7 Herbs for Hair Care
For centuries, across cultures and continents, people have nurtured and beautified their hair using the power of nature. Our ancestors turned to the plants and herbs that grew around them, harnessing their unique properties to cleanse, strengthen, and enhance their hair.
This wisdom is still relevant today, offering us a gentle and sustainable alternative to harsh commercial products. In this article we’ll share 7 herbs you can use to make your own natural hair care remedies, along with a DIY Hair Herbs Mask.
7 Herbs for Hair Care
1 – Rosemary
Rosemary is probably the best known and beloved herb for hair health. Not only does it leave you smelling luxurious, it stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, which encourages hair growth and combats hair loss and contributes to thicker, fuller-looking hair.
More than just for luscious locks, Rosemary is also a specific herb for the head! Traditionally revered as an ally for the head itself, it’s known to soothe the occasional tension headache and even sharpen the pathways of remembrance. As you infuse your hair with Rosemary, you’re not just nurturing its beauty, but also inviting a sense of clarity and groundedness to your being.
2 – Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle (yes, that Stinging Nettle) is an incredibly healing plant ally. It’s nutritive and stimulating as a fresh ingredient in your kitchen just as it’s a powerful herb for scalp health. Nettle leaf acts as a purifier for the scalp, and is particularly effective as a rinse to combat dandruff. Its balancing properties both stimulate and soothe your scalp, effectively reducing flakiness.
3 – Lemongrass Herb for Hair
This vibrant herb, with its bright, citrusy aroma, removes buildup and impurities without stripping the hair of its natural oils. We use Lemongrass in our Probiotic Shampoo because there’s nothing quite like a fantastic cleanse coupled with the positive feeling from lemon swirling around you to revitalize you and set your best foot forward in your day.
4 – Aloe Vera
Known for its soothing properties after the sun, Aloe Vera’s gentle touch is also deeply nourishing for the hair and scalp. It is especially comforting as a mask for those with sensitive or irritated skin. It gently cleanses the hair while calming the scalp, and its high water content allows for deep hydration that penetrates to the roots. You can also apply Aloe to the hair after washing it to reduce frizz in curly hair and to style naturally!
5 – Rice Bran
Rich in the earth’s proteins and vitamins, Rice Bran strengthens and smooths the hair shaft, enhancing its natural elasticity and creating a protective barrier against environmental stressors. We use Rice Bran in our Living Conditioner because it helps you tame dry, frizzy hair, reinforces your hair’s natural balance and enhances your curls. Plus, with the high levels of protein in the Rice Bran, you can use our Probiotic Rice Bran Conditioner as a leave-in for styling!
6 – Chamomile for Lighter Hair
Chamomile, the very essence of calm, whether sipped as a tea to soothe the inner landscape or offered to the scalp as a tender balm. It creates a calm and nurturing environment at the root to allow the inner strength of your hair to emerge.
Chamomile flowers can gently brighten and enhance lighter hair, imparting a golden luminescence, especially when they’re used in your hair care over time.
7 – Black Walnut for Dark Hair
Traditionally used to enhance dark hair, black walnut husks contain natural pigments that can deepen color and add richness. It is also known to promote thickness and strength for your locks. You can buy this ingredient in powder form, or harvest it fresh in the autumn as they fall to the ground. Just make sure that you’re using the husk and that you wear gloves, because Black Walnut will stain!
DIY Herbs for Hair Mask Recipe
This recipe combines the synergistic power of these herbs into one comprehensive treatment designed to nourish your hair from root to tip.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons of Honey
- 1/3 Cup of Yogurt
- Aloe from a large aloe leaf (or ½ Cup of aloe gel)
- A Couple Sprigs of Rosemary
- A Handful of Nettle Leaves
- 2 Cups of Water (note: you’ll only use ½ of this)
- Optional for your hair color: A couple of black walnut husks or a handful of chamomile flowers
Instructions for Your DIY Hair Herbs Mask
Simmer the Rosemary and Nettle in the water for 20 minutes. If you’re using the Black Walnut husk, add it here.
Turn the stove off and let it cool for 10 minutes. If you’re using Chamomile flowers, stir them in here.
Strain your tea off.
Add 1 Cup of your warm tea to the honey and aloe, stirring consistently, and let it cool for a few minutes more.
Slowly stir in the yogurt until the mixture feels spreadable.
Spread the mixture onto slightly dry hair and let it sit for an hour.
Wash with a gentle shampoo like the Probiotic Lemongrass Shampoo
Visit the Mas Newen Studio
Are you feeling the call to transition to a hair care ritual that honors the earth and your inherent beauty? Our Studio in Wageningen is a sanctuary where you can begin this journey. Not only can you get our whole line of hair care products, we offer all-natural hair treatments, crafted with intention and the wisdom of plants, alongside expert guidance to help you embrace the vitality of natural hair.
Our Services
- Curl Cuts & Styling: celebrating the unique architecture of your curls with cuts and styling that enhance their natural beauty and health.
- Natural Hair Boosters: nurturing your hair from its very core with treatments designed to amplify strength, encourage growth, and restore vitality.
- Plant & Clay Coloring: discovering the gentle art of coloring your hair with the earth’s pigments, achieving vibrant, lasting hues without harsh chemicals.
- Probiotic Hair and Skin Care: restoring the delicate balance of your scalp and skin with our living culture formulations, nurturing a thriving microbiome.
See you there!
