diy healthy hair rinse

Note: This post was previously published here as a part of my freelance work.

After visiting the Officina Profumo Farmeceutica di Santa Maria Novella in Florence, I discovered hair rinses and became very intrigued to try some of my own. I did a little research and got to experimenting. 

The base for every rinse is vinegar. It helps to remove buildup and smooths out breakaways. Each hair cuticle is essentially constructed like little shingles piled on top of one other; the vinegar helps to smooth the “shingles” down and keeps them pulled in close together. 

From there, you can mix in whatever herbs you’d like. I found that my favorite way to make a rinse was with essential oil because it has such a concentrated amount of the nutrients and the most potent smell. Certain ones are more beneficial for hair than others. Below is a rundown of the best to choose from, so you can throw together a combo that seems most fit for you. Myself, I ended up making a rosemary lemon grass combo, and I love it. 

After using the rinse a few times, I did notice a difference in shininess and overall health. So, here you go, here’s how to make your own!

The Herbs:

Rosemary: Good for dark hair. It helps with oily locks, dandruff, and will stimulate growth.

Sage: Good for dark hair and reversing grays. Sage will also help with dandruff.

Chamomile: Chamomile is good for light colored hair, and it will bring out highlights.

Calendula: Helps condition damaged hair.

Basil: Good for oily hair & stimulates growth

Lemon Grass: Good for oily hair.

What You Need:

1 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar

10 Drops One Essential Oil

10 Drops Second Essential Oil

Glass Container

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in a glass container, and let sit for at least one day.

2. When you’re ready to use, take 1/2 tbsp of the rinse, and mix it into 1 cup water.

3. Shampoo your hair, and then pour the rinse through, so it touches as many strands as possible.

4. You can either rinse out with some water afterward, or leave the rinse in. It is up to you. I always left mine in.