Buzz
Hair can become dry, brittle, and dull when there is an excess of hair products and minerals from hard water buildup. Natural hair conditioners are simple to make, requiring only two basic ingredients. When used alongside shampoo and conditioner, the hair rinse not only removes oil but also helps keep the hair soft and shiny. This article will provide four recipes you can try using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Steps
Use Vinegar
Gather the ingredients. The idea of pouring vinegar on your hair might sound odd, but vinegar is effective at eliminating oil. It also helps balance the pH of your hair, smoothes the cuticle, and leaves your hair soft and shiny. However, be cautious not to use this rinse on dyed hair as it can cause the color to fade or smudge. You will need the following ingredients:
- 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of vinegar
- 1 cup (240 ml) of cold water
- A cup, mug, or bottle to hold the solution
Prepare the hair rinse solution. Pour water and vinegar into a cup, mug, or bottle. You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Stir the ingredients with a spoon until well mixed. If using a bottle, simply close the lid and shake.
- If you have long or thick hair, you will need to double the amount of ingredients: 2-4 tablespoons of vinegar and 2 cups (450 ml) of water.
Consider adding essential oils to the vinegar. Instead of just using vinegar, you can add 5-10 drops of essential oil to 1 cup (240 ml) of vinegar. Shake well to ensure the essential oil blends with the vinegar and use this mixture to create your hair rinse (1-2 tablespoons of the vinegar-oil mix for each cup (240 ml) of water). Do not apply the undiluted vinegar-oil mixture directly to your hair. Essential oils not only mask the sour vinegar smell but also provide benefits for your hair. Depending on your hair type, consider these oils:
- For dry hair: lavender, frankincense, peppermint.
- For normal hair: chamomile, sage, lavender.
- For oily hair: basil, lavender, lemongrass, lemon, patchouli, rosemary, tea tree, ylang-ylang.
Shampoo your hair. Wash your hair as usual using your favorite shampoo. This step is to remove the majority of the dirt and oil from your hair. You can use conditioner afterward, though the vinegar rinse is sufficient for leaving your hair smooth and shiny.
Apply the vinegar solution to your hair. Tilt your head backward and close your eyes tightly. Pour the vinegar-water mixture over your head, letting it flow from your hairline down the length of your hair to the tips. Be cautious not to get the solution in your eyes, as it can sting and cause a burning sensation.
Massage your scalp. Gently run your fingers through your hair and massage your scalp. You may notice foam forming, similar to soap suds. This is a normal occurrence and indicates that the vinegar-water mixture is working to remove oils and buildup from your hair.
Rinse your hair with cool water. Cold water helps to close the hair cuticles. You can also leave the vinegar solution on your hair. Don’t worry, the vinegar smell will disappear as your hair dries.
Use a baking soda solution
Prepare the ingredients. In this method, you’ll use a hair rinse made with baking soda to remove oil buildup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- 3 cups (700 ml) of water
- A bottle or container to hold the mixture
Mix the baking soda with water. Pour water into a large bottle or container, add the baking soda, and stir with a spoon until fully dissolved.
Shampoo your hair. Wet your hair and gently apply your usual shampoo. Rinse thoroughly. This step helps remove the initial layer of dirt and oil from your hair.
“You can use a baking soda solution before washing your hair with shampoo.”
Laura Martin
Licensed Aesthetician
Licensed Aesthetician
Pour the baking soda solution onto your hair. Tilt your head back, close your eyes, and pour the baking soda solution over your hair. Make sure the solution flows from the hairline all the way to the tips of your hair.
Rinse your hair with water. This step helps remove any remaining baking soda from your hair.
Condition your hair. While baking soda helps to remove oil, it can also dry out your hair. You can prevent this by rinsing your hair again with water and using your favorite conditioner. Be sure to rinse thoroughly unless you're using a dry conditioner.
Use a baking soda paste mixture
Gather the ingredients. In this recipe, you'll use a baking soda paste mixture to remove hair products that have built up on your scalp. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- ½ cup (120 ml) warm water
- A small bowl or cup to hold the mixture
Mix the paste. Pour the warm water into a small bowl or cup and add the baking soda. Gently stir the mixture until it forms a paste.
Wet your hair and apply the baking soda paste to your scalp. Gently massage the paste into your scalp. Do not rub it into your hair.
Leave the baking soda paste on your scalp for a few minutes. While you wait, you can take a shower.
Rinse off the mixture. Tilt your head back and thoroughly rinse out the baking soda paste. Gently massage your scalp with your fingers to remove all the paste. At this point, the mixture will run down your hair, helping to clear away the excess oil on your hair.
Shampoo and condition your hair. Once the baking soda paste is completely rinsed out, you can shampoo your hair and apply conditioner as usual. Be sure to rinse well to remove all residues.
Use lemon juice.
Gather the ingredients. The acid in lemon juice helps break down the oil on your hair. However, keep in mind that lemon juice may lighten your hair, especially when exposed to the sun for extended periods. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 3 cups (700 ml) water
- A large bottle or jar to hold the mixture
Prepare the hair rinse solution. Pour 3 cups (700 ml) of water into a large bottle or jar. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the water. Stir the mixture well with a spoon.
Shampoo your hair. Use your favorite shampoo and rinse thoroughly with water.
Pour the hair rinse onto your head. Tilt your head back, close your eyes, and pour the prepared solution onto your hair. Make sure the mixture runs from your hairline down to the ends. Leave it on for a few minutes, but be careful not to let the solution get into your eyes, as it can cause irritation.
Rinse your hair with water. After a few minutes, tilt your head back again and rinse your hair thoroughly with water.
Condition your hair after cleaning. After rinsing off the lemon juice solution, apply conditioner to your hair. This step is important because lemon juice can dry out your hair, and conditioner will help prevent this. Be sure to rinse out the conditioner unless you are using a leave-in conditioner.
Tip
- The mixtures above may cause dryness, but your hair will become softer after a few uses.
- You might notice bubbles forming when using these solutions. This is a good sign, indicating that the hair rinses are working. The bubbles represent the oil being cleaned from your hair.
- The ingredient amounts provided in the recipes above are general guidelines; you may need to adjust the ratios based on your hair type. Oily hair will require more vinegar/baking soda/lemon juice, while dry hair needs less. Also, remember, never apply undiluted vinegar/baking soda/lemon juice directly to your hair.
Warning
- Avoid using the above hair rinse solutions too frequently, as they can cause dryness and brittleness. It's recommended to use them once or twice a month.
- Lemon juice can lighten hair color, especially with prolonged sun exposure.
- Be careful not to let the hair rinse solution get into your eyes. Vinegar and lemon juice can cause irritation. If this happens, simply rinse your eyes with cool water.
- Vinegar can cause hair dye to fade or change color.
