Old Fashioned Hair Rinses

Whether it’s managing dandruff, taming frizz or adding more body and shine, many issues we may have with our hair can be solved by using an old fashioned rinse once a week after washing it.

You can save money and better yet, reduce the amount of toxic chemicals coming in contact with your scalp by leaving out the commercial leave-in conditioners and sprays from your hair care routine.

Following is a selection of natural rinses that you can easily make at home to improve the health of both your scalp and hair.

Old Fashioned Hair Rinses

Rosemary Hair Rinse — Cut several spikes off your rosemary bush (or find one locally that you can use), making sure to cut from the base of the spike so that you don’t harm the plant. Fill a big jar (about 1 litre capacity) with the spikes — chop to size if necessary — and fill ⅔ of the jar with boiling water. Leave for 24 hours with the lid on and then top up the jar with cider vinegar. Use 1 cup at a time and enjoy soft, manageable hair. This rinse will last for about a week, but storing it in the refrigerator will help it last longer.

Rosemary is a powerful antioxidant that can promote healthy circulation to the scalp thus supporting long healthy hair strands.

Lavender Rinse — Follow the instructions for rosemary but substitute lavender sprigs.

Lavender floral water has antiseptic properties that help with a dry, itchy scalp. Since the properties of lavender can improve blood circulation, you can use it to give your hair extra boost towards growth and thickness.

Birch Water (pictured above) — Place a handful of birch tree leaves in a heat proof bowl or dish and cover with hot water, let sit overnight. Strain into a jar and use 1/2 a cup to rinse your hair.

Birch water helps with dandruff on the scalp as it regulates sebum production. It’s also been said to help with hair loss due to balancing the scalp ph. However, I would not consider it a miracle cure.

Beer — stale beer rinsed through the hair after washing can give the dullest locks lots of body.

Apple Cider Vinegar — not only is acv great for dandruff and dry scalp, it can also help if you suffer from frizzy hair, as I do. Infuse some apple cider vinegar with rosemary by pouring warm (not hot) vinegar over several sprigs of rosemary in a clean glass jar or bottle. Seal and leave in a dark place for two weeks. The longer you leave it the better it will be.