingredient in skin and hair care products. Aloe vera conditions dry hair and can aid in preventing hair loss, according to ayurvediccures.com, a website dedicated to educating the public about herbs and their uses. Conditioners containing aloe vera are available at most local pharmacies, groceries and health food stores. Apply aloe vera gel, extracted from the leaves of the aloe vera plant, to the hair and scalp to make your own aloe vera conditioner.

Aloe vera gel is for topical use only. Discontinue use and consult with your doctor immediately if an allergic reaction occurs.

Chamomile

The use of chamomile as a medicinal herb dates back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, writes Wilson. Use chamomile to condition dry hair and to restore luster, shine and silkiness to damaged hair. To make a conditioning shampoo for dry hair, Wilson recommends mixing chamomile essential oil into any unscented, dry hair shampoo. Other conditioning herbal essential oils, such as rosemary and lavender, may also be used in this mixture. Use approximately 20 drops of essential oil for every 4 oz. of unscented shampoo.

A chamomile tea infusion may also be used to add highlights to brown hair, writes Dr. Dian Dincin Buchman, author of "Herbal Medicine."

Discontinue use of chamomile if skin irritation or allergic reaction occurs, and contact a health care professional immediately. Individuals who are allergic to ragweed may be at greater risk of developing an allergic reaction to chamomile, writes Castleman.