We curlies put a lot of time and effort into achieving that perfect balance between looking good and keeping our hair healthy. Over time, however, products can cause unhealthy, growth-stunting build-up. In addition, you have undoubtedly experienced breakage at some point–a common problem for those with naturally dry hair. If you have trepidation about adding something else to your hair while trying to remove product build-up or prevent breakage, consider making your own hair rinse. This way you will know exactly what’s in it.
Why Rinse?
The fact is, rinsing your hair with more than just water can have many benefits! For one thing, rinsing your hair with a light, acidic product, such as apple cider vinegar, can help balance your hair’s pH after washing to remove product build-up. Additionally, it will cut down on the amount of shedding you’ll experience. This is especially true during the drier winter or summer months. There are varieties of hair rinse recipes. Start researching which natural ingredients will combat your specific hair problems, and go from there.
Tea Rinse
Try a tea rinse–it is both simple and economical. It’s great for itchy, inflamed scalps and can help maintain hair color, too. Some people use tea rinses for alopecia and other hair related complications from chronic illness. Simply make tea as usual and then let it cool down before pouring over your hair. After the rinse, put on a shower cap and then wrap your head with a towel for at least an hour. Try one of these easy DIY tea recipes:
Beer Rinse
Yes, beer! Surprisingly, rinsing your hair with a flat beer about once a month can give your hair some added body, bring out your hair’s natural shine, and enhance elasticity in your curls. Hops contain oils that pair well to combat weak, damaged curly hair. Watch this DIY beer rinse and see just how easy it is to do one at home.
Coffee Rinse
Coffee beans provide extra shine to darker hues (specifically brunette, redheads, and black hair”> and also promotes hair growth by stimulating the scalp. Read this simple DIY “latte” rinse with coffee for healthier, stronger curls that bounce. For this rinse, focus on coating your roots, massage it in, let sit, and then rinse out and follow up with your favorite co-wash and moisturizer.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
To soften your curls and blast product build-up from your scalp, rinse your hair with a ACV and distilled water mix. After doing your usual shampoo and conditioning regimen, pour the ACV into your hair and let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much your scalp needs to be clarified. Rinse with cool water and scrub well to get the vinegar scent out.
Vodka Rinse
If you have frizzy hair, vodka will be your new best friend. It has a low pH level and is naturally acidic. When added to conditioner vodka can help maintain and lower a high pH level found in the hair. Try it for yourself with this DIY recipe. It also works for certain skin issues and can prevent hair loss, too.
Have you tried other recipes for homemade hair rinses?
This article was originally published in July 2012 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.
