Let’s make a pact today. You and me.
From now on, when we have a beauty issue, we’ll look in the cabinets – first – before we run out and buy an expensive (or even bargain) product to fix us.
And, I know, I know … there’s just something a little bit comforting about picking up a bottle of FancySchmancy-Make-You-Fabulous Potion; there’s some weird satisfaction in forking over your hard-earned money to feel hot.
But there’s a new and better feeling from fixing it yourself — by rummaging through your kitchen. (Put down the donuts. They do not belong on your hair.)
And don’t get me wrong, sometimes it’s easier or less time consuming to snag a product from the shelf. I’m just saying, kitchen first. Store second.
Now, I’m here to get you started with your tresses.
When I say “5 Foods You Have In Your Kitchen,” I mean “5 Foods That Are Still Left In My Kitchen,” because my produce drawer is really bare right now. I’ve had a hard time buying fruits and veggies since my week-long farmers market escapade a while back (that involved things like pumpkins). My burn-out is almost over, though. More fresh food beauty coming soon … I promise.
At this point, I figure if I have these 5 things in my kitchen, you SURELY have them in yours.
And we’re going to fix your hair. Today. Right now. And forever.
Amen.
1. Baking Soda
Do you have any idea how many times, on this blog, I have typed the words “baking soda?” Me either. But it has probably surpassed the number of beers Fiance’s friend James has drank while playing Rock Band. Why SO many times?
Because:
Baking
soda
kicks
butt.
Rinse Your Hair With Baking Soda Once a Week to Remove Build-Up
You can actually do this one of two ways: Add 2 Tbsp of baking soda to 3 cups of water. After shampooing, rinse with the baking soda water and then condition as you normally do. Or, if you have a way to keep your baking soda dry as you shower, put your shampoo in your hand (as usual) and then sprinkle a decent amount of baking soda on top of that. Then just wash your hair.
The baking soda will REALLY help clarify your hair and leave it shiny and silky – kinda like it’s brand new.
Who Should Use This: It’s okay for any hair type (especially if you only do it once a week), but it’s best served for people who have issues with hard water or product build-up, dull hair, or hair that just hangs out and doesn’t have much life to it. Like Fiance’s friend James.
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2. Eggs
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Why did the girl with dry hair cross the road?
To follow the chicken laying the eggs. (Who saw that coming?)
You know those fancy shampoos you buy that run around with sparkly labels boasting “protein for strengthening” in them? Well, you can get the same effect just by washing your hair with eggs. And egg yolks are nice and packed with vitamins A, D, and E – all great for shiny, healthy hair. To top it off, the fatty acids in eggs moisturize and condition like nothing else.
How to Use Eggs in Haircare
Much like the baking soda above, the quickest and easiest way to get the great egg effect for your hair is to add a beaten egg to your regular shampoo. Just whip up the egg and pour some shampoo in the bowl with it. Wash your hair as normal.
Alternatively, you could whip up one or two eggs (depending on your volume of hair) and rub them into dry hair. Cover with a towel or shower cap and leave on 15 minutes before washing out. And please heed the note below.
Note of Caution: As the lovely Miss Stephanie pointed out a few months ago, if you’re not careful with your eggs in the shower, you could end up with scrambled hair. Make sure the water you rinse with isn’t so hot as to cook the eggs. THAT would be a mess.
Who Should Use This: People who have brittle or delicate hair – or anyone just wanting to add luster, strengthening, and moisture.
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3. Molasses or Maple Syrup
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A few weeks ago, one of my beautiful friends barreled up to me sputtering, “Maple syrup. My hair. Maple syrup. My hair!”
I was ready to dial 911. Isn’t that a sign of a seizure? Anyway, what she was really saying is that for years she’d had dry, unmanageable hair – and then she did a maple syrup pack, and it was, almost instantly, moisturized again.
Molasses works in much the same way (and I personally prefer it, because I have a molasses-scent fetish).
But the author of The Beauty Cookbook, Kym Douglas, infamously poured maple syrup on her hair on the Ellen Show (which happens to be where my friend got the idea), which gave rise to this now-standard beauty trick.
How to Use Molasses or Maple Syrup on Your Hair
Pour either of these things (you can dilute the molasses with water if it’s too thick to scrub in) on dry hair. Wrap with plastic wrap or cover with a good shower cap. Leave on for 20 minutes. Wash as you normally do. Note: Please use real maple syrup or molasses – none of this “mostly high-fructose corn syrup” crud. That’s not going to help much.
Who Should Use This: People with dry hair or anyone who wants a very hearty boost of moisturizing.
Bonus: Black strap molasses, taken internally (about 2 tsp a day) can help clear up acne and strengthen hair and nails. In fact, a couple of studies have shown that daily ingestion of black strap molasses may, in fact, help alleviate hair loss and even restore hair.
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4. Apple Cider Vinegar
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If there’s one thing I do for my hair on a regular basis, it’s use a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse at the end.
It may smell a little funky at first, but the vinegar scent dissipates as the hair dries, and leaves behind a VERY pH balanced scalp, which equals a really healthy head of hair.
As a side note, I’ve also been taking 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water once a day for about three weeks. Energy level has DEFINITELY gone up, and my occasional heartburn has completely disappeared.
I. Love. ACV.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar on Your Hair
Add 1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar to 2 cups of water. Shake well.
After using conditioner, just before hopping out of the shower, rinse your hair with the ACV mixture. You can either do one last rinse with water, or leave it in. As I said, the scent will disappear completely as it dries.
Take your vinegar rinse up a notch by boiling chamomile (for blonde hair), rosemary (for dark hair) or nettle (any hair color) in the water before adding the apple cider vinegar. (Just be sure to strain the herbs out before adding ACV.)
Who Should Use This: Anyone who wants a little extra clarifying or suffers from dandruff, oily scalp, or dullness. In addition, anyone who wants a little extra smoothing shine should try an ACV rinse.
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5. Olive Oil
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Shoot. Who doesn’t want softer, shinier hair?
In the list of foods in your kitchen that work on your hair, olive oil probably takes the cake. It’s a centuries-old remedy that has been largely forgotten – and needs to be revived. Right now. Just like your hair.
There are a couple of ways you can use olive oil to moisturize and repair your locks – and I’m about to give you both of them.
Try it. Tell me how much you love it.
Then tell everyone else you know.
How to Use Olive Oil on Your Hair
To moisturize and strengthen: Pop 1/2 cup of olive oil in the microwave for 15 seconds (or heat on very low for a few minutes) – just until it’s warm enough to matter, but not so hot that it burns your skin. Apply to damp (not dripping!) hair. Wrap with plastic wrap or cover with a warm towel. Leave this on for 20 minutes to an hour, and then shampoo out as usual.
To smooth and shine: Put a scant 1/2 tsp of olive oil in your palms and rub. Then apply to the top of your hair, moving downward.
Who Should Use This: Everyone! Olive oil is great for any hair type and helps with pretty much any issue you may have. If you have a lot of flyaways or split ends, the “smooth and shine” method will fix it like you wouldn’t believe.
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Have you ever put food in your hair? What was it? (I’m going out on a limb here and guessing it was beer.)
In long-and-lustrous crunch!
The Epic Guide to Making Your Own Chai Tea
I made and sold hairspray for years that was made from herbs, essential oils, gelitan, and the like. While using this, I had hair down to me knees. I also did a vinegar rinse when I washed my hair, every other day. Now, I use store bought hair spray, I do a mixture of eggs, honey, olive oil, and cayenne on my hair once a week. I mix soda with my shampoo and rinse with diluted white vinegar before I condition as usual. My hair fell out severely over the years from stress and hormones, (my hairs luscious during pregnancy) it was to the middle of my back but it is now starting to fill full and healthy again, I can actually sit on the end! I noticed that using ACV my hair goes darker (I’m very blonde naturally) and my scalp feels better with white vinegar. I have never used commercial coloring of any kind, but I do use lemon juice and cayenne on a regular basis.
I’ve used coconut oil on my hair. It smells better than olive oil. But it works just as great. I’ve let it sit over night & it makes my hair so smooth and soft. Now I’m using a argon oil (I think) I’m going to upload a post on it & how I like it. It smells like vanilla! Super excited to see how it works.
Olive oil works great especially for course kinky curls. I’ve seen some things about corn syrup has anyone tried that and if so does it work like olive oil? And as for liz, brandy, and Amy tho its 2yrs late into this blog you’re terrible people and should be ashamed of your selves also have a lot of growing up to do not everyone is born with silver spoons in their mouths there’s people that do struggle for many different reasons you seem to be the type of lifeless people that hop on blogs to down and disrespect others maybe to make yourselves feel better about your own issues and that’s just sad
Do these work on African American hair ?
I use to wash my hair with egg York. And my hair stared to fall out. can you tell me why.
what do you want me to say. I just found your website ?
I just found your website and I like what I SEE. I am 73 and I do not look my age and I never want to look my age. I do not act my age or do I dress my age.
Ladies, don’t be using baking soda in your hair. It acts like a scouring agent. Yes, it does remove build up: however, you add a pinch to the shampoo you have placed in your hand first, emulsify together, shampoo from scalp to ends, thoroughly rinse twice, apply a conditioner. Vinegar rinses will help close down the cuticle layer, which will increase shine. Don’t over use because it’s acidic, which in turn can overly dry the hair out. Olive oil, eggs, and molasses do nothing. Stop trying to make recipes in your hair. Why? The molecular size is wrong. Work with your hairdresser to find conditioning products to support your life’s habits. Even if you cannot afford to buy at the salon, there are plenty of online stores that carry. Wishing you all happy hair ahead for the New Year.
HELP! I apparently have an allergic reaction to something that is almost every shampoo/conditioning product out there. I need a natural product to use as my shampoo and conditioner. I appreciate the great tips so far, but you are still recommending using everything with other shampoos & conditioners. Thanks.
How i manage my hair:
remedies: egg, olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil, shea butter.
Steps:
break 2 eggs into a bowl, mix an keep aside, pour 1tp of olive oil, coconut oil and castor oil into a container, boil in micro wave ovun for 30seconds. Firstly, apply d oil mixture into ur hair n message properly, thereafter, apply d egg n message abt 5m. Cover wid shower cap 4 30min.
In d shower: rinse well wid cold water or lukewarm water, apply shampoo, den wash n condition.
After shower: apply shea butter to moisturize n a little olive oil to make it shiny.
I do dis remedy once a month n my hair is wao…
I used two eggs with the white & yolk left it for 30 mins washed with cold water then used a little conditioner and when I went to blow dry my hair it was stiff and very easy to get in knots , what did I do wrong ?? 🙁
very nice
I just had two perms back to back less than 4 days aprt my hair is falling out and is fried what shoul I do ??? Please help me!!!
very fabulous ideas !!!!! I’ll definetly try
Absolutely! I love reading your blog! ♥
Can i use beer?
26yo/mom of 3!/married 6 years. . . Hair is soooooooo dead, frizzy, no luster/shine, falling out, fried from heat and dyes(too many colors&bleaches to count!), and curls limp/sad/*fart noise* . . . all those things caused by my life and bad styling choices, I used to have BEAUTIFUL BOUNCY SHINY curls like my daughter has (I envy her >:c grrr) and couldn’t for the life of me fix it till one day *DUN DUN DUUUUUNNNNNN!* LICE!!!! AHHHHHH! all the over the counter lice creams & shampoos didn’t work and my 2 oldest got infested from a stupid epidemic at school (grrr) so asked other moms(from my sons class), got nothing. Then from one of my best friends (also a mom) learned using ACV & COCONUT OIL WORKS! ACV removes the eggs, then COCONUT OIL suffocates them! So u do that leave it in over night then wash with non sulfate shampoo & conditioner comb, bush & let air dry. . . TADA!!! OUR HAIR WAS PERFRCT AND CURLY (mine again) I was thrilled!!!! Oh yea, the lice were gone. . . . *meh* So today I thought I’d look up more ways to heal & fix my curls and keep my girls hair perfect & healthy and i`m so happy I found you 😀 thanks for your blog and advice, try adding coconut oil to your hair steps and stuff and keep staying awesomely crunchy!!!
Filthy pig – who cares if you keep a sty.
send newsletters please thank youu
what do I have to do to make my hair thicker ?
What recipe did your friend follow for the maple syrup hair mask?
I’ve use mayonnaise into hair to help get really bad tangles out. When I was younger I hated to brush it, the smell wasn’t so graet but it really helped
This is what we do in India: Upuntil my mom’s generation, men and women used to apply coconut/sweet almond oil to hair and scalp and leave it on. Yes it was greasy, sticky but that’s how oldies maintained their luscious locks!
This is what we newbies do today:
– Apply generous amount of oil on hair and scalp the night before washing hair.
– Put a shower cap (I have one reserved just for this purpose)
– Lay a thick fabric or plastic sheet to cover the top surface of the pillow
– sleep
– Following morning wash hair
By morning, my scalp would have absorbed all the nutrients from the oil but will still feel greasy. Double the amount of shampoo is needed to get rid of the oil. But, with this simple kitchen ingredient, hair can be oil-free:
– soak fenugreek (“methi” in Hindi)seeds powder in water. How much do you need? It depends on the length of hair. For short hair, 1/2 teaspoon is enough. For medium hair, 3/4 tp and for long hair 1 tp is enough. The amount of water needed for soaking depends on the amount of water used to dilute shampoo.
-Soaking time: at least an hour. I usually soak it at night and by morning powder becomes paste and doubles in quantity. Water is also sticky. Don’t worry this is beneficial to the root and scalp.
– Do not filter or toss away the paste.
– While in shower, mix in shampoo in the fenugreek mixture. Small amount of shampoo goes a long way.
– One will notice how frothy the mixture becomes after adding shampoo.
– Rub this liquid on scalp and hair. One will notice that less amount is required to wash hair.
– I tend to wash my hair until my hair is oil free. I know this by simply touching my hair.
– 1/2 tp of fenugreek powder + water + shampoo is enough for 2 people. My husband and I both have short hair.
Where can you buy fenugreek seeds powder?
– Indian stores sell fenugreek seeds AKA Methi dana (in Hindi; Methi= fenugreek, dana = seeds). They are small yellow seeds. Powder form is also sold in Indian stores. But, if you happen to get the seeds, grind to fine powder in a coffee grinder. But, clean the coffee grinder with vinegar and baking soda mixture to remove the smell and bitter taste. Otherwise your coffee will be bitter.
All this looks like a lot of steps, but it you look at it:
1. Oil hair the night before
2. Take care that pillow and sheets don’t get stained with oil
3. Soak fenugreek seeds powder in water the night before
4. Wash hair in the morning by mixing in shampoo to the soaked mixture.
Note: wash your hands with little bit of table salt to get rid of the smell and bitter taste.
4 steps and thats a wrap!
Warm up olive oil in the microwave and apply to roots massage head for 2 minutes and lie on your bed or couch with your head upside down this will cause blood flow to your scalp sit up slow you go dizzy off it but it works leave olive oil om hair for a hour 🙂
Is it too much if I:
1. Damp my hair then do the OLIVE OIL treatment.
2. After an hour, shampoo my hair with BAKING SODA.
3. After rinsing with water, finish with the VINEGAR rinse.
I have all these ingredients in the kitchen.
i liked the egg and shampoo “recipe” but i didn’t know how much shampoo to use
Does hair dye stay in the hair longer when you go no-poo?
Hello this lakiesha i wash my hair with Oliver oil and i want to know if it will grow your hair and does it really work
How about peanut butter?
I showered with peanut butter once. Not for my hair, but I was painting my house and I was covered in paint. (I think it was oil based primer). A friend of mine whose SO worked in construction told me about the peanut butter trick for removing the paint, and it worked like a charm (but then I had to clean the peanut butter prints out of the shower).
I like peanut butter……so does my dog…
I’ve been doing no poo for almost a year (baking soda and vinegar, although I was thinking about switching to ACV and you sealed the deal!) I have long hair, that’s curly in summer, and really wavy/big curls in winter (basically it’s not tight curls and is dependent on humidity.) my hair is really thick and pretty shiny. It could be softer though, as it’s course. I have eczema so my scalp is often flakey. Which treatment do you thinks is best for me?
I recommend trying virgin coconut oil for haircare, it smells lovely and the results are beyond awesome!
My hair used to be an dry, endless void of split ends, but now it feels smooth and moisturized.
Just put some coconut oil on your hands, rub it in your hair BEFORE showering and leave it be for an hour or two, wash well with shampoo (unless you want an oily look) and you’re done.
Did this help end your split ends or just smooth them out?
Hi every one, here every one is sharing these kinds of familiarity, thus it’s nice to read this weblog, and I used to go to see this webpage all the time.
Like… In the same setting lol.
Can you do all of these in one shower?
Yea. You can never do too much good to your hair.
I use sunflower oil in my hair as a heat protectant. Before I blow-dry my hair I put
about a teaspoon in my palms and rub it into damp hair. Then I go on and style as normal.
Would olive oil make your hair greasy-looking?
Yes. If you use too much olive oil will leave your hair very oily. Use as recommended and you should be fine.
I use extra virgin olive oil and poor very little into a cup. I scoop some olive oil out with the tip of my fingers and massage my whole scalp. If you put too much, it would be harder to take off later. I usually like to do this about 30 minutes before I go to sleep so that I could sleep with it overnight (I put a bun on and sleep on a towel) and, in the morning, I go straight to the shower and rinse it off then shampoo and condition my hair. I’m in love with it! My hair is so soft, it’s healthier, and a lot brighter/shinier. Although, it may take time in the shower so make sure you have time in the morning before you do anything. 🙂
What if you don’t have apple cider vinegar but you have the requalr one and wahat if you don’t have olive oil but corn oil
I wash my hair with just baking soda and white vinegar and it works great! My hair doesn’t start to look oily for 3-4 days between washes. So yes, regular vinegar works.
Then go shopping.
Stop being mean maybe she is poor and can’t afford it meany pants
maybe she dosnt have any money or a car
Apple cider vinegar has a pH close to the pH of your scalp. White vinegar is stronger than ACV and could leave your scalp too acidic. In addition, adding baking soda just straight onto the hair is a bad idea, baking soda is basic with a pH of 9. You scalp is around 4 (water is around 7). You could end up with an unbalanced pH and damage your hair if you use baking soda too often and don’t use it in a diluted version.
I am in my 50s. I thought my hair was falling out due to old age. I quit using commercial shampoos and was amazed at the results. My hair quit falling out. It got shinier and manageable. I have been using homemade shampoo using stuff from my kitchen for two years now. My hair is now as thick as it was when I was young before I ever started having kids. The old natural curl has come back. I only shampoo once every week or two and the rest of the time, I just use a vinegar rinse. I used to think I had to shampoo every day or my hair would get oily and feel gunky. Now no matter how long I go between shampoos my hair never gets gunky. I figured out that when you shampoo every day, you are just washing out the gunk (commercial shampoos and junk) you put in your hair the day before. Also, what you wash your hair with does absorb into your system. Would you sit down to a glassful of shampoo and conditioner concoction every morning for breakfast? If you would, fine, keep putting it on your hair. If not, stop using it. Nuff said.
Janet, what do you use in your homemade shampoo ?
I found a recipe that uses 1 egg, 1Tbs lemon juice, 1tsp apple cider vinegar and some olive oil. It called for 2Tbs but I found that was way too much for me. I usually put 1tsp or so in. I pour a little at a time in my hand and work it through my hair. After the shampoo, I rinse it with a vinegar rinse. Among other things, the vinegar will take out the egg smell. However, my daughter just used baking soda. She just puts some in her hand and makes a paste of it and works it though her hair. She uses it on her kids as well.
I’ve been using baking soda to cleanse my scalp/hair and apple cider vinegar to condition for over a year. This is ALL I use; no store bought shampoos or conditioners whatsoever. Let me tell you, the result has been amazing. I used to have hair that got greasy fast and now it NEVER does. It grows almost 2 inches a month and is super soft. I can honestly say I will never use shampoo or conditioner ever again.
Was planning on doing the olive oil treatment, but was wondering if I should do my hair colour first. Can you help but telling me what I should do first?
Just a couple of questions I’m hoping someone can answer:
1.) How often should I do all of these? Once a month, once a week, etc.?
2.) Should I do all of these (if it’s okay to) in the same week, day, or month or should I spread them out? If I should spread them out, what kind of time period should I spread them across?
3.) Is it okay to do more than one of these at a time or should I only do one at a time?
4.) What ones would it be okay to do together or around the same time for my hair, if at all?
5.) Would any of these be bad for my hair in any way?
For some background, I have naturally blonde hair, no chemicals except shampoo and conditioner, and my hair is kind of thin.
definitely not all at once as would be too much for the hair …
Everybody’s hair is different and everyone responds to the same treatment differently so if I was you, I would try one that sounds ‘right’ and would try it a few times (if the outcome is positive) before making up my mind that it is the right treatment for me…
If something works may as well stick to it and if it does not this way you will know exactly what does not work as using more than one thing close together will give you a warped result. Plus some of these treatments can counteract each other or multiply the effect so can be counterproductive or even damaging to your hair.
Just because something is a natural ingredient it does not mean it cannot or will not harm you
Hello, I am brand new to your blog just today. I’m already hooked. I have been researching nature`s remedies for a lil bit now, which placed me into your blog, which seems to be vastly beneficial!! I have used baking soda for my face n noticed quite a diff, never thought bout it for your hair!! I been trying to do the no `poo off n on for years, n could never bring myself to ignore the nasty oiliness that is on my head, but now maybe I have the gumption of at least hopefully not having to wash this mane every single day (or skipping a day here and there when I’m feeling lazy) in fact there was a few days that I just washed my hair with conditioner, n that was definitely different, n it felt nice for about two to three days until it felt like I had too much build-up. Also, I feel inclined to mention, so that I’m not off topic; Now, I have had many foods in my hair and I’m not just talking about what gets put into it by my lovely son lol! I have done eggs, vinegar (white distilled), miracle whip/mayonnaise, and of course the ever pleasing beers. Not all at the same time, of course, that would be a very long grueling day!
Apologies, I accidentally touched the submit button before I wanted to. I just wanted to add, that I think crunchy betty is a very informative site, so thank you. And Ashley Whitmore, I will send you an email, because I know EXACTLY what you’re going through. And perhaps I can be of some service, or perhaps not, it may be too late, in which case, I do hope that the wedding was add wonderful as I’m sure it was! Btw, I am 24 as well, until August 12.and have dealt with hair clumps in the shower something fierce! But since I cut back on washing my hair, have had less issues. And my hair is committed, but no color has dispersed since that first initial wash, and its weird, but this is how I did that, I didn’t wash my hair at all for a whole 36-48 hours, n then when I did, I only put conditioner in it, n rinsed with COLD water until no digs came out of my hair. N I did this again two days later, then the next day, I washed it with the poo. Wasn’t a good idea, cuz it was nice, my hair, until I washed it, n couldn’t get all of the residues that it insists on leaving on my head… But always, I’ve rinsed with COLD water, cuz it closes your pores, n helps provide that healthy shine and smoothness we all long for so much.
Hey, I just want to tell you and everyone that one of the best ways to get any kind of oil out of your hair is using eggs- especially the yoke, have it coated over your hair and massage really good and it will get the greasy feeling out and leave you with shines soft hair!! I’m not Into shampoo- for obvious ingredient reasons, so I’d try it and let people know they can do a egg wash to get that dang oil out! 🙂
Any suggestions for really damaged hair? I was in an over-chlorinated pool over a month ago and my hair still feels like straw. I’ve tried coconut oil, olive oil, eggs, avocado, honey, baking soda, mayo, palm oil and even just regular old conditioner. Any ideas?
A shampoo that removes chlorine, maybe?
Maybe try washing it less frequently until it re-balances it self…
I had a similar problem when I coloured my hair early on in the year (ad the hairdresser did something wrong) and it took 3 months for it to stop feeling like straw every time I washed it 🙁
I just decreased the frequency of washing it and it did make a difference…
An tips on how to thicken and give hair more volume ? My hair is really thin and I don’t have enough hair so I want thicker more volumous hair
I would guess the egg would do that, since adding more protein would theoretically add volume.
I mixed one egg with 2tsp olive oil in my 9 month olds hair then shampood it and it came out soft, shiny, and beautiful. I’ve been using olive oil on her hair since she was two months and her hair is long and healthy.
i always have to wash my hair twice day cuz it get really greasy what do do to prevent this?
I had this same problem with my face. Ironically you need to wash your hair less! Because most likely you are shampooing out all the good oils in your hair, so your scalp is overcompensating by producing more oil. It is like if you wash your face too often, it gets oily quicker because your face is producing more oil to combat the dryness. Slowly cut back on the shampooing – maybe dilute your shampoo with water – and wash your hair only when it needs to be washed. Consider rinsing your hair with water only once in a while. With this your hair should get greasy less quickly over time. Good luck!
I’d guess your shampoo is causing it. Switch shampoos, or try Palmolive dish soap. A hairdresser I know said she knew a lady us used it and had beautiful hair. It’s what I use. For conditioner I use a natural style hand lotion as a leave in conditioner. I forget the name of it. I used to have problems with oiliness too, I had to wash it every single day or it got greasy. Somewhere I read that citric acid (or was it ascorbic acid…) is a good rinse for a detangler. Haven’t tried that, though.
You really have to stop washing it so much as it is not good for you .
Plus the more frequently you wash it, the faster it gets dirty again (as if never washed) 🙁
If you really are washing it twice daily, initially just start washing once per day for a couple of weeks then once every two days for a few weeks and so on…
When you start reducing it it will look like crap the first few times – takes about 6-7 ‘skipped’ washes for it to get used to the new routine then when you start skipping one wash again it will take another 6-7 skipped washes to adjust… BUT it will adjust.
I was washing mine daily and managed to get it down to once every 5 days by doing this and believe it or not it looks and smells perfectly clean until day 5 while initially day 2 it would look like an oil slick 🙁
Mix some honey into your shampoo! It makes your hair super soft! I do it about once a week. I also hear you can mix it into your conditioner.
The egg treatment only made my hair feel oddly stiff even when washed out thoroughly and conditioned. The olive oil resuscitated it (: haha!
I always use the baking soda. Instead of bringing dry soda into the shower, I squirt shampoo in a bowl and a teaspoon of baking soda. I live in a rural area, that uses well- water. The baking soda take care of the extra mineral build up and cleans the scalp. I have poodle hair. My son has super- thick long and straight hair. My daughter’s hair is somewhere between the two, but kinkier. It makes all our hair types luscious, shiny, and smooth.
Love this post! I am blessed/cursed with naturally curly hair. In the couse of learning to deal with my natural curls I have learned a number of things about hair in general, and I will share some of that with you 😉
While the general rule is that EVEERYONE can use olive oil in their hair, some hair (curly or not) doesn’t like various types of oil. I found olive oil makes my hair feel like staw (dry, crunchy, and VERY tangled) but I can use coconut, jojoba, and argon oils and end up with soft silky tangle-free locks. If olive oil doesn’t work for you exparament! The results are worth it!
Some people have hair that is protine sensitive. Protein
sensitivity is more common with thicker hair types than thinner hair types. Thinner hair, as well as naturally blonde hair, lacks a medulla (the “core” of a hair strand where protein lives). Hair that is thinner, or blond, tends to respond well to protein because it doesn’t have any, but thicker hair, which has a medulla, can overdose on it. Add protien and you get hair that is dry, brittle,and breaks easily. For some with protien sensitive hair coconut oil can be an issue as well. It’s not a protien, BUT helps retain protines.
I absolutly LOVE yogurt for my hair (and my face)! What’s not to love? It conditions, gently cleanses, promotes grotj, fights frizz, cures itchy scalp and dandruff, and as an added bonus for us curly girls the lactic acid can help relax a bit of the curl!
Honey, banana, and avocado are all great for conditioning as well!!
I also use flax seeds to make my own hair gel 🙂
Excellent tips. Thanks.
I only just put eggs in my hair for no reason before reading this. Seems like I’m lucky not to be poisoned!
can we use all or we can only pick one ingredient? like on the first day i’ll try the bs then on the next day i wash my hair i’ll use eggs and so on.. is that alright? i’m kinda confused
I use Coconut oil in mine…..You can use Coconut oil for just about anything! Soooo many options!
i know that using mayo works good and is the best way to get rid of lice. put in on dry hair wrap a plastic bag over your hair and leave overnight. its awesome for your hair also. it stinks but its worth it. then just wash your hair.
For anyone worrying how to get the olive oil out of your hair I do the olive oil w an egg but use the baking soda in my shampoo to get it out. wprks like a charm, my hair looks great
Most of these work just as well on your skin too. Might as well just slather them everywhere while your at it 🙂
Yeah, coconut oil is awesome. But these are awesome; Definitely trying them! Thanks for posting this.
Banana baby food with honey= Shiny moisturized hair 🙂
great tips! I am on “raw beauty” for already long time, and I am not going back to commercial products. Lovely blog!
Is it ok to put egg in overnight? 😮
definitely not – rinse it out WELL after few minutes else you will get protein overload
Hoping someone can help me. I am only 24 years old and about three months ago I noticed my hair falling out pretty bad:( About a month prior to this I had colored my hair, however when I went to rinse the color from my hair the water would never run clear. For the next two weeks after coloring my hair every time I washed and rinsed, my hair would still run color after those two weeks finally the water ran clear again. Now three months later my hair is still coming out extremely bad! I have what looks to me as bald spots, but everyone tells me my hair is just very very thin. I’m not sure if this is a result from the color or something else…Note: I have always had extremely oily hair. Also every time my hair hits water it turn very tangly and dry feeling, I cant even get a finger through it. I have cried over this for weeks it is very embarrassing, depressing, and stressful. I am supposed to get married in two months and I DO NOT wanna walk down the isle like this. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME IS THERE ANYTHING ANYONE KNOWS OF THAT I CAN DO TO PREVENT MY HAIR FROM FALLING OUT AND MAYBE GET IT GROWING BACK QUICKLY? MY WEDDING IS DEPENDING ON THIS. If maybe someone could possibly email me? The quicker the better! Thanks so very much!! lilboo421@gmail.com
This won’t be found in your kitchen but it works wonders, Vitamin E oil! You basically poor it into your damaged hair and let it sit. Wash it out and condition as usual. Blow dry your hair and it will be smooth and beautiful for at least 2 weeks…I am on week 2 now after trying it for the first time! I had to do an all over color over bad hair color and my hair was so brittle and dry looking once I had finished…when I did this, it helped tremendously!
Is any of these home foods safe or ideal to be used on locks as wondering if they will be easy to wash out or will leave any residue on the locks?
How hard is it to get olive oil out of your hair? I have always wanted to try this but scared i will not be able to get it out
Wondering if sorghum will work as well as molasses/maple syrup (it’s way cheaper & healthier for eating!). 🙂
I have tried all of these except for the maple syrup (which I will probably try tonight…) along with banana and avocado and mayo… they all work great but banana is my favorite, even though it is the hardest to wash out!!
You can use baby food bananas.
is molasses ok to use on blonde hair? I have bleach blonde hair and I would freak out if the molasses stained it
Mayonnaise! For softness, to strengthen and to add shine.
I’ve used avocado,olive oil,coconut oil,honey…and I think that’s it?
Olive oil and coconut oil are my favorites…I really can’t remember about how well the honey worked,though.Maybe I’ll try it again sometime.
Honey strengthens your hair.
Hey! Another trick I find AMAZING is dried fenugreek seeds..you soak them overnight (around a teaspoon for short hair), and then grind them with a little water the next morning to make a paste..apply it on dry hair, leave on for a few minutes, massage and wash..It makes hair so shiny and straight! Hair looks amazingly healthy after that! The only issue is, its tough to wash out because it tends to stick to the hair but its well worth the effort!
I uesd all the ingredients mixed together and to this day my hair is AMAZING
thank u so much!!!
Mixing the vinegar and baking soda defeats the purpose of both… Lot of trolls on this blog.
I’ve used eggs and olive oil together in my hair before. It didn’t smell so great but it worked VERY well. Can I combine this with the molasses to lessen the harsh smell and boost the effect?
Sprinkling just straight up baking soda into your hair in the morning if it’s greasy and you don’t have time for a shower works really well. It taking out all the grease and leaving you with soft, shiny hair! 🙂
Don’t do the oil one, it utterly destroys Your hair.
I just destroyed mine doing that method…
If this crap doesn’t come out 100% then I’m going to have to get all my hair cut the fuck off.
>_>.
Will you explain what you mean by ‘destroy’, please? Olive oil is found in many hair and beauty products so I doubt it will destroy the hair. Rinse with warm water for a full 2 minutes and/or shampoo with a clarifying shampoo.
No idea how olive oil could “destroy” your hair! I’ve been doing warm olive oil treatments for years and have never had a problem. Are you not washing it out properly?
Hi your royal Crunchiness!!! Love all your fab ideas for homemade alternatives to store bought! I started BC “shampooing” about 3 months ago. My hair was squeaky clean(actually too clean!) My hair is naturally curly and very fine and the baking soda alone stripped the natural oils from my hair. Solution- I added instant skim milk powder to the mix! I mixed 1C BC and 1C skim milk powder into a ( wait for it!!) mason jar and leave it in the bathroom.I mix 1 TBSP of the mix with water in a plastic cup I keep in the shower. Voila- problem solved-lovely soft ( and much fuller I’ve noticed lately)hair!!! I can’t wait to try the black strap molasses!! Keep the great ideas coming- I am an avid follower!
LOVE this site, but hoping someone might have an idea about my results. I just did an egg+ molasses “shampoo” with an ACV rinse. Hair is brittle and feels like it could snap. Two days ago I shampooed my hair for real with BS and my hair was soft. So I am surprised egg and molasses for 20 mins plus ACV, water rinse left it so brittle. Is it because Ive dyed my hair so many times?
I know this is extremely late but, I’m guessing it was too much protein for your hair. Also, overdoing the ACV can dry hair out. Make sure to follow with a good conditioner and oil.
i have all of these so ill mix them together >.<
did it work with all of them?
what makes the hair grow ?._.
Milk. Hair is protein and minerals, so meat should make it grow, too. If you have thyroid problems you might have thinning hair. Taking iodine and selenium can help thyroid problems. I have long thick hair. It’s starting to thin in the front and recede, possibly because I quit drinking milk and using table salt (iodine is added to table salt).
I agree with Michelle about the coconut oil: It’s the ONLY styling product I use, which makes traveling simple because it’s also my only moisturizer for face and body. (It’s also ideal for more, uh, intimate purposes.) For hair, just work a VERY SMALL AMOUNT into wet, combed hair after your shower. Too much and you’ll be greasy. My hair is quite long and thick and I don’t use more more than a teaspoon total. Focus on the lower 2/3 of your hair, especially the ends. I air dry but it’s probably fine if you blowdry as well.
Thanks for this.
I’m trying the egg wash this week!
Glad I was warned about the potential for scrambled egg hair though. Think I might struggle to pull that look off…
If you want to see the results sign up for my weekly newsletter at my website and I’ll send out weekly results from all of my experiments. This week will be egg wash so if you’re curious check it out!
If not no worries.
Thanks again for a great resource. I love this site (and baking soda does totally rock as well)
Rob
Natural Shampoo Kits
Try them all and send us before and after pictures 🙂
i love you crunchy betty if i had a debit card i would def send you some cash! keep up he great work
this is stupid
I used this treatment on my hair for 1 week, IT HAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED MY HAIR it is not for all hair types like she claims in her blog. Please proceed with caution!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My hair is color treated and obviously she only can speak for her own hair, so don’t be a fool like me and believe every home remedy you read. Do your research first!
I absolutely suggest you do your research first, and also remember that this is all an experiment and it’s up to YOU to find what works for YOU.
I’m not sure what treatment you used for a week that ruined your hair (there are several ideas here), but in no uncertain terms do I think you should use something for a week straight (continuing to use it even after you’re seeing poor results). In addition, people who choose to color treat their hair should automatically consider the potential disadvantages of experimentation. You’ve already put your hair health in a state of unnatural “beingness,” so it stands to reason that you should be judicious with your treatments, as well.
I will say this, you bring up a good point: Anyone who automatically believes anything without researching it and weighing the pros and cons is making a huge mistake. That includes both natural beauty treatments AND store-bought items (and coloring or perming hair, etc.)
Personal responsibility starts with YOU. Good luck!
Haha! Wow that was the PERFECT response!
That was a great response.People are so quick to blame others for there negligence when clearly she over did everything.
Maybe she did all of them at the same time…
As a licensed cosmetologist I have to 100% back Betty’s response to this… color treated hair is HIGHLY unpredictable… especially if you colored it at home on your own with store bought products. There are so many horrible things in those and what it does to your hair is atrocious and leaves it extremely vulnerable – not just to things like this, but you could go to a salon and have a professional do it after using store bought color and end up with some off the wall unpredictable result simply because of the chemical reaction from what you already used in your hair. This is also the case after using certain store bought shampoos… all of that impacts the composition of the hair.
None of the items she listed should in anyway destroy someone’s hair if used appropriately – but if you used baking soda in your hair like every day or vinegar in your hair every day, then yes – you’ll end up with a problem because these are intended to CLARIFY your hair. They are not intended for use every day. As far as the other items, there is no way they could ruin your hair. At the worst they would leave a temporary residue.
If your hair is damaged from harsh chemicals, I would suggest you do some deep conditioning treatments in whatever way works for you.
Ummm, ur only supposed to do it once a week, so I can tell why it ruined ur hair
I think I know why, you should not use the olive oil more then 2x a week, you should not use any form of deep conditioner which olive oil is more then 2x a week. I would only recommend 1x a week or month.
Eggs are proteinizing on the hair. VERY proteinizing. Too much of anything can be a bad thing. If your hair is already relatively protein happy, adding more protein can be a detrimental thing. If you ever buy a protein shampoo, the salon will normally tell you to only use it until your hair feels nice and soft, and then do discontinue use to only once a week. The same applies with eggs. I assume you are speaking about the eggs because that is the only thing listed here that can actually destroy your hair. Everything else is relatively light.
When I was a child and got lice twice my mother decided that we would not be using the awful chemical stuff anymore and we doused my scalp/hair in olive oil and mayonnaise, then wrapped it in plastic wrap and left it overnight. It was a miracle. The lice were dead and my hair, after washed, looked and felt amazing.
Note to self: read everybody else’s comments BEFORE making a comment myself…. Sorry for the repeated advice
I’m a new reader to this blog, but I’ll go on and tell you what food I’ve used on my hair:
Mayonnaise.
It’s got eggs, oil, and lemon juice or vinegar. If you want to be more precise, you can make your own (I once did, just to make it with olive oil instead of plain old vegetable oil). I put it on my hair when it’s dry, then put on a shower cap or plastic bag over it. Normally I leave it for about 1 hour, but I’ve left it on all night a couple of times and it’s way better! I don’t love the smell, though, but it gets out if you wash it out well with a flower scented shampoo 🙂
Actually, beers works as well. Seriously. It smoothes your hair and if you go to the sun, helps to clarify too. And the color looks like.. Beer. That golden blond, not gray blond. Sereouslyk try it. Unleeeeess you hair is already died. It will be a mess (:
Crunchy Betty, you’re just plain ole awesome. 🙂 Thanks for the list ~ pinning it! By the way, for the ACV rinse, for red hair, you can steep any herbal tea that has hibiscus in it and that will help with the red highlights.
I have been doing the no POO for a week now, I am a little concerned because my hair is slightly gummy now on the ends when its wet… help…! Should I stop now or is that part also normal? I know its supposed to be like straw when its dry but…
Just keep going, it gets better! I’m at week 3 and ALMOST back to normal 🙂
I’d like to propose adding Aloe to that list! It’s light-weight, moisturizing, and great for dry-scalp issues. I use the fresh stuff from the plant on occasion and I love it. If you need convincing, check out:
http://www.aloeplant.info/how-does-aloe-work-as-a-conditioner/
Does anyone know if baking soda or ACV will strip hair or accelerate fading of semi-permanent hair dye? Thanks for your help!
What about those that do the no ‘poo routine? I wash with baking soda and ‘condition’ with apple cider vinegar (bs 2tbs/2c water, acv 1tbs/2c water). How would you wash the egg/molasses/everything else out? Just do the other and do a regular wash with bs and acv?
Hey! I am no poo ( for 5 months now) And I actually can’t use BS due to hard water and I use Egg instead it works great. Cleans it very nicly and leaves it feeling soft shiney light and heavenly. I just beat an egg dump it in my hair and then follow it with an ACV rinse. I cant say about the molassas or syrup beacause I have never tried them but I know Honey (which is also a great moistureizer both for hair and face) is water soluable and rinses out just fine! So maby the other two would as well?? Olive oil however is a NO GO for No-poo. It does NOT rinse out. I found that out the hard way. :p
I’m with Tiff…no oily stuff in the hair (and I’d guess this applies to anything sticky, as well) if you’re no ‘poo. I tried to do a deep conditioning coconut oil thing AND a grapeseed oil thing and could. not. get. it. out. For five days, I had nasty oily hair. Even my Dr. Bronner’s soap wouldn’t get it out (probably because it’s mostly made of oil…). I finally just had to use some of my boyfriend’s shampoo. Quite a mess.
Sad that coconut oil wasnt on this list.
Hey! I loved loved loved this post! But also, last summer I tried honey in my hair (I just mixed it in with my conditioner) and it actually made my hair a more voluminous and shiny.
I can definitely vouch for olive oil. I use it on my skin and hair and its a great moisturizer that inexpensive too.
Ok, I know this post is ages ago but I only now just came across it. The recipe that I use for my hair is: 1 organic egg, 1 Tbs olive oil, 1 tsp lemon juice (which gives it a terrific shine) and 1/2 cup of water, and maybe a drop or two of either tea tree oil or lavender. I prefer lavender. That is what I use but I do admit, the olive oil does leave build up so I started rinsing with baking soda instead of vinegar. Build up is gone but discovered if I just cut the oil in half I don’t have the problem as much any more. I will tell you this…after so many years (more than I’ll care to admit) and only just having started this home made stuff a couple of months ago I will NEVER go back to the store stuff. EVER! I love it. My frizz is gone and-AND? Guess what else? My natural curl is coming back without the flyaways. I can curl my hair and it stays—all day without gel, mousse, spray, whatever. It just works. I-love-it.
How often should this be used? sounds great
Can you just try out your recipe once and get the same great results you’ve described?
I use argan oil or raw coconut oil on my hair – so much better than store-bought conditioners.
Maple syrup? That blew my mind.
Coffee grinds work wonders…
How do you use it? 🙂
Drinking ACV twice a day cleared up my acne — love that stuff!
Also, today after I shaved I used a brown sugar & olive oil scrub. I took about 1 cup of brown sugar and slowly added olive oil until it reached the consistency that I wanted (I also added a little cinnamon and pure vanilla — it smelled so good that I almost licked the spoon!) then after shaving I rubbed it all over my body and face and then rinsed it off. My skin feels a-ma-zing!!!!!
I tried the molasses trick a couple days ago, and my hair is still awesome! I am spending the holidays in a very dry place, and my hair had been starting to get brittle and static-y. Putting on the molasses was a bit of a challenge, since my hair is long and thick, but it ended up being pretty fun! When else do you get to pour sticky food on your head?
Thanks so much for the tip! My hair is softer and behaving much better.
i tried the maple syrup one and my hair is so much softer. just be sure to wash it all out!!! and dont put it too close to your scalp
mayonnaise works just fine too!!
how do u use it??
You just put the mayonnaise on your hair and leave it on overnight. That’s what I do and it is GREAT for damaged hair. I bleach and dye my hair a lot so it’s great for me. 😀
I heard that if you put light mayonnaise in hair your hair will fall out
How do you apply mayonnaise
i have one for skin: coconut oil, honey, and brown sugar. It brought my dull skin back to life!!
can also substitute ev olive oil for coconut, agave for honey, and white sugar for brown.
Just used the Molasses one, I don’t have any split ends and my hair is silky soft! Worked wonders!(:
I use a nickel-sized amount of organic VCO and work into my hair, ends mostly, after I wash… of course I’m about to try the no ‘poo or sorta ‘poo thing and see how it goes. I LOVE VCO!!! So many uses!
Thanks for all your crunchy tips and tricks! You were the inspiration behind my latest blog post, testing out your au natural hair care ideas. Check it out at insideaheroinescloset.blogspot.com…I’m a big fan!
– HeroineAddict
insideaheroinescloset.blogspot.com
If only I’ve read this earlier, especially about the use of apple cider vinegar on oily scalp. Then, I would not have so much unused ACV left in the bottle which I’ve to junk after the expiry date. Lesson learned. Thanks!
Love the ideas!! I’m making my first home-made batches of shampoo and conditioner, and a few of the very necessary ingredients included, as you pointed out, apple-cider vinegar and olive oil! I’ve never tried eggs or maple syrup, but I look forward to trying them out!
And, by the way, I have put beer in my hair! For good reason- beer is GREAT for your hair! Here’s a link to check out if you want to try a beer-hair treatment 🙂
http://www.ehow.com/about_5415317_beer-treatment-hair.html
Banana should also work wonders 😉
My mother used all sorts of things on my hair when I was a child…eggs, beer, lemon juice….but the worst of all was mayonnaise! Any idea what happens when you apply mayo to your hair, then sit under a hair dyer?? It melts!!!! And you end up smelling like Helmann’s for 2 weeks….
I used to have the best hair in university…i would go around after a party (ahem, everyday) in the dorms and collect all the fallen soldiers (open yet full beers) and rinse my hair with it – it was awesome and had the extra bonus of attracting college males to my beer smelling hair hahahah – i now live a more respectable lifestyle, so usually use the oil trick – but am excited to try the molasses, never heard of that before!!!! 🙂
I like to use sweet almond oil in my hair. It’s lighter than olive oil and smells like Jergen’s lotion. When my hair needs more moisture, I use a mixture of almond and olive oil, with some essential oil mixed in to add scent. With the olive oil mixture, I have to wash my hair the next morning. Almond oil works well as a styling product or to add shine during the day and days following.
Coconut oil works wonders. Use the same way as olive oil. Coconut oil has a higher fat content than olive, so I am assuming that has something to do with it.
I want to try the egg and the olive oil, should I alternate on days? Or could I use both in the same hair wash?
i tried reading all the above comments to see if my question was already answered but theres just too many, and some very long winded. so my question is, can i do all of these things in one day? is there a certain order i should start? and which ones should i maintain doing regularly?.. my hair is completely dead, fried, over processed, bleached to shit and im trying to not have to shave it.
I’m totally going no ‘poo now! I’ve been flirting with the concept for a few months now, but never get past a few days before I freak out and give in to the ‘poo. Your blog has given me the courage to see it through. Today is day one.
By the way, have you read Janice Cox’s books on natural beauty? Lots of fun recipes. I think my favorites are the simple one ingredient ones. Honey in your hair (or bath water) is wonderful. Yogurt on your face is my favorite mask. And I regularly use a lavender sugar scrub which has really helped my skin. I need to try your nutmeg scrub. Thanks for all of your great ideas and giving all of us natural beauty lovers a place to feel at home.
I just discovered this site on StumbleUpon, I love it!!! I’ve put Coconut oil in my hair a lot, I bleach and dye my hair, and so it REALLY needs the oil after that! I always fully saturate my hair with the oil and leave it on as long as I can stand, and then wash it out with my then normal shampoo. I’ve recently gone no poo though and haven’t bleached my hair since, so I’m not sure how that will go, I may just have to use Doctor Bronner’s when I do it. I’ve also used vinegar, usually to set the dye in my hair, and I’ve used olive oil and mayonnaise. One of my friends swears by honey, and I’ve been meaning to try it, but being as poor as I am and loving honey as much as I do, I just haven’t been able to bring myself to do it!!!
LOL I’ve always wanted to put honey in my hair but never had the courage :-/ I’ve tried avocado though! Just don’t have the patience for sticky things on my head!
I feel like the olive oil would really help my hair alot. This is great advice. I have tried egg before as it works like a charm.
Coconut oil is great for hair. Apply it on the scalp for 10 minutes and wash. Same goes with Sesame oil too – it helps cool your body down too.
Adding a few drops of lemon juice to warm sesame oil works for dandruff. Juice of half a lemon with 3-4 cups of water works as a conditioner after shampooing. 🙂
I live in Florida, so my curly hair goes wild with the humidity and numerous styling products. The best homemade hair remedy I’ve tried was a mix of avocado and honey. Half of a mashed avocado (no skin) mixed with two tablespoons honey, work into dry hair and leave on for about 20-30 minutes, then wash hair as usual. My hair has never been so soft and shiny.
i have stick straight hair… sometimes it is flat and lifeless, and just has no volume. It holds a curl really well when i do curl it but its just so much work!! it gets oily if i don’t shower every day. i’ve never tried anything besides regular shampoo and conditioner. what should i try?
Is there any kitchen foods that would work well in curly hair? Mine is super thick and curly, but I find that certain things (coffee grounds was one I saw on a different blog) and baking soda are a huge pain in the butt for me because of my hair type. I do, however rinse with day-old coffee. My hair smells amazing and is super shiny. 🙂
Any suggestions for thick curly hair?
Nikki,
When I was first learning to care for my curly hair, I learned a LOT from http://www.naturallycurly.com/curltalk/ Be sure to lurk over there for some great tips.
I have long thick curly hair (3) and have had good results with the ACV rinse, honey/conditioner mixture, and I use JessiCurl products which work great on my hair type. Once in a blue moon I don’t wash out my conditioner and that works wonders… I have VERY curly hair the next time I wash my hair.
Good luck!
Wont putting eggs on your hair make it sticky and all?
Not the way she said to use it here… if you wash it out of your hair, there is nothing to be sticky.
I use the ACV rinse occasionally. I find there is no odor once the hair is dry. It helps hide split ends and makes my hair shinier. I have dry curly hair.
I also occasionally use honey. I mix it with my conditioner, apply, put on a shower cap, and sit in tub for a long time. It seems to lighten my hair a bit and increases my curl.
I tried an avocado-olive oil-honey mixture on my hair last night… and it made my hair all soft, but this morning, it kinda looks like it never completely dried, even though it is dry. Also, it took away my beautiful curls 🙁 I guess it’s better than using a hair straightener, so I’ll keep that in mind.
However, I put the rest on my face, and now my cheeks feel baby smooth 🙂
Oooh. That’s really interesting. It might have been the honey that caused the drying. It seems to add extreme moisture to some people’s hair, but dries out others’.
That’s one thing about homemade beauty – sometimes it takes some experimenting to find what works best for you. So I’m glad the avocado made your face all baby soft and smooth! You should try out the nutmeg microdermabrasion sometime, too. It blew my socks off, the softness afterward. Whew!
I’ve put literally anything on hair!!
Yogurt, butter, honey, milk, cocoa, orange juice, cinnamon, sugar, egg, few tipes of cooking oil and vinegard, jam, wine…….and I LOVE IT!! (so does my hair)
I love the baking soda and olive oil ideas…gonna try both!
I am VERY intrigued by the molasses idea for my hair (maple syrup is too precious!)… and might I add, you make me almost want to try the egg thing again. Seriously!
My mom bought me the WEN stuff last year and my hair LOVED it, but I can’t afford to buy it myself so I’m glad you’ve got a bunch of “frugal” alternative hair treatments here to try out.
There is no one kitchen ingredient that works for all types of hair (or even for multiple types of hair with one problem). Let’s take it one by one.
1. Baking soda. It often does not work long-term for people. When it does work, it is more likely to be for straight-haired types with relatively coarse hair. Finer, curlier hair types often suffer frizziness, split ends, and unwanted hair lightening.
2. Eggs. Some people’s hair does not agree with protein treatments. I love using egg yolk now and then as a clarifying treatment, but it simply cannot be used on a weekly basis. It results in stiff, crackly hair otherwise.
3. I don’t have much to say about molasses, other than this: you can use honey, too, and you have to be careful. Any humectant is just as likely to keep moisture IN your hair as to draw it OUT of your hair.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar. There is nothing magical about ACV as opposed to other types of acidic rinses. You can use diluted lemon juice, grapefruit juice, cranberry, etc. All smell nicer than ACV. White vinegar is also a good substitute, and probably the cheapest. ACV is fine if you like it, but it often fails for people with finer, thinner hair or hair prone to greasiness. The smell also does not always evaporate when the hair dries. I can smell it in my hair for DAYS after I use it. Which is why I no longer use it.
5. Olive oil. Again, this does not work for all hair types. The coarser your hair, the more likely you are to like it; finer hair types work better with lighter oils such as coconut, jojoba, almond, and so on.
Also, Olive oil is NOT compatible with no ‘poo; it is simply too heavy. If you put that much olive oil in your hair, your only hope of getting it out is with SLS shampoo or with dishwashing liquid. Good luck with that one if you are suffering from dry hair to begin with.
It is also not advisable to put oil on hair above the ears. Your sebum should be enough. If your hair is barely longer than your ears, then you shouldn’t need to oil it at all.
My goodness, you are certainly opinionated about these things. I appreciate your input.
Clearly, not everything is going to work for everybody – such is the way of homemade beauty OR buying products at the store.
But let me say that I do use ACV on a regular basis, and I have finer, oilier hair – and love it to death. I rinse with an ACV/rosemary rinse at least twice a week and never have problems with oily scalp any longer.
In addition, I use olive oil before I go “out in public” to keep the flyaways from being an issue (I have far too many split ends at the moment, and it’s caused a lot of breakage up closer to my scalp), so I use it above the ears (but not ON the scalp) and have no issues at all.
Again, it’s just one of those things. Some things work for some people, and not at all for others.
The fun part is in figuring it all out!
Have a great day!
Baking soda and ACV…cures for pretty much everything in the world! Now I’m ready to try some of these other goodies you suggest…yum maple smelling hair..sign me up!!
I love you, right now, for being so synchronistic (and you don’t even know it or know why). But when I read the title of your latest blog post, I laughed so hard I snorted.
You’re awesome.
Mwah!
I need my hair to grow so I can try out all this greatness.
Pish. You can try any of this with your cute shortness.
Actually, I’ve had several comments from people saying they felt the dry shampoo (from blog posts of yore) is BEST with short hair (but bad with curly …).
Raid your kitchen, woman.
I’ve done coconut oil in my hair, much in the same way as the olive oil conditioning treatment you mentioned above. I just spritzed my hair with water until it was damp, then rubbed in a few teaspoons of coconut oil to the ends and middle parts of the hair shaft (I avoided the roots). My hair turned out very soft and silky the next day, although I had to wash with my baking soda/ACV rinse every other day (instead of every 3 days) for the next week as my hair tended to get more oily more quickly. Still, I think it was worth it.
Mmmm yeah. I LOVE coconut oil in the hair. I like to do a mix of coconut oil and jojoba with some rosemary EO as a hair pack. Very refreshing.
So I’ve forgotten – are you no ‘poo? If so, do you find that oil treatments/hair packs are counterproductive to the no ‘poo lifestyle?
(And I have GOT to read up on this peach barbecue sauce you’ve got going. Sounds heavenly.)
Um, not “no poo,” I guess, since I rely on a baking soda mix of 1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 cup water. (I boil it ahead of time, usually in batches of 4 or more, then store it in the shower.) Then I rinse with an ACV rinse of 1 teaspoon ACV to 1 cup warm water. I’m hoping to move eventually to “no poo” (meaning washing just with water, and the occasional conditioning treatment if necessary). I can’t really say if the conditioning treatment was counterproductive, since I’ve only done it once in the month that I haven’t been using commercial shampoo.
I’ve definitely noticed some differences in the texture of my hair, but I’m not disappointed by any means with the changes! I like the way it’s lighter, but it’s definitely more curly in some places and less so in other places. But basically I just like knowing that I’m not dependent on $40 a bottle shampoo anymore =)
Do let me know if you like the Peach BBQ sauce =) I have to stop leaving ridiculously long comments on your blog! haha
Oh boiling the baking soda solution may be just the answer for me! Thanks! I’ve been saying I’m no ‘poo since I don’t use actual shampoo. I guess I’m not technically no ‘poo either?
I’ve heard that boiling the soda/water solution helps the baking soda fully dissolve, which supposively creates less soap scum in your hair. I have no idea if it’s true, haha.
I’m thinking that we’re both no ‘poo since we’re not using commercial shampoo! Damn the man!
Great tips! I have been no ‘poo for about 4 months. I wash with the same baking soda solution you mention here and rinse with the same vinegar solution you mention. I love it, love it, love it! I’ll have to try these other foods.
Ahhh! All this no ‘poo talk! I’m slating it as my October try-it-and-see experiment.
I thought I wouldn’t want to do it because I couldn’t use the hair masks I so desperately love, but I’ve read several sites saying they still use ’em and it’s not a problem at all.
Any tips I absolutely NEED to know before I try?
I can share a few things I’ve learned over the months. The most important thing that I’ve found, and this may depend on water hardness and other factors, is that my baking soda solution must be exactly right. It took me a while to arrive at the correct amount of baking soda for my hair with my water. And it works better if it has sat for a couple of days and the baking soda has fully dissolved in the water. It has to feel really slippery, not at all “squeaky” feeling and not gritty. I’ve also found that if I am going to blow dry and flat iron I have to do it exactly right or it will look greasy. I must blow dry while it is still pretty wet. And I must wait for it to be completely dry (I don’t know if it’s just me, but my hair is never totally dry after blow drying) before flat-ironing. If I just let it air dry with no styling, it’s fine. Can’t wait to hear about your adventure!
Olive oil!! I used to use that a lot on my hair! Not quite sure about using the eggs though, because I’m afraid of the smell and that it might feel too sticky. I can’t wait to try putting yogurt on my hair though! Got it from your previous post.
And yes! It’s a deal. I’ll look for food in the kitchen to beautify me-self before I buy a bottle off the shelves 🙂
Yogurt IS lovely. Probably the thing I put in my hair the most (though molasses will be a fast second from now on, to be sure). And the vinegar rinse when things get too oily.
Ahhh … so many fun things to do, so little hair!
try coconut oil instead of olive oil, it also gives a lovely texture to dry hair and the extra plus is you smell like the beach, which I prefer to the olive oil smell.
I’ve tried the egg on hair before. I don’t like it. also the apple cider vinegar is too drying on ethnic hair.
Guess I’ll stick to using WEN by Chaz Dean 🙂 I was really surprised with this product but it makes my hair so so soft and manageable.
That’s definitely part and parcel with using your own beauty treatments (as it is, I suppose, with buying them, as well) – some things work fantastically for some people, and not at all for others.
Glad you found a product you like, though. 🙂
U really know how to sell a product haha u work for wen?