Herbs for Healthy Hair
There are many ways to engage and interact with our herbal allies. Still, most people gravitate towards consuming herbs in the form of teas, tinctures, infusions, and capsules, forgoing the benefits they can receive from topical applications of herbal preparations.
Herbal hair rinses are one of my favorite herbal preparations; they are a wonderful way to support healthy hair and engage in self-care. Hair rinses have been used for thousands of years, long before shampoos and conditioners, to help keep hair clean, healthy, strong, and smooth.
The key to creating an effective herbal hair rinse is selecting the appropriate plants for your needs. Are you looking to strengthen brittle hair, add shine to dull hair, stimulate the scalp and hair follicles to promote hair growth, or soothe an itchy, flaky scalp? Below are some of our favorite versatile herbs to promote healthy hair.
Herbs for Hair Health
Horsetail (Equisetum spp.)
Horsetail contains silica, selenium, and cysteine, minerals that help build strong connective tissue, cartilage, skin, and nails. When applied topically, this herb may promote hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles and increasing circulation to the scalp.
Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Nettle is one of our most versatile herbs; this stinging plant is full of nourishing vitamins and minerals that can benefit almost every part of the body. Its abundance of antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamins helps protect the hair against free radicals and adds luster and shine to dull hair.
Nettle also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit hair growth and prevent hair thinning due to an unhealthy scalp. This herbal ally is best used in tea rinses for those experiencing dandruff.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Rosemary is probably one of the most popular and well-known herbs used in hair rinse recipes. This fragrant culinary herb has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant properties that help protect the scalp and hair follicle from damage while increasing circulation by dilating blood vessels to promote healthy hair growth. Rosemary hair rinse is most beneficial for those experiencing hair loss due to hormonal effects, aging, or dandruff.
A study published in 2013 found that using rosemary extract promoted hair growth in mice that had lost their hair after undergoing testosterone treatment.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile is another herb that is very popular in hair rinses and has been used in recipes for hair lightening. This flower contains antioxidants that may help remove buildup and dead skin cells that accumulate on the scalp. Chamomile is also commonly used to alleviate dandruff and itchy dry scalp.
A study published in 2017. Looked to evaluate the benefits of topical application of chamomile and another herb (Shirazi thyme) for the treatment of androgenic alopecia during a six-month trial. Two groups were given instructions to use the topical extract twice a day for three months, and a third group was given the same instructions but using a placebo. (all three groups were told to use 5% topical minoxidil).
The final results found that the first two groups using herbal extracts of chamomile and Shirazi thyme had more significant hair growth compared to the third group that only used a placebo.
HEALTHY Hair Rinse Tea: Horsetail, Nettle, Rosemary, Chamomile
We'd like to share our favorite herbal hair rinse, which contains all of the herbal allies mentioned above. This is our go-to recipe whenever someone walks into our herb shop and asks for a hair formula. Enjoy!
Instructions:
Add herbs to a jar with a tight-fitting lid (1 tablespoon of each herb per 8 oz. of water)
Pour water over herbs and cover tightly
Let the herbs steep overnight
Strain out the herbs and reserve the tea; you can add some apple cider vinegar to preserve the tea.
Take the tea into the shower, and after your hair is cleaned and rinsed, apply the tea to the scalp and let it run through your hair.
I like to use a turkey baster if the tea is in a jar. Or, you can pour the tea into a squeeze bottle with an applicator.
Let the herbal hair rinse run through your hair, using several applications, squeeze out excess liquid, and towel dry. You can also let your hair dry in the sun.
Herbs for Herbal Hair Rinses
Fresh or dried herbs can be used when making an herbal hair rinse. Select one or several herbs from the list below and try it yourself!
Normal Hair & Scalp: Basil, Calendula, Chamomile, Horsetail, Lavender, Linden flowers, Nettle, Parsley leaf, Rosemary, Sage, Watercress.
Hair Loss/Thinning: Basil, Fenugreek, Ginger root, Horsetail, Licorice Root, Nettle, Peppermint, Plantain, Sage, thyme
Itchy Scalp: Elder flowers, Horsetail, Eucalyptus, Nettle, Peppermint, Red Clover, Rosemary, Witch Hazel
Dry Hair & Scalp: Burdock root, Calendula, Chamomile, Dandelion, Licorice Root, Mullein, Marshmallow root
Oily Hair & Scalp: Black Walnut, Calendula, Chamomile, Horsetail, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Nettle, Peppermint, Thyme
Where to Source Herbs
We carry most of these herbs at our Herb Shop in Jupiter, FL. You can come in or buy them online in our online herb shop.
You can also learn the herbs in your local area and harvest them yourself!
If you don't have these herbs on hand or don't have time to let the herbs steep overnight, try essential oils that are healthy for your hair.
Healthy Hair Essential Oil Formula
2oz Jojoba Oil
2oz Castor Oil
10 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
5 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
5 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
5 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil