Herbs for Manageable Hair

If your hair has seen better days, you don't have to reach for an expensive drugstore shampoo and conditioner. Instead, you can get smooth, silky and manageable hair at home using an herbal remedy. Consult your doctor before using herbal remedies on your hair, particularly if you have health conditions or allergies.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a natural remedy that might help hair grow strong, prevent dandruff and make hair shiny and lustrous, says Kori Ellis in the article "Get Healthy Hair" on SheKnows.com. Ellis recommends boiling a pot of water, then adding rosemary leaves and simmering the mixture for 15 minutes to create a hair rinse. Strain out the leaves, then allow the liquid to cool completely. Pour the rosemary rinse over the hair after shampooing, then rinse the hair in lukewarm water.

Thyme

Applying thyme to the hair might help prevent dandruff and a dry scalp that might cause unsightly flakes in the hair. A daily thyme rinse might be effective in removing dandruff. Prepare the mixture by boiling four tsp. dried thyme in 2 cups water. Allow the mixture to boil for 10 minutes, then strain out the herbs and let the mixture cool. Pour the mixture over your damp hair and massage the rinse into your hair with your fingertips. Do not rinse the mixture out of your hair.

Lavender

Kathi Keville, author of "Herbs for Health and Healing," recommends creating a mixture with lavender and other herbs to make hair less oily. Keville suggests mixing 1 tsp. each of lavender, calendula flowers, burdock root, chamomile flowers, sage leaves and lemongrass. Pour boiling water over the herbs, then allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes. Strain the herbs out of the mixture, then add 1/4 cup vinegar to the liquid. After shampooing, pour the mixture over the hair and do not rinse it out.