In a world saturated with mass-produced beauty products, the act of creating our own using natural ingredients emerges as a powerful statement and a conscious rebellion against the homogenized narratives of the beauty industry. It is a journey not merely towards healthy hair, but towards self-awareness, empowerment, and a deeper connection with yourself.
Why, in an age of convenience, would one choose the time-consuming path of crafting their own hair products? The answer lies in the very essence of the process. It is a reclaiming of agency, a rejection of the passive consumer role we are often relegated to. By mixing herbs, oils, and other natural ingredients, we become alchemists, conjuring up concoctions tailored to our unique needs and preferences.
This act of creation fosters a deeper understanding of our own hair and its specific requirements. We move beyond the superficial promises of glossy marketing campaigns and delve into the world of botanicals, learning their properties and how they interact with our individual hair. This knowledge empowers us to make informed choices, aligning ourselves with the natural rhythms of our bodies and the environment.
But the benefits extend far beyond the physical realm. Crafting our own haircare becomes a ritual of self-care, a moment of mindful engagement with our bodies. The act of blending, stirring, and applying becomes a form of meditation, grounding us in the present moment and fostering a sense of connection with ourselves.
Furthermore, choosing natural ingredients signifies a conscious rejection of the harmful chemicals often found in conventional haircare products. These chemicals, while promising immediate results, can wreak havoc on our health and the environment. By embracing natural alternatives, we contribute to a more sustainable future, reducing our reliance on synthetic materials and minimizing our environmental footprint.
Ultimately, creating our own haircare is a symbolic act of resistance against the tyranny of the beauty industry. It is a declaration of self-acceptance and a celebration of our individual uniqueness. It is a reminder that beauty lies not in conformity to manufactured ideals, but in embracing our natural selves and nurturing them with the gentle touch of nature.
So, let us step beyond the sterile aisles of the supermarket and embark on the journey of crafting our own haircare. Let us embrace the wisdom of nature, the potency of self-creation, and the transformative power of slowing down and caring for ourselves in a mindful and sustainable way. For in the very act of creating, we discover not just healthy hair, but a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us.
I didn’t discover this conditioner. It discovered me. Or better yet, my friend Melissa discovered it and brought it to me. It started with a goddess DIY self care day. Melissa, our friend April and I put together recipes for foot soaks, face masks and this lovely conditioner and made a day of it one Sunday.
This conditioner has been so much more for me than a hair care product. It’s helped me continue my no poo journey just when my dandruff was beginning to force me into abandoning it.
Melissa and I both use it regularly now. We’ll make a batch together routinely and then divide it up. It’s priceless when you can find friends that you can share things like this with.
How to make this conditioner
What you’ll need:
- Fresh Lavender
- Fresh Rosemary
- An Aloe Vera Leaf
Directions:
- Put a heaping tablespoon of each lavender and rosemary per cup of water and boil for several minutes until the herbs appear cooked. This shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes. I usually do about 2 cups of water.
- Let sit and cool until room temperature. Go about your day. This will take an hour or so.
- Once the mixture has cooled, slice open the aloe vera leaf and scoop out the insides (Be sure to thank the plant for it’s contribution). Spoon the insides into a blender and blend well.
- Strain the liquid you cooked earlier into the blender, leaving the solids out. I like to add 2 drops each of lavender and rosemary essential oil here just to make sure it’s got all the medicinal properties I can give it. (Cedarwood essential oil is also great here).
- Blend well and pour into your jar(s)! Keep refrigerated. It’s good for 2 weeks!
Using the Conditioner
Wash your hair as you normally would and just before exiting the shower, put some of this conditioner in your hair. I keep mine in a mason jar with a one piece lid on it and I use the lid to pour a bit out and onto my head.
Strategically pour a little here and there in spots on your head and then push into your strands to reach your scalp. It is gel-like with the aloe vera and will just sit on top of your hair if you don’t push it through.
Work it into your scalp for the benefits to your skin and run it the length of your hair to your tips. Don’t rinse it. Let air dry if you can but you can also blow dry it if you need to.
It will leave little pieces of aloe vera in your hair afterwords but it brushes right out, especially easily once it’s dried.
Rosemary Benefits
Rosemary can help you manage the greasiness of hair and it can provide relief from dryness. It helps reduce hair loss and has long been used in hair care throughout history. It’s also known to help dandruff (and soothes an itchy scalp) as an anti-inflammatory and antifungal.
Rosemary oil has been shown to stimulate hair growth in some studies. It is believed to work by increasing blood circulation to the scalp and inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can contribute to hair loss (and some studies suggest that it may be effective in treating alopecia areata).
Rosemary can help to strengthen hair strands, making them less prone to breakage. It can also add shine and luster to hair and it’s antioxidant properties may help to reduce premature graying of hair.
Energetically and aromatically, rosemary has been a staple of the household, used for boosting memory and confidence. It promotes rational and quick thinking and is tied to intellect.
Always test a small patch of skin before embarking on a new oil venture as oils always run the possibility of an allergic reaction. Especially in those with sensitive skin.
Lavender Benefits
Lavender is the queen of oils. She never runs short on what she’s willing to do and give us. Most of us know lavender is calming and soothing to the nerves but it’s also useful against dry skin, dandruff, dark circles and acne. It’ll leave your hair hydrated and shiny looking and if you have particularly greasy hair, it can help keep sebum levels balanced instead of excessive.
Lavender oil is believed to stimulate hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the scalp and nourishing hair follicles. It also possesses antimicrobial properties that can prevent infections and scalp irritation, creating a healthy environment for hair growth.
Lavender’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties can help alleviate dandruff and scalp irritation. Its soothing nature provides relief from itchiness and flaking, promoting a healthy scalp environment. It’s a great moisturizer for dry hair and scalp, making it soft and manageable.
Metaphysically, it’s said to insight love whether it be self love or others, your intention decides that although I deeply ask you to infuse self love into it. It also offers protection.
Aloe Vera Benefits
This wonderful plant can help smooth frizz and promote hair growth. It’s a widely used remedy for dandruff (which you can check my post over here about), can help moisturize your hair and improve hair elasticity, decreasing breakage.
Aloe vera is rich in water content and humectants, which help to attract and retain moisture in the hair shaft. This is particularly beneficial for dry and damaged hair, as it prevents dryness, breakage, and split ends. It also acts as a natural conditioner, leaving hair soft, smooth and manageable.
It possesses anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that can help to soothe a variety of scalp conditions, such as dandruff, psoriasis, and eczema. It reduces inflammation and itchiness, promoting a healthy and comfortable scalp environment.
Aloe vera can also help to regulate the production of sebum. This is beneficial for both dry and oily hair, as it helps to maintain a healthy balance and prevents excessive dryness or greasiness. Aloe’s natural shine can enhance the appearance of dull hair, leaving it looking healthy and vibrant. It also helps to smooth the hair cuticle, reflecting light and adding a natural luster.
The benefits of aloe vera extend past the hair. It’s also great for your skin. I like to rub it into my face when I use this conditioner. It can hydrate dry skin, reduce acne and dark spots and tone skin. It’s also helpful in lengthening lashes.
Do you make or use something similar in your hair care routine? Tell us about it in the comments!
Other articles you may enjoy
- 2 Reasons to Use Essential Oils for House Cleaning
- How to Use Essential Oils Topically
- The Ancient History of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
- The 3 Ways of Using Essential Oils
- The 3 Best Essential Oils For Beginner
Author
S.S.Blake; Spiritual Life Coach, Yoga + Meditation Teacher and Founder of Earth and Water
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