Which Homemade Hair Conditioner Will Give You Glossy, Healthy Hair?

Who Else Wants Glossy, Healthy Hair?

“It was the worst thing I could have done” said actress Sienna Miller.

What was she referring to?

Apparently she used a henna dye kit on her hair, thinking that henna, being natural, would be good.  (Regular readers of this column know my viewpoint on “natural” – arsenic is also natural).

Miller had a slight green tinge to her hair after the home dye kit, and used tomato sauce to remedy the disaster.

Apparently it worked well.

So today’s post is all about homemade hair conditioners – which won’t harm your hair.

Why a homemade hair conditioner?

Commercial hair conditioner is expensive, has lots of additives, is mostly sold in plastic bottles and is not, in general, good for the environment.

So here are some suggestions for a chemical-free, eco friendly, cheaper and homemade hair conditioner.

First, you need to know….

1.     A homemade hair conditioner generally needs to be left in for best results.

This is fine if you’re going to be around the house for a while after washing your hair.  So I use a commercial conditioner when I’m in a rush, and my homemade hair conditioner when I’m staying at home.  My hair seems to quite enjoy the variety!

2.    Before or After?

Some homemade hair conditioners are designed to be used as a treatment, then shampooed out afterwards.

The ones I list below are designed to be used after shampooing.  Apply them to freshly-washed, damp hair. 

Homemade hair conditioner – to de-tangle

If you simply need to de-tangle your hair after washing it, then it’s simpler than you think.  You need a product with a low pH.

The best product is probably white wine vinegar – but many people find it doesn’t smell great.  Grape juice or apple cider vinegar are good alternatives. Apply for 15 minutes, then rinse well in warm water.  You can also mix it with water in a spray bottle and spray onto your hair – this is more efficient; there’s less waste.

Homemade Hair Conditioner – Add Volume

Fill a clean empty spray bottle with tap water and then add a teaspoon of ordinary table salt. Spray the salt water into your roots to give instant volume to your hair.

Stop Frizz, Protect Damaged Hair, Add Shine

A favourite of glossy-haired celebrities, extra-virgin olive oil can work wonders.  It de-frizzes if required, and adds a lovely, natural shine.

Although you can pour the oil directly on your hair, I like to use a spray bottle. This is much lighter on your hair, and especially good if you have fine hair.

Apply the oil to the middle and ends of your hair.  Wrap cling film or a plastic bag around your hair, or else just place a towel around your shoulders.

Leave for 20 minutes, then rinse.

Tip: don’t apply the oil to your roots – they have natural oils already.

Some people prefer to use a mild shampoo after an olive oil treatment.

Tip: if you don’t like the smell of olive oil (I don’t), add a couple of drops of essential oil – frankincense is a popular recommendation.  Shake well and allow to sit, then shake again before using.

Tip: If it’s cold, then you can gently warm the oil by placing the bottle in a basin of warm water for a few minutes (the oil must not get hot or you risk burning yourself).

Personally, I use coconut oil as I find it works better for me. However, I live in a hot climate, so it stays liquid. It’s easy to melt just by holding it for a while, but it does add an extra step, so an oil that stays liquid in your climate might be better for you.

It’s worth experimenting to see which suits your own individual hair best.

Homemade Hair Conditioner – Super Soft

Mix equal parts of honey and water.  Apply to middle and ends of hair.  Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water (it takes a bit of rinsing to get rid of all the honey).  Your hair will be really soft.

Which Conditioner is Best?

It doesn’t matter – we’re all different, find the one which you like the best.

But whichever one you choose, a homemade hair conditioner is always healthier for you and for the environment.

P.S. If you want to know which commercial conditioner I use, it’s Burt’s Bees Miracle Salve.  It’s a little difficult to buy where I live, but it’s multi-purpose and rated 0 (very safe) on the EWG Skin Deep database.  I also love an Australian range called Organic Care.

If you enjoyed this post, please Share, Like, Tweet or Pin it (buttons below) – thank you!

You might also enjoy: Natural, Safe Shampoo