Homemade Hair Care Recipes for African American Hair: Easy Ways to Care For Your Hair Naturally
Although all human hair has the same basic chemical composition, African hair differs in the distribution of lipids throughout the hair shaft. African American hair fibers are fragile and prone to breakage due to its tightly coiled structure. These homemade hair care recipes for African American hair can naturally help keep your hair soft, shiny and healthy.
Clarifying
Daily shampooing is not always necessary for African American hair. Instead try a clarifying treatment to help get rid of build up without drying out your hair.
Baking Soda
1 tbs. baking soda
1 ½ cups warm water
Dissolve the baking soda into the water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray the entire solution onto your hair and work it through. Leave on for 1 minute and rinse well. Follow with a homemade deep conditioning treatment.
Lemon Juice
2 cups warm water
½ cup lemon juice
This clarifying treatment works best on hair that does not have a lot of build up. Combine the ingredients and massage gently into your hair. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse and condition as usual.
Spritz Recipes
Using spritz is a great way to lightly add moisture and texture to your hair without weighing it down.
Moisturizing
1 tbs. oil (olive, avocado, grapeseed, sweet almond)
2 tbs. light conditioner
½ cup water
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray onto twists and braids for softness and sheen.
Soothing
2 tbs. peppermint oil
½ cup water
This scalp spritz soothes an itchy scalp and will leave it feeling revitalized. Mix ingredients in a spray bottle, shake well and spray directly onto your scalp.
Leave In Conditioner Recipes
Using a leave in conditioner is a great way to make your hair softer, shinier and more manageable. Your hair will be healthy and less prone to damage and breakage. Leave in conditioners are not for daily use. They are generally most effective when used once a week. However, it is important that you evaluate your specific conditioning needs and the results you achieve.
Honey
3 tbs. honey
¼ cup olive oil
Warm the honey in your microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds. Mix in the oil. Work a small amount at a time through your hair until it is coated. Leave on 30 minutes. Shampoo and rinse well.
Cucumber
2 tbs. olive oil
1 egg
¼ cucumber, peeled and pureed
This recipe is great for hair that is frequently exposed to chlorinated pool water. Blend all the ingredients together until smooth. Spread evenly through your hair. Leave on for at least 10 minutes. Shampoo and rinse well.
Herbal
2 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. honey
1 egg
3 drops rosemary oil
¼ cup almond or coconut oil
Put the egg in a bowl and beat in the lemon juice and honey. Pour this mixture into the top of a double boiler. Stir the mixture until it is warm and creamy. Remove from the stove. Once the mixture is cool, slowly add the oil and stir until completely blended. Work the mixture through your hair and leave on for a minimum of 15 to 30 minutes. Shampoo and rinse well.
Egg
1 tbs. honey
1 egg yolk
½ tsp. almond oil
1 tbs. yogurt
Mix all ingredients together until well blended. Apply to your hair and leave on for at least 30 minutes. Shampoo and rinse well.
Treatments
The following homemade hair care recipes for African American hair treat a variety of common problems.
Strengthening
1 egg white
5 tbs. plain unflavored yogurt
Beat the egg white until it is foamy. Fold in the yogurt. Apply the mixture to your hair in small sections at a time. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse well and follow with a leave in conditioner.
Growth
¼ cup vitamin E oil
¼ cup castor or jojoba oil
15 drops rosemary oil
15 drops peppermint oil
This treatment includes ingredients that help promote hair growth. You can use a little bit each night if you shampoo or use a clarifying mixture at least a few times a week to avoid clogged hair follicles. Mix the ingredients in a small container and gently massage a small amount onto the desired areas.
Hot Oil
¼ cup olive or vegetable oil
1 tbs. regular conditioner
This simple hot oil treatment can be used weekly or monthly. If your hair is over-processed or extremely damaged, start by using it twice a week. Combine the ingredients in a saucepan and warm over medium heat until the mixture is fully combined and warm, about 5 minutes. Once the oil is cool enough to touch, work it through your hair in small sections. Leave on for up to an hour. Shampoo and rinse well.
Dandruff
½ cup white vinegar
½ cup distilled water
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle, shake well and spray directly onto your scalp. Leave on for 5 to 7 minutes. Shampoo and rinse well.
Scalp Scrub
1 tbs. brown sugar
3 tbs. regular conditioner
Massaging your scalp on a regular basis stimulates oil production and can help reduce the dryness of your hair. Stir the sugar into the conditioner and apply the mixture to a damp scalp. Massage into your scalp using small circular motions to gently exfoliate. Shampoo and rinse well.
Resources
Black Hair Information: Hair Treatments & Recipes - https://blackhairinformation.com/category/hair-treatments-and-recipes/
Beauty Tips for Black Women: Homemade Shampoo And Conditioners - https://www.black-women-beauty-central.com/
Image Courtesy of: WikiMedia Commons - peter klashorst
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