8 NATURAL REMEDIES FOR BEAUTIFUL HAIR

For beautiful hair and better overall health, it's time to take a closer look at the ingredients in our hair care products.

We routinely use hair care products that include known carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and many other toxic and harmful chemicals. Fortunately, there is a growing number of ethical, sustainable and natural brands to choose from. The only downside is, these products can sometimes be a little more expensive.

However, if you want to save money and further reduce your waste, it’s quite easy and affordable to make your own hair care products with natural, nourishing and often edible ingredients at home.

Here are 8 natural, ethical and sustainable remedies to improve the appearance and health of your hair.

So, first things first; we need to keep our hair clean. This is a simple recipe for a shampoo that can either be stored in a bottle or poured into moulds and kept in the freezer until shower time.

- ¼ cup of liquid castile soap

- ¼ cup of coconut milk

- 1 tsp bentonite clay - which has many uses and benefits!

- 20 drops each of lavender and rosemary essential oils

- ½ tsp Vitamin E oil - which is great for scalp health.

- Optional - 1 tsp xanthan gum

Once we’ve washed our hair, it’s time to condition. The ingredients in this recipe simply need to be melted in a dish over some hot water, then whisked to form a creamy consistency. This can be stored in a jar, and for best results, should be massaged into the ends of your hair after washing. Leave it for a couple of minutes then gently rinse it out.

- 2 tbsp of shea butter

- 2 tbsp of cocoa butter

- 1 tsp of almond oil

- ½ tsp of Vitamin E oil

- 20 drops each of lavender and frankincense essential oils

The famous household problem solver, apple cider vinegar, is also great for removing the build-up of products, dirt and oil

The famous household problem solver, apple cider vinegar, is also great for removing the build-up of products, dirt and oil, which can accumulate in our hair. Seriously, what can't ACV do? Mix it with essential oils and water to counteract the vinegar smell, and you have a refreshing rinse from root to tip.

- 2 tbsp of raw apple cider vinegar

- ½ cup of water

- 5 drops of essential oil of your choice

Give some extra love to dry and damaged hair with this super safe and simple leave-in conditioner recipe.

- 4 tsp of jojoba oil (is moisturising, but not oily)

- 2 tsp of sesame seed oil (protects from UV, conditions and adds shine)

- 1 tsp of olive oil (to nourish and regenerate your hair)

- 1 tsp of grapeseed oil (contains Vitamin C and Linoleic Acid to repair your hair)

- 10 drops lavender oil (good for your scalp and smells great)

Sometimes, there just isn’t enough time to actually get in the shower and wash your hair. Thankfully, we can use dry shampoo to fool everyone into thinking we’ve washed! Avoid the toxic stuff with this easy peasy recipe, which can be stored in a pepper grinder to be sprinkled on and brushed through your hair as you’re walking out the door.

- 4 tsp of cornstarch (absorbs the excess oils)

- 2 tsp of cocoa

- 5 drops of rosemary oil (promotes hair growth, soothes the scalp, and helps with dandruff)

- ¼ tsp of cinnamon

- ¼ tsp of turmeric

This totally edible hair mask contains potassium for restoring hydration, and B Vitamins to repair your hair follicles, with the added power of lemon juice to make your hair shine. Blend these three ingredients until smooth, before spreading the mixture through your hair in sections. Put on a shower cap and leave it in for as long as 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Alternatively, enjoy it for breakfast.

- 1 ripe banana

- Half an avocado

- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

To repair dull and dry hair, or to enhance your natural shine; combine the cleansing power of apple cider vinegar with argan oil

To repair dull and dry hair, or to enhance your natural shine; combine the cleansing power of apple cider vinegar with argan oil to nourish and soften your hair. The addition of rosemary oil to the AAA hair mask will help relieve scalp dryness. Simply combine these ingredients in a blender before working the mixture through your hair from the roots to the tips. Allow to soak in for around 15 minutes before rinsing and washing with your homemade shampoo. For best results, use this mask once a month.

- Half an avocado

- 2 tablespoons of argan oil

- 10 drops of rosemary essential oil

- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

This is a great fortnightly treatment that can be massaged in and left in your hair for around 20 minutes before washing. The acidity of the lemon helps rid the scalp of any loose, flaky skin, while the olive oil moisturises and prevents any further flaking.

- 2 tablespoons of olive oil

- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

- 2 tablespoons of water

The health of our hair is not only influenced by what we apply to it externally, but also by what we put in our mouths. This is because our external body, such as our hair, skin and nails, is a reflection of our internal health.

As such, we need to ensure our diet is supporting good hair health. Nutritionally speaking, our hair thrives on a diet rich in whole-food fats, plant proteins, calcium, iron, B Vitamins, zinc, magnesium, silica, omega 3 fatty acids, potassium and antioxidants. Tropeaka Superfoods and High-Powered Blends will help you reach your nutrition targets every day in the most delicious way. Have you tried our nutrient-rich recipes yet?

Here are 10 plant-based foods that make your hair gorgeous. Be sure to also minimise the use of hairdryers and straighteners, as using these appliances will only counteract the benefits of eating nutrient-rich plant foods and applying these nourishing, natural remedies.

If you are concerned with any of the ingredients in your existing hair care products, click here to search an extensive database on harmful ingredients.