Herbs and Essential Oils for Natural Black Hair Care

In a world of natural, organic, Eco-friendly and back to nature, herbs and essential oils are leading the list when it comes to ingredients for natural black hair care products.  The beauty of a lot of  herbs is that they can also be pressed, steamed or distilled  into an essential oil.

When you think about it, ingredients are the life blood of any beauty product and hair products are extremely important when it comes to natural black hair care.  In this article I’ll talk about herbs and essential oils for you to look for when choosing your hair care products.

Herbs for Natural Black Hair Care

Herbs are used for cooking to season many of our favorite dishes, but herbs also have medicinal properties that are good for our bodies, minds, and hair. Herbal rinses are sometimes overlooked when it comes to hair care, but these washes can make a world of difference in the health and appearance of your hair. Listed below are some of the best herbs and essential oils used in butters, washes and rinses that will keep your hair steadily growing and looking its best.

Sage. Sage is an herb that can ease a sore throat, promote oral health, and help those who are battling diabetes. Blending sage with carrier oils has been known to reverse baldness and prevent hair loss as it minimizes shedding and breakage. It keeps the follicles healthy and unclogged to get rid of dandruff and helps your hair to grow.

Basil. Basil is a member of the mint family with leaves that are full of health benefits. It can lower fevers, help with cold symptoms, and works as an anti-fungal and antibacterial to ward off destructive germs. The power of basil as a sealant is unmatched as an agent that locks moisture into the hair strands to keep it well-conditioned. An herbal wash with basil improves circulation to the scalp, and its antioxidant properties also serves as an acne treatment.

Henna. Henna is known as the natural hair dye because it is a coloring agent that is completely free of the chemicals known to damage and alter hair. It’s known to have a loosening effect on natural curls, and has also been reported that migraine and frequent headache sufferers find relief with the help of henna. Along with its hair staining ability, some people prefer henna for the loosened curl effect, while others will swap it for cassia instead.

Cassia. Formally known as Cassia Obovata, cassia can aid in an overall healthy, clean scalp and thicker hair. Referred to as “neutral henna,” Cassia is often confused with henna, but the two vary in their properties and abilities. Cassia serves as a lightening agent for grey and blonde hair. If your hair is dull, the herb can restore vitality and offer comfort from an itchy scalp. Both Cassia and henna can be mixed to create a perfect blend for your hair that also fits your style. Red is the common color effect, but when combined with indigo, the shades of dye can vary.

Essential Oils for Natural Black Hair Care

Now that you know some of the key benefits of herbs, let’s discuss the essential oils that will help your hair grow and scalp heal with balance and conditioning. Essential oils are extremely potent and should always be paired with a carrier oil. Carrier oils dilute essential oil and transfers it throughout our hair. Carriers also have the added benefit of infusing extra nutrients and minerals and can be paired with various oils based on what your hair requires. These four oils can be used to improve the effects of your current care routine and tops the list of ingredients to watch for.

Peppermint Oil. Peppermint oil is a prime example of a powerful essential oil. It smells especially delightful and using it as part of a regimen that includes a basil herbal wash can balance the pH of the scalp and oil production, thereby lessening dandruff. This oil can also improve circulation. Peppermint oil is an ingredient found in body washes, candles, and gum because of its scent and antibacterial properties. Add it to shampoo or use it with jojoba, a moisturizing carrier oil that adds shine and softness.

Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is well-known for its ability to combat the symptoms of a cold. It helps the body to relax, making its scent popular for use in aromatherapy. Hair follicles need stimulation to grow and eucalyptus awakens follicles with nutrients that can be easily absorbed. These minerals make hair especially strong to prevent breakage and maximize growth.

Lavender. When most people think of lavender, they think of its calming aroma. It’s used to ease anxiety and tension to aid in relaxation and stress relief. Digestion and circulation can improve with the help of lavender, and it is also recommended for those who suffer from a lack of sleep. As an essential oil for natural hair, it acts as a deep conditioner that soothes scalp irritation and adds shine.

Chamomile. Chamomile is much more than just a sweet scent and tea ingredient. Along with the numerous advantages of chamomile as an internal agent for our health, chamomile oil protects the hair from an unavoidable element – the environment. Our hair has to be able to stand up to changing and extreme temperatures, strong winds, and sun exposure. Harsh temperatures make our hair dry, and of course, more difficult to manage, while sun rays cause damage. Chamomile works as barrier against the elements and itchy scalp sufferers are especially fond of the oil’s ability to reduce inflammation and irritation of the scalp. If you have lightly colored hair, chamomile can also lighten blonde shades.

Give the a try …

Finding products with any or a combination of herbs and essential oils will add great benefit to your hair care needs. Herbs and essential oils both come form Mother Nature.  It only makes sense to use what Mother has provided. Your hair will be glad you did.  That’s it for this week.  As always, we’re …

Dedicated To Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel

Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care