Creating your own products for African American hair saves money, and you get a better idea of how your hair reacts. Start with simple recipes, do not get too complicated, or frustrated. If there is one ingredient that you find works well, use it as a staple. Get creative; energize your head, scalp and hair. Try essential oils, they go a long way and add pleasant scent to your hair. Does this Spark an idea?
Ingredients
If you can eat an ingredient, it is usable on your hair. Fruit honey and vinegar are workable ingredients especially for African-American hair needing extra moisturizing and softening. If you are concerned about other ingredients you are adding, do research first. If you find there are recipes that are not working for you, keep looking. There is some trial and error involved in finding what does and does not work for your unique hair.
Hair Rinse
In a large bowl, mix together 2 tsp. honey, 1/4 cup lemon juice and 4 cups warm water. After you wash your hair, pour this over your head. Do not wash out. Style and dry as you usually would.
Scalp Energizer
Mix together 2 drops peppermint oil and 4 oz. water in a spray bottle.
Spray this directly on your scalp. This will help with an itchy scalp.
Alternatively, try 1 tbsp. honey with 1 egg yolk, ½ tsp. almond oil and 1 tbsp. of plain yogurt. Mix all the ingredients, apply to your hair and leave on for 30 minutes or more.
Oil Treatment for Dry Hair
Heat 1/2 cup olive oil until warm. Pour the olive oil into a spray bottle and spray on the dry parts of your hair. Do not get it on your scalp. Place a plastic bag on your head. Let it sit for an hour. If you want a more intensive hot oil treatment, wrap a hot towel around the plastic bag. Wash out your hair in the sink so you do not slip in the shower.
Conditioner
Add 2 tsp. lemon juice, 1 tsp. honey and 1 egg, and beat the mixture. Heat in a double boiler until it is creamy. Mix in 3 drops of rosemary oil and 1/4 cup almond or coconut oil, slowly adding it to the egg mixture. Apply on your hair, add a plastic cap and leave on for up to 30 minutes, then shampoo and rinse.
Another homemade recipe is to use one apricot, 2 tsp. honey and 1 tbsp. apricot oil. Blend all the ingredients together, apply to your washed hair and wrap in plastic. Rinse it out after 30 minutes. Honey attracts and holds moisture, so it is a natural choice for conditioning African American hair and skin.
For an easy conditioner, mayonnaise massaged on your head for a few minutes and then rinsed well gives your black hair shine.
Tags: your hair, your head, African American, African American hair, American hair