Originally published February 12 2011
Try homemade shampoos and rinses for greasy hair
by Fleur Hupston
(NaturalNews) Greasy, oily hair may be caused by excess sebum production or other factors such as hormonal imbalances or environmental toxins. Too much oil makes hair look dull, lanky and heavy. The right amount of oil, however, will make hair look shiny and glossy. The harsh, detergent type shampoos, so readily available in stores, may dry the scalp temporarily but may actually stimulate the scalp to produce more oil. Blending essential oils and natural shampoo combats oily hair, and these shampoos are inexpensive to make.
Home-Made Mint and Sage Shampoo for Greasy Hair
Try this recipe for greasy hair, which will make hair feel fresh and clean:
Pour half a cup of boiled water into a bowl.
Mix in a tablespoon of rosemary and 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped mint.
Add a quarter of a cup of natural shampoo and stir into the mix.
Allow to steep for at least half an hour before straining into a clean glass bottle or jar.
Although using fresh herbs is always preferable, dried herbs such as peppermint, spearmint, parsley, yarrow and/or sage may also be used.
Rosemary vinegar rinse
Rosemary vinegar will not only cut grease, but will also make hair glossy and shiny. Rosemary is an herb that is especially good for dark hair.
2 tablespoons rosemary
1 liter cider vinegar
Leave the rosemary to steep in the vinegar for two weeks. Shake occasionally. Strain into a glass jar or bottle. Use a quarter of a cup in final rinsing water after washing hair.
A cup of rosemary tea taken each day is said to counter hair loss.
Aloe vera and lemon juice for greasy hair
Aloe vera has healing and anti-inflammatory conditions and is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including scalp conditions. Add a teaspoon of aloe vera gel and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to a quarter cup of regular natural shampoo. Massage into the scalp and leave for 5 minutes before rinsing.
Essential oils for greasy hair
Essential oils made from astringent herbs, such as lemon balm, thyme, parsley, spearmint, burdock, tea tree, ylang-ylang and lavender, are among the best oils for greasy hair. Avoid buying adulterated essential oils.
Use combinations of essential oils to make your own personal blend, or use just one essential oil if preferred.
Some good combinations for oily hair include:
10 drops of lemongrass oil and 10 drops of lemon essential oil
10 drops of lavender oil, 5 drops rosemary and 5 drops sage
15 drops of spearmint and 5 drops peppermint
6 drops each of cypress, cedarwood and ylang-ylang essential oil
Add no more than 20 drops of essential oil to half a cup of chemical free, natural shampoo or liquid castile soap. Dilute with a cup of pure water and decant into a glass bottle.
Sources:
Green, Mindy, and Kathi Keville. Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art. 2 ed. Freedom, California: Crossing Press, 2008. Print.
http://www.suite101.com/content/home-made-sh...
http://www.naturalnews.com/028598_hair_rinse...
About the author
Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about natural, healthy living and is currently studying to be a naturopath. She divides her time between writing for Natural News and various other sites, home schooling her children and studying part time.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml