You Don’t Need To Buy Hair Conditioner. Use These Safe, Easy Alternatives Instead!
Most of us like to add a little conditioner to our hair after washing. It can help to de-tangle and protect your hair. (Unless of course, you’re like my husband, who applies nothing but always has lovely, soft hair). So, for those of us who need a little help, here are my favourite recipes for safe and easy hair conditioner.
Of course you can buy hair conditioner in shops – and it’s very convenient. Homemade hair conditioner, on the other hand,
- is guaranteed non-toxic (because you know what you put into it yourself),
- is much cheaper,
- and is far better for the environment.
It’s a win-win!
So here are my suggestions for a non-toxic, eco-friendly, cheaper homemade hair conditioner.
Oh, and by the way – these are really, really easy (I’m as far removed from a Domestic Goddess as it’s possible to be, and I can do these easily).
What You Need to Know
- These homemade hair conditioners use safe products that you’ll find at home.
- A homemade hair conditioner generally needs to be left in for best results. So you’ll need an extra 5 – 10 minutes to spare. Or plan so that you can be busy doing
- All these hair conditioners are designed to be applied to freshly-washed, damp hair. So, wash and rinse your hair, squeeze gently to remove excess water, and then use these!
Read on to find the best safe hair conditioners that will de-tangle, stop frizz, protect and add shine to your hair.
Hair Conditioner – to De-Tangle
Does your hair get into knots after washing? No problem. De-tangling hair is simple to do, even without commercial conditioner.
What to Use:- You need a product with a low pH. The best product is probably white wine vinegar – but many people find it doesn’t smell great. Grape juice or apple cider vinegar are good alternatives.
How to Use it – Mix it with water in a spray bottle and spray onto your hair – this is more efficient than pouring it from its original bottle; there’s less waste. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes. Rinse well in lukewarm (not hot) water.
Also, if you don’t like the vinegar smell, you can add a few drops of your favourite essential oil.
Bonus Tip – You can also use olive oil or coconut oil instead of a conditioner to de-tangle. Put the oil into a spray bottle and spray lightly onto your hair, avoiding the roots. Leave on for 2-5 minutes. If you want to comb it through, use a wide-toothed comb – your hair is very vulnerable when it’s wet. Then rinse it off with cool or lukewarm water.
If you don’t like the feel of the oil in your hair afterwards, use a small amount of shampoo then rinse well.
Hair Conditioner – Stop Frizz, Protect Damaged Hair, Add Shine
Frizz happens when dry, porous hair sucks up moisture from the air. Mostly, it’s hair products containing sulphates, alcohol, silicones and mineral oil that cause the problem – they dry your hair and strip it of its natural oils.
Sometimes, our treatment of our hair can be too harsh – too many chemicals, too much heat while styling… Damaged hair needs to be protected.
A benefit of this hair conditioner is that it also adds natural shine to your hair. In fact, this treatment is a favourite of glossy-haired celebrities!
What to Use:– Extra-virgin olive oil is great. It de-frizzes if required, and adds a lovely, natural shine. I use coconut oil – but I live in a hot climate so it’s always liquid. If you don’t, you may need to warm up the solid oil to make it liquid, before applying it to your hair.
It’s worth experimenting to see which suits your own individual hair best. We’re all different!
How to Use It – Although you can pour the oil directly on your hair, I like to use a spray bottle. This is much lighter on your hair, and especially good if you have fine hair.
Apply the oil to the middle and ends of your hair. (Place a towel around your shoulders to protect your clothes, or wrap cling film / plastic wrap or a plastic bag around your hair). Leave for 5 – 20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. If you don’t to leave the oil in, use a tiny amount of gentle shampoo and then rinse with lukewarm water..
Bonus Tip: Don’t apply the oil to your roots. They have natural oils already.
Bonus Tip: Change the smell. If you don’t like the smell of olive oil (I don’t), add a couple of drops of essential oil – frankincense is a popular recommendation. Shake well and allow to sit, then shake again before using.
Conclusion
These homemade hair conditioners are just as easy to use as store-bought conditioners. They’re cheaper, they’re safe to use, and they’re miles better for the environment, water, and wildlife than many conditioners full of chemicals that may be toxic.
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What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
Warm regards,
P.S. Don’t forget that if your hair isn’t perfect now, it can be (and soon!). Find out more here.
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