Beauty is one of the major categories that people spend money on year after year, and while it may be money well-spent in many cases, you should be willing to consider the alternative options as well as the mainstream ones. Many of the expensive hair products out there keep to the same principle as natural care: getting the nutrients that hair needs to grow, where it needs to be. Keep some of these ingredients in mind when it comes to taking care of your hair.
Before getting started on this path, it’s always a good idea to try and consult with a doctor or dermatologist before embarking on any sort of alternative treatments. While the vast majority of options out there are safe, everyone’s hair is different. A medical professional may be able to guide you towards what options are best, as well as temper your expectations appropriately. Now, with the disclaimer out of the way, we can get to the fun stuff.
Sage
A common favorite in dishes for the earthy flavor it brings, sage has plenty of applications in the beauty world, starting with dandruff. If you want to get technical, dandruff is more of a skin issue These unsightly flakes of dry skin can come from irritation, lack of moisture, and sensitivity to certain products. Switching over to sage oil can make the difference if a certain hair product is the culprit. This isn’t all it has to offer, though.
Sage oil is proven to have positive effects on brain health and mental health in general. What does this have to do with your hair, you ask? Hair loss can be triggered by stress in certain scenarios, and prolonged stress may contribute to poor hair health possibly even thinning hair. This is part of the reason why some people think that sage oil may help with hair growth, albeit indirectly. Others say it can make hair color darker and more intense.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Sage’s benefits may be a bit indirect, but apple cider vinegar tackles the question of natural hair care head on. This may be a bit of a surprise, but you can add this to the many benefits that this popular health food/condiment offers.
Part of the benefits that apple cider vinegar offers for hair is the fact that it is a naturally acidic substance. Hair that looks frizzy, brittle, or dull tends to be higher on the PH scale, and acidic substances can change the tide and bring balance to your hair. It is also a popular disinfectant, and while this generally leads to use in home cleaners, you can also fight off bacteria or fungi that could cause scalp irritations or infections. It is also rich in vitamins C and B. Vitamin C, in particular, has lots of antioxidants. These are extremely popular in the beauty world because they fight free radical damage in the cells, one of the behind-the-scenes causes of aging.
Using apple cider vinegar for hair care isn’t hard. Here’s a brief guide:
Step 1. Mix a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water.
Step 2. Pour the mixture over your hair evenly, working it into your scalp.
Step 3. Let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes.
Step 4. Rinse it out.
In addition to using ingredients like this, you can also keep an eye out of certain ingredients proven to nourish and support hair. Here’s a brief list:
- Shea butter
- Coconut oil
- Aloe vera
- Vegetable glycerin
- Jojoba extract
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Castor seed oil
- Honey
As a general rule of thumb, you don’t want to go overboard when it comes to incorporating new ingredients. The reason for this is the same reason you don’t take too many supplements or medications at the same time. Even if there aren’t any negative reactions, you find yourself in an awkward situation if your hair actually looks better. What was the ingredient that did the job? Was it a combination? Using process of elimination to figure this out can take weeks and cost you money that you’d rather not spend.
After putting in the work, you should be able to reap the benefits. Put your new beautiful hair in action with a new style or look by seeking out the professionals at Elle.B Hair Salon in Denver’s Highlands Neighborhood.
