DIY recipes to strengthen the scalp and soften the hair
Not everyone is up for DIY beauty, but those who are will find a deep well of inspiration in Fresh & Pure: Beauty Balms & Cleansers, the latest book by holistic health and wellness coach Jules Aron. The book is filled with beautiful, wholesome recipes for homemade skin, hair and body treatments, made with organic ingredients straight from the kitchen.
Aron also shares a list of ingredients that you will want to have on hand to whip up at-home beauty-boosting masks, facials, balms, scrubs and more. Here are a couple of our favorite recipes from her new book.
Herbal Hair Rinse
Eliminate buildup and restore shine with this effective herbal hair rinse.
Nettles’ antioxidant, antimicrobial and astringent properties strengthen hair and restore its and your scalp’s natural pH balance.
Makes 1 rinse.
- 2 cups distilled water
- 1 teaspoon green tea leaves, or 2 tea bags
- 1 tablespoon dried nettles
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
About an hour before you plan to wash your hair, bring the distilled water to a boil in a large pot. Add the green tea, nettles, and rosemary. Remove from the heat, cover with a lid, and allow to cool completely, about 1 hour. Strain and discard the solids. Add the vinegar.
To use: Shampoo your hair as normal, then follow with the herbal rinse. Allow it to fully absorb without rinsing it out. Wrap your hair in a towel and dry as usual.
Pumpkin Spice Molasses Scalp Treatment
For your hair to grow thick and strong, start with a healthy scalp. This mineral-rich treatment, made with fresh pumpkin, nourishes the scalp, while the antioxidants promote hair growth and strengthen hair follicles.
Makes 1 treatment.
- 1/2 cup canned or fresh pure pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon mixed ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves (optional)
Immediately before use, mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl until well blended.
Apply the mixture to your hair, cover with a shower cap, and allow the mixture to penetrate your scalp for 15 to 20 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly.