Your Hair Will Love These Herbal Recipes Pt. 3 (Color & Styling)

Merry Wednesday everyone! Today I am finishing the 3-part hair care series, with some great tips and henna and hair spray recipes.....Enjoy!

~Peace~

Coloring and Styling Recipes

Henna For Natural Hair Color~Unlike chemical hair colors, Henna coats your hair cuticles, gradually washing out while new hair grows in. Using Henna leaves no noticeable roots as the hair ends return to their original color as new growth comes in. When using Henna, expect the color to go through an adjustment period of two to three days. Hair might appear "brassy" at first, but don't worry; it won't stay that way. When choosing a Henna shade, remember that you can only make your hair darker. You can start with a lighter shade of dark, however. Do a test patch under your hair at the base of your neck to make sure you've chosen a color that you will be happy with.

• 1/2 cup pure henna powder, using your choice of color (you may need to use more powder if you have very long hair.
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• Plastic gloves

Place the henna powder in a glass or ceramic bowl and slowly add the boiling water, stirring until you have smooth, thick paste.

To Use: With gloves on, apply the henna to clan , dry hair. over your entire head and massage well into your hair, through to the end. cover with a shower cap or plastic wrap and let sit for 15 to 45 min. (the longer the henna is left in, the darker the resulting color.). Rinse thoroughly with warm water until the water rinse clear. Shampoo and style your hair as usual.

Makes 4 oz

Citrus Hair Spray~This easy to make hair spray can be used as either a setting lotion before styling or to hold hair in place after styling. This recipe works equally well with any citrus peel including: tangerine, grapefruit, orange or a combination.

• Zest from 1 lemon peel
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tbsp witch hazel

Place the lemon peel in a small bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Let it sit until it's completely cool. Remove the peel and stir in the witch haze; pour liquid into a clean container or spray bottle.

To Use: Spray on clean hair and style as usual, or spray hair after a style is done.

Makes 8oz

Henna Enhancers

When using henna o color or conditon your hair , you may also want to add natural ingredients to the paste to enhance its effect. Here are a few to try:

Egg~Adding a whole egg to your paste will help condition and giver your hair added shine.

Yogurt~A tablespoon or two o plain yogurt will give the henna paste added conditioning power---especially helpful for extra dry or damaged hair.

Spices~To enhance brown and rd shades, dd 1/4 tsp of ground spices like ginger, nutmeg, allspice or cinnamon.

Vinegar~For rich golden o copper highlights, add 3 tbsp of apple cider vinegar to the henna paste.

Tea~Like spices, teas can also enhance hair shades; Instead of mixing the dried henna powder with water, mix it with a 1/4 cup of strong tea.For brunettes try black tea; blondes look to green tea or chamomile.

10 Tips For Gorgeous, Healthy Hair

1. Keep your hair trimmed. You should schedule a trim or hair-cut every six to eight weeks.
2. Treat yourself to weekly deep-conditioning treatments or hair masks. Avocado, honey, and mayonnaise all make simple one-ingredient masks.
3. When in the ocean or pool, wear a cap and rinse your hair well after swimming.
4. Massage your scalp to boost circulation and promote hair growth.
5. Use a cleansing baking soda rinse monthly to rid your hair of hair-product buildup
6. Keep your brushes, combs and curlers clean. Wash with warm, soapy water,rinse well an then air dry.
7. Avoid the high heat setting on blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons.
8. Wear a hat to protect your hair from sun and wind when you're outdoors.
9. Change your ponytail position often to avoid breakage.