Often times the first introduction to a DIY herbal hair rinse comes after an investigation into shampoo-less methods of washing your hair…also called no poo hair care. Women all over the globe have ditched the conventional shampoo and conditioners found at the local grocery store and they are seeking out healthier, more natural, less chemical laden ways to take care of their tresses.
With all that we do to our hair these days such as coloring, blow drying, flat ironing, etc. It makes sense that we want something gentle and natural for our hair. Experimentation will be required to find the best no poo solution for your own hair and it does take a few weeks or even months for you to see the results you want. For conditioning for your hair after your diy shampoo routine you should look into an herbal hair rinse. For centuries women have used herbal rinses for shiny, soft, and more manageable hair. They are nothing new and once to you try it, you will not want to go back to conventional conditioners. Here is an herbal rinse you may want to try. For older women and those you suffer from hypothyroidism and the associated hair loss, this could be just what you are looking for!
Stinging Nettle and Rosemary DIY Herbal Hair Rinse
Stinging nettles are an annoying weed that pops up everywhere. Instead of getting annoyed by them all over your yard, use them! Rosemary is also incredibly easy to grow. Both can be used for a variety of herbal concoctions and remedies. If you don’t happen to have access to either plant then dried nettles and rosemary can also be used.
Stinging nettle has antioxidant, antimicrobial, astringent, antihistamine, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is nutrient and mineral rich, stimulates hair growth, and can be used to treat eczema. Rosemary also stimulates hair growth and blood circulation, slows graying, and can help with dandruff and dry scalp.
Here’s how you make it…
Take a handful of fresh stinging nettles and rosemary and put them in a wide mouth, quart size ball jar. Use a pestle to crush them a bit to release the essential oils. Cover with apple cider vinegar, replace the lid, and let sit for 3-6 weeks, shaking occasionally. When you are ready to harvest run to through a strainer (I like this one for herbs) and put it in a jar or bottle for the shower.
When you are ready to use your rinse just take a tablespoon or two of the rinse and add a cup of shower water. You probably need to keep an extra bottle, cup, or jar in the shower for this purpose. If you have long hair put the ends directly in the cup/jar for 20 seconds or so and then pour throughout your hair. Do not rinse it out. If you hate the smell of vinegar (and some do) let it sit on your hair for 3-5 minutes and then use cold water to rinse it out. Voila!
If you are in a super hurry for some rinse or it is the dead of winter and you don’t have the herbs you need, you can also use essential oils or tea in your hair. Try an herbal hair rinse, you won’t be disappointed.
I like using essential oils, but never realized that stinging nettles had any value. Thanks for sharing this. I already have plans to plant some rosemary, too.
Oh, I have stinging nettles pop up every year! I never knew you could this with them. I’ll have to give it a try! Thanks!
I haven’t tried anything like this before but I was just thinking my hair is so dry and sad looking I need something to bring back the shine. Might have to give this a try this weekend!