Homemade Hair Treatments

Growing up in the 1940’s and 1950’s was very different from the lives of children growing up today. Now whenever you need something you just jump in your car and dash off to the corner market, convenience or big box store and in a matter of minutes your needs have been met. However, in the 1940’s and 1950’s life was not so easy, nor was it so instantly gratifying, at least not in the same way that is today.

Back in the good old days, as many refer to them, life was simpler, more relaxed. Families only had one car and Dad took it to work. Dinners were family affairs made by mom’s whose sole job was to care for the house and children. Cakes and brownies were made from scratch not from a box. And homemade hair treatments were the only kind available.

Made from simple house hold ingredients found in every kitchen these economical and easy to make basic hair care products like shampoo, conditioner and styling gel were the precursor to the hundreds of hair care products lining the shelves of stores today.

There is however a movement toward simplifying life, cutting out waste and excess and reducing the impact of humans on nature that has many people looking back on those good old days with fondness and an eye to making tomorrow better for future generations. Reducing the amount of waste by recycling, cleaning up rivers and streams by not using products containing phosphates and ammonia, and saving money instead of spending for the sake of spending have become fashionable once more as the economic situation in recent years has taken a toll on middle America.

Why spend a fortune on name brand salon products when you can get the same product, or better, in your very own home for a fraction of the cost.

Here are a few basic homemade hair treatments to check out for yourself:

Honey Mayonnaise conditioner

This is a very effective moisturizing treatment for heat damaged and over-processed hair that also adds shine and strengthens hair. To make your own honey and mayonnaise conditioning hair treatments add ½ cup mayonnaise to 3 tablespoons of honey and mix well. For long hair use 1 cup mayonnaise with 6 tablespoons of honey to ensure overall coverage. Due to the nature of mayonnaise this treatment is good for one time only. Be sure to discard any unused portion immediately. Add ground coffee for dark hair or a teaspoon of witch hazel or tea tree oil for dandruff or dry, itchy scalp caused by eczema, psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.

Beer rinse

For any hair type but especially brings out natural rich golden undertones in dark blonde and all shades of brown hair. Just saturate your hair with room temperature beer, wrap your head in a towel and relax for about 30minutes then rinse. You will be left with silky smooth, shiny hair that feels healthier and looks great.

Warm Olive Oil Conditioner

Use this for deep conditioning of dry or sun-damaged hair. A cup of olive oil, 1 minute in the microwave and it’s done. Simply massage into your hair, cover with a shower cap or towel and sit back. After 20 minutes just wash your hair with your regular shampoo and towel dry. Your thick, lustrous locks will make you a true believer.

Lemon Juice Highlighter

For light hair or to help bring out natural highlights in dark blonde or red hair. Freshly squeezed or store bought doesn’t matter. Just saturate your hair with lemon juice and then sit in the sun for 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t worry if you can’t sit outside or there is no sunny window, the lemon juice will do its job even if wrapped in a turban, it just might take a few more applications to get there.

Aloe Vera Jojoba Styling Gel

A fresh take on styling products that won’t leave residue build up that can make hair lifeless and dull or weigh it down and flat. Mix Aloe Vera gel and jojoba oil in a 3:1 ratio. Add some lemon or orange essential oil- just a drop or 2 is enough- to prevent flyway ends.