Home Haircare Remedies
Did you know the secret to gorgeous hair could be right in your kitchen? Read on as expert stylists reveal which ingredients to reach for and how to use them to transform your hair into healthy, vibrant locks. By Melissa Goldberg
Getty Images
Coconut Oil
"Coconut oil has been a popular oil treatment for thousands of years where coconuts are plentiful, like Sri Lanka and the Philippines. It keeps hair strong and vitalized against the signs of aging. If you visit India today, it's perhaps why you see women in their 70s who still have healthy black hair," says Pristine Beauty Founder Blaire Kessler.
To Do: Apply coconut oil to hair and allow it to work overnight for best results. (Hint: Cover hair with saran wrap if you're worried about your sheets). Rinse out in your morning shower.
Getty Images
Salt
The secret to that tousled Victoria's Secret "bed hair" look? "Salt dries in your hair and leaves it full-bodied and sexy. says Kayla Viorvanti, Chief Formulator and Co-Founder of Essential Wholesale.
To Do: Add a tablespoon of salt to 4 oz of water in a spray bottle. After washing and conditioning your hair, spritz the salt spray all over hair and allow to dry for a beachy look.
Getty Images
Baking Soda
If your hair is feeling weighed down by gunky product build up that you can't seem to wash out, save your bucks and don't buy expensive clarifying shampoo. Baking soda, a natural deodorizer, can do the trick, insists Celebrity Stylist Dean Banowetz.
To Do: Mix baking soda into your regular shampoo in the palm of your hand, and suds up as usual for a deep, thorough (but non-stripping) cleaning.
Getty Images
Chamomile
For gorgeous natural blonde highlights, always keep a bottle of chamomile tea in the fridge, says Marina Valmy, Director of Christine Valmy Skincare.
To Do: Use 6 tea bags for every 8 oz of water for best results. "After washing and conditioning, rinse with cool water, then spritz hair with the chamomile tea and let dry. Not only will you have highlights that sparkle in the sun, you'll smell great too!"
Jupiter Images
Walnuts
Walnut tea is a natural way to add bold chestnut tones to dark hair, says Marina Valmy.
To Do: Crush 8-10 walnuts and place crushed walnuts with shells into 8 oz of boiling water. Let cool, strain to remove shells, and keep refrigerated. Spray on hair to add a wash of more intense color, and re-apply weekly to maintain.
Photodisc
Hibiscus
"Hibiscus tea is great for enhancing highlights in red hair," says Donna Tripodi, Senior Stylist at New York's Eva Scrivo Salon.
To Do: Mix a strong pot of tea using 10 tea bags with 10 cups of water. Allow to cool, then pour into a spray bottle and spritz on hair that is 70% air dried. Don't rinse or shampoo for 24 hours afterwards. The highlights emerge even stronger if you're in the sun for a few hours – just don't forget the sunscreen!
Jupiter Images
Rosemary
Rosemary oil can boost hair growth, as well as improve texture, shine and thickness," says Suki Kramer, Creator of Suki Advanced Organic Science.
To Do: "Every night, put two drops of rosemary oil on your brush and gently brush hair both over and under," says Kramer. You can also take a few drops and rub directly into your scalp for extra stimulation.
Getty Images
Aloe and Eucalyptus
Aloe and eucalyptus are refreshing plants that are great for balancing oily scalps, says Roslyn Baker, Spokesperson of Soft & Beautiful. (If you've never used eucalyptus before, do a skin test on the back of your hand first to make sure you're not allergic.)
To Do: Mix aloe vera, eucalyptus oil and an astringent like Witch Hazel or Sea Breeze and apply directly to your scalp. Massage, then rinse out after 30 minutes.
Photodisc
Beer
We promise we're not joking! Beer makes a great hair rinse that adds shine and leaves hair more manageable! says Kayla Viorvanti of Essential Wholesale.
To Do: "Bring a bottle of flat warm beer into the shower. Wash with shampoo as usual, then coat hair with beer. Rinse again thoroughly.
Jupiter Images