Plant-Care
Lavender
has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can rid the scalp of dandruff and itchiness.
The oil and water are soothing and contain antiseptic properties that calm skin and scalp irritation from dandruff, acne and itchiness.
work get rid of dandruff and itchiness.
Put 1/4 cup dried lavender buds in a glass jar or bowl. Pour 2 cups of hot water over the buds. Cover and let sit overnight. The next day strain your lavender water into a clean spray bottle, add 5 drops each of peppermint, rosemary and geranium essential oils. Spritz your scalp before applying your oils.
Hibiscus
Did you know that the amino acids in hibiscus flowers produce keratin? Keratin binds to the hair and makes it stronger. So, the same hibiscus flowers that make up the pleasant cup of hibiscus tea we commonly drink can actually thicken your hair!
Hibiscus has a cooling effect and works as an astringent to balance the PH on the scalp. This is great for combating dandruff.
Ground fresh petals and leaves into a paste. They are mucilaginous and will feel slimy between your fingers. This miucilage is a natural hair conditioner! The leaves and petals can be mixed with oils like peppermint for added benefits.
Lemongrass
is antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, making it one of the best essential oils for treating scalp issue like dandruff.
3-4 drops of the oil can be applied to your favorite plant-based oil like castor or jojoba oil. Massage pon the scalp and style as usual.
Lemongrass can be used to combat oily skin. Apply 3-4 drops to a cotton swab and massage on your face with rosewater or aloe for a great scalp tonic.
Known to strengthen hair follicles and preventing shedding.
Lemongrass also adds shine to the hair.
Flaxseeds
are one of nature’s hidden gems. We all know them for their common use- as an addition to salads and smoothies for a nutrition boost. However, natural HAIR loves flax just as much as our naturalista’s!
Flaxseeds are full of omega-3 amino acids which are actually nourishing to the hair and follicles. These essential nutrients naturally condition and improve the elasticity of your hair.
Flaxseed oil can be used in your hot oil treatments by using the double-boiler method and adding your essential oils and herbs of choice. The seeds can be boiled with dried herbs and strained to create a gel used for your natural styles.
Black Tea
The dried tea leaves are steeped in hot water for a couple of minutes and left to cool. I like to leave my tea leaves/bags in my water the entire time it’s steeping to ensure the darkest, most concentrated water.
Black tea is is naturally caffeinated and it’s this caffeine content that helps to block Dihydrotestosterone, a hormone we naturally produce which contributes to male pattern baldness, shedding and thinning.
Not only that, the caffeine helps to stimulate hair follicles which contributes to hair growth!
Black tea can be combined with essential oils like lemongrass, peppermint and rosemary for extra stimulation, itch-relief and conditioning.
Sage
has multiple benefits for natural hair, including:
the ability to naturally stain/darken gray hairs over time and lessen the formation of new gray hairs
Naturally strengthen the hair to reduce shedding
stimulation of the follicles to contribute to hair growth
softening the hair and adding shine
anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
Use the double-boiler method with fresh or dried sage to release the natural oils. Allow the water to cool, add your essential oils, pour over your hair and condition and style.