At first mention, the idea of putting food in your hair may seem pretty odd, and very messy. However, there are many foods that work great to keep your hair clean, moisturized and looking its best.
Many real, natural foods can even replace your normal hair care and styling products. If you’re using conventional personal care products, you’re exposing yourself to a lot of chemicals — ones you probably don’t want seeping into your scalp. Switching to whole foods from the Earth to do the job is a smart solution.
The following are nine foods to consider putting in your hair:
1. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is one of the best foods you can choose for hair health. Pretreating your hair with a bit of coconut oil can help to protect against wind, sun and chlorine damage. Simply rub some through your hands (not too much) and work through damp hair before going out into the elements, or jumping into the pool.
This amazing oil also works as a great detangler and frizz control agent. Rub a bit onto your palms and finger comb through dry hair to control frizzies and untangle knots. Doing this can also help to smooth split ends.
2. Olive oil
Olive oil works great as a conditioning treatment to help repair damaged hair, and also to control dandruff. After shampooing, mix a teaspoon or so into your regular natural conditioner, then rinse thoroughly. You can also use olive oil as a deep conditioner. Simply work through your hair, allow to sit for a couple of hours, then wash your hair as you normally do.
3. Raw honey
Raw honey is very nourishing to hair, and can help repair damage from excessive coloring or the general wear and tear of daily life. To make a great deep conditioner, mix equal parts honey and olive oil, and leave on for at least 30 minutes before washing as normal. You can also mix honey with your regular natural conditioner in the shower to give your conditioner an extra moisturizing boost.
4. Apple cider vinegar
If you find that your hair has a lot of residue and buildup, or if it has become limp and lifeless, apple cider vinegar can help. Mix about half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into a cup of warm water. Pour over your hair, making sure to work it through from root to tip. Repeat this process a couple of times a week to keep your hair residue-free.
5. Baking soda
Along with being an excellent multi-purpose cleaner, baking soda can be used as a completely natural shampoo. Simply combine one part baking soda with three parts warm water, and lather into your hair. Follow this up with an apple cider vinegar rinse (as described above), and end with a conditioning treatment — such as one with olive oil — and you’ll be good to go.
6. Avocado
Avocado is another great ingredient, rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, to help replenish damaged hair. To use, combine equal parts very ripe avocado flesh and either olive oil or coconut oil, and slather onto damp hair. Put on a shower cap, wait for at least half an hour, and then wash as usual. Using avocado oil on your hair is another great option, one which may help to fight dandruff as well.
7. Oatmeal
Oatmeal can be used as a natural shampoo to gently cleanse your hair. Combine instant oatmeal with water to make a paste, and use to scrub your locks. Ground oats can also be used as a dry shampoo, for those days when you’re too rushed to get a shower before going out.
8. Egg yolks
Using egg yolks in your hair can help to strengthen your strands, and also make your hair shiny and soft. Scramble a raw egg yolk (or two, if you have longer hair) with some water, and use as a hair mask after you shampoo. Let it sit for at least five minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
9. Yogurt
Simply eating organic yogurt on a regular basis can help keep your hair looking great, but yogurt is also a great ingredient to add to a conditioning treatment. You can use it on its own, or combine it with honey and olive oil for a nourishing, vitamin and mineral-infusing treatment. As with other deep conditioning treatments, apply to hair, leave on for at least half an hour, and then wash your hair.
Which of these foods have you tried putting in your hair? Do you have any personal favorites, on or off of this list? Please feel free to share your results!
— Tanya Rakhmilevich
