While I have steered clear of conventional hair products for a while, I distinctly remember worrying about how I was going to keep my mane soft and healthy without conditioners when we made the switch. Thankfully, an herbal hair rinse is just the right thing.
By Jacki May, Contributing Writer
This recipe is a mainstay in our home. There have been times where I forgot to get the next batch infusing and I have used essentials oil instead and I will include that blend as well.
The Herbs in the Hair Rinse
First, let’s start with the herbs.
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) — anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent. This makes it a great addition for those that have slightly oily hair. It is also helpful for those with dandruff.
- Calendula (Calendula officinalis) — an anti-inflammatory herb that is soothing for the scalp.
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) — like calendula, is added to help the scalp.
- Rosemary (Rosmarius officinalis) — stimulates hair growth, along with being antiseptic, helping those with dandruff.
How to Make an Herbal Hair Rinse
You will need equal parts yarrow, calendula, chamomile, and rosemary — I used 3/4 cup each. You’ll also need 1 bottle (32 oz) raw apple cider vinegar. I use Bragg’s brand.
Now to begin.
Step 1: Combine all the herbs together in a large mason jar (I use a half gallon).
Step 2: Pour the entire bottle of apple cider vinegar in the jar, over the herbs. Keep the bottle ACV jar as you will return the herbal vinegar to the bottle.
Step 3: Shake to combine and let sit for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally.
Step 4: After 4-6 weeks, strain the herbs and bottle the vinegar. Label with ingredients.
How to Use
I like to use 1 part herbal rinse to 4 parts water but those with dry hair or sensitive scalps can use 1 part herbal rinse to 6 parts water. I keep a cup in the shower just for this.
Once you are ready, pour over your hair and let sit for a minute or so (yes, the smell is strong but it goes away), then rinse out.
I use it once a week…mainly because I only wash my hair once a week. I find that too often it can be drying (the astringent property of yarrow and the vinegar base).
Essential Oil Hair Rinse
You will keep the 1:4 ratio of ACV to water (or 1:6) and add 3 drops Rosemary essential oil* and 2 drops Tea Tree essential oil. Using these two essential oils stimulates blood flow to the scalp and is very cleansing.
*Rosemary essential oil is contraindicated for those with epilepsy.
A full 32 ounces will last you quite some time since you only use about 2-4 ounces at a time. The herbs are very easy to grow in your backyard and many of you may have yarrow growing wildly.
Wondering if you use shampoo. I used a non-soap shampoo for a while but it wasn’t all that natural. Would love to keep the natural oils while cleaning scalp.
Kate
I use either a shampoo bar or castile soap. I love the shampoo bar because it come in very little (to none if bought locally) packaging so it has very little waste! We purchase our bar soap from either Mirasol Farms or Rocky Top Soap Shop, both of which are on Etsy.
[…] is great for both culinary and medicinal purposes. I use Rosemary in my apple cider vinegar hair rinse, in my Green Power salve, and infuse it in oils for muscle rubs. It helps stimulate blood flow and […]
[…] and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Using ¼ cup each, in raw apple cider vinegar makes a great hair rinse. Infuse for 4-6 week then […]