Honey has many nutritional and medicinal uses, but did you know it can be beneficial in your beauty routine? Honey is a humectant (which means that it helps to retain moisture”> and an emollient (meaning that it softens and smoothes”>, which “naturally” makes it a great conditioner and moisturizer. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, so using it in your hair care routine can leave your tresses looking shinier, feeling softer, and in an overall more healthy condition. Recent studies have also shown that because of honey’s antibacterial and antioxidant properties, it can also prove beneficial in keeping your scalp healthy and promoting hair growth! There are many things you can do with honey; try out our latest honey deep conditioner recipe called “Honey, You Need to Deep Condition.”
6 Uses For Honey
Hair Growth Scalp Rub
- Mix 9 parts honey with 1 part water in a bowl
- Use your fingers to rub the mixture directly on to your scalp and massage for 2-3 minutes
- Once your scalp has been covered, pull the mixture through your hair, until it covers your hair from root to tip
- Leave the solution on your hair for up to 3 hours, then rinse thoroughly with warm water
- Repeat once a week
MORE: Greek Yogurt & Honey Conditioner
Natural Hair Dye
Honey is a natural lightener so it serves as a natural method to add subtle highlights or slightly lift your hair color overall. For a more intense affect, combine honey with your favorite conditioner, and add a squeeze of lemon juice. If you’re looking to darken your hair, consider using molasses as a substitute.
MORE: Honey Hair Lightening: Fact or Fiction?
Oil & Honey Hair Treatment
- Combine honey and extra virgin olive oil in a small, microwaveable dish
- Mix the two ingredients with a spoon and microwave for 15-30 seconds then allow it to cool for 30 seconds
- Use your hands to evenly disperse the honey and olive oil throughout your hair
- Massage it into your scalp and work from your roots to the tip of your hair
- Cover with a shower cap and let it sit for 30 minutes
- Rinse it out, preferably with cold water.
Honey Hair Conditioner
- Combine honey with an equal amount of your regular conditioner
- Rub the two together and use your hands to evenly apply the mixture through your while damp
- Massage it into your scalp and work from your roots to the tip of your hair
- Cover with a shower cap and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it out, preferably with cold water
Honey Glossing Treatment
Honey clarifies the hair as well as conditioning so your hair will look shiny and smooth.
- Use raw honey to coat your curls
- Cover with a shower cap for about ten minutes
- Wash your hair as usual
MORE: Manuka Honey: Benefits for Hair & Skin
Honey Leave-In
- Combine 1 teaspoon of honey (or more depending on hair length and condition”> with 4 cups of warm water
- After cleansing your hair as normal, pour the mixture through your hair and allow to dry as normal
MORE: Curl Chemist: The Buzz About Honey