Top 5 Kitchen Items That Should be on Your Head
1. Baking Soda
Do you have any idea how many times, in my childhood, I heard the words “baking soda” come out of my grandmother's mouth? Me either. Why SO many times?
Because: Baking soda is AWESOME!
Rinse Your Hair With Baking Soda Once a Week to Remove Build-Up
You can actually do this one of two ways: Add 2 Tbsp of baking soda to 3 cups of water. After shampooing, rinse with the baking soda water and then condition as you normally do. Or, if you have a way to keep your baking soda dry as you shower, put your shampoo in your hand (as usual) and then sprinkle a decent amount of baking soda on top of that. Then just wash your hair; this is the method I use. I just take a small amount with me when I go shower and set it on the side of the tub.
The baking soda will REALLY help get all the gunk out of your hair and leave it shiny and silky – it'll feel AWESOME!
2. Eggs
So, why did the chicken cross the road? Bet you never thought it was to lay eggs for natural, beautiful hair. Egg yolks are packed with vitamins A, D, and E – all great for shiny, healthy hair. To top it off, the fatty acids in eggs moisturize and condition like you would not believe.Lather, rinse, repeat
Much like the baking soda, the quickest and easiest way to get the great egg effect for your hair is to add a beaten egg to your regular shampoo. Just whip up the egg and pour some shampoo in the bowl with it. Wash your hair as normal.
Alternatively, you could whip up one or two eggs (two eggs for longer hair) and rub them into dry hair. Cover with a towel or shower cap and leave on 15 minutes before washing out. And please heed the note below.SEE NOTE BELOW!
Note of Caution: DO NOT USE HOT WATER! If you’re not careful with eggs in the shower, you could end up with scrambled egg hair. Make sure the water you rinse with isn’t so hot as to cook the eggs. What a mess that would be!
Who is this for: People who have brittle or delicate hair – or anyone just wanting to add luster, strengthening, and moisture.
3. Molasses or Maple Syrup
At times in my life, especially during the winter months, I have struggled with dry, unmanageable hair – and then I did a molasses pack, and it was, almost instantly, moisturized again.
Maple syrup works in much the same way, but I personally prefer the molasses, because it reminds me of Christmas and gingerbread.
How to Use Molasses or Maple Syrup on Your Hair
Pour either of these things (you can dilute the molasses with just a little water if you think it’s too thick to rub in) on dry hair. Wrap with plastic wrap or cover with a good shower cap...buy a cute one. Leave on for 20 minutes. Wash as you normally do.
Note: You must use real maple syrup or molasses – Aunt Jemima isn't going to help much...sorry.
Who Should Use This: People with dry hair or anyone who wants a very hearty boost of moisturizing. If you have oily hair, this is not for you.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
If there’s one thing I remember my grandmother doing for my hair, it’s use a diluted apple cider vinegar as a rinse at the end.
It may smell a little funky at first, but the vinegar scent dissipates as the hair dries, and leaves behind a VERY pH balanced scalp, which makes for a really healthy head of hair.
Shaken, not stirred.
Add 1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar to 2 cups of water. Shake well.
After using conditioner, just before hopping out of the shower, rinse your hair with the ACV mixture. You can either do one last rinse with water, or leave it in. I have always rinsed with cool water for extra shine.
Who Should Use This: Anyone who wants a little extra clarifying or suffers from dandruff, oily scalp, or dullness. In addition, anyone who wants a little extra smoothing shine should try an ACV rinse..
5. Olive Oil
Honestly, I've always known this stuff is good for your face, but in the hair? Hmmm....it was worth a try.
This centuries-old remedy has been largely forgotten – and needs to be revived. Just like your hair.
There are a couple of ways you can use olive oil to moisturize and repair your locks.
How to Use Olive Oil on Your Hair
To moisturize and strengthen: Put 1/2 cup of olive oil in the microwave for 15 seconds (or heat on very low for a few minutes) – just until it’s warm enough to matter, but not so hot that it burns you. Apply to damp (not dripping!) hair. Wrap with plastic wrap or cover with a warm towel. Leave this on for 20 minutes to an hour, and then shampoo out as usual. The original hot oil treatment.
To smooth and shine: Put a tiny amount (about 1/2 tsp) of olive oil in your palms and rub. Then apply to the top of your hair, moving downward.
Who Should Use This: Everyone! Olive oil is great for any hair type and helps with pretty much any issue. If you have a lot of frizzies or split ends, the “smooth and shine” method will work miracles.
