Protect your hair from artificial perfumey shampoos and hair conditioners and try essential oils instead. They will leave your hair smelling of sweet lavender, citrusy lemon and or invigorating rosemary. Each of these are essential oils that are extracted from plants, herbs and flowers. Use gentle essential oils for dry hair and more astringent ones for oily hair. Add them to your favorite shampoo, or distilled water for an oil-reducing hair spray or to jojoba oil for a moisturizing oil. Always do a skin patch test before using essential oils if you are not used with them. Dab some on the inner elbow and cover with a bandage overnight. If skin irritation occurs, clean the area and discontinue use.
Dry Hair
Consider chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), lavender (Lavendula augustifolia) or rose for dry or damaged hair as these essential oils won't dry the hair out further. In a dark-colored glass container, combine about 3 to 4 oz. of a carrier oil, such as jojoba and add several drops of each. Use by applying sparingly to clean, dry hair that has not been coated with styling products. Comb through the hair evenly.
Oily Hair
Astringent oils such as tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), clary sage and lemon are best for oily hair. Sebum is the waxy substance that is produced on the scalp and skin naturally and people with oily hair may have overproduction of sebum. You can use any of these essential oils by adding 5 to 7 drops to 1 tbsp. of your regular shampoo. Rinse and condition lightly. You can place 2 to 3 oz. of distilled water in a water spritzer and add several drops of these essential oils and lightly spray hair at the scalp to help balance sebum production.
All Hair Types
Make a moisturizing hair oil for all types of hair from 3 oz. of jojoba oil, 2 oz. of virgin olive oil and 20 to 30 drops of lavender and rosemary essential oil. Shake well and store in a cool dark place. Use on clean, dry hair by working it through the hair from the scalp to the ends with a wide-toothed comb or a natural bristle brush. Surprisingly, this is not a heavy oil and provides a light sunscreen because of the jojoba oil.
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