It is highly imperative to be watchful of what you apply to your hair. The scalp has the characteristics of a sponge, being one of the most absorbent parts of the human body. It has over 650 sweat glands and 200 blood vessels. Making use of conventional hair products, of which some are packed with unhealthy chemicals, strips the hair of its natural oils and luster by directly subduing the sebaceous glands which are found in the scalp at the base of every hair follicle.

Hormonal imbalances, fungal infections, dietary zinc deficiencies, and even issues with the digestive system also play a part in the condition of the scalp and hair. A healthy scalp and hair could be restored by making use of organic alternatives, which are way cheaper and healthier for the hair than artificial hair products.

 Hair health tips

1. Do not wash your hair too often: It is important to have a clean hair but washing your hair everyday with soap or shampoo would dry out the hair’s natural oils and lead to dry, brittle hair. It is advisable to wash your hair every three days or every other day.

There are various natural means for washing the hair and avoid using synthetic chemicals. Let’s take a look at a few of them:

• Baking soda: if you have been making use of synthetic hair treatments, you can achieve a fresh start by washing your hair weekly with baking soda to get rid of the layers of chemical products and other environmental pollutants that have settled on the hair. It gives the hair a vibrant look.
• Beer: before taking a shower, you could rinse your hair with one-quarter high quality flat organic beer. Allow to stay for about 15 minutes and wash off with water while taking a shower.
• Lemon or apple cider vinegar: for very dirty hair, make use of lemon or apple cider vinegar to wash your hair. They are both a popular in the natural hair treatment savvy community. Lemon and apple cedar vinegar are very effective in clearing away impurities from the hair and scalp and conditions the hair. Add some lemon juice from one lemon fruit or two tablespoonfuls of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. Use the mixture to rinse the hair and comb through. This also makes the hair bouncy. For an additional cleansing, make use of natural sesame oil conditioner to condition your hair before making use of the lemon or apple cider vinegar and water mixture.
• Natural sesame oil conditioner: to condition dry hair, use a small amount of olive oil or organic sesame to massage your hair and scalp. Cover the hair in with a plastic bag or shower cap afterwards and allow it to stay for a minimum of 45 minutes. You could apply it before going to bed and leave it overnight.

2. Eat healthy

Your general health condition has a great impact on the condition of your hair and scalp. It is imperative to observe a healthy diet so as to give the hair a healthy lustrous vibe.

• Proteins: the hair consists of proteins. Proteins are essential for cell growth and regeneration. A good diet for hair health should be able to provide the essential amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins. A good protein diet would maintain the natural lubrication of the hair and scalp and keep the hair from getting dry, brittle, dull, and weak. Eat a lot of eggs, fish, and meat from pasture raised livestock.
• Zinc and iron: zinc and iron are necessary for healthy hair growth and strength. Zinc provides an additional benefit of a healthy skin and strong nails. Oyster, spinach, and pumpkins are some good sources of zinc. Natural food sources of iron include leafy greens and meat from pasture raised livestock.
• Fats and oils: healthy sources of fats and oils include coconut oil, sesame, olive oil, avocado, cod, Brazil nuts, flaxseeds, butter, and walnuts. These contain omega 3 fatty acids, which moisturizes and lubricates the hair making it soft and shiny.

Some Natural hair remedies

Dry, itchy, and flaky scalp

• Pine essential oil, peppermint essential oil, and rosemary are effective at relieving the scalp. Pine essential oil and rosemary both have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Peppermint essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and also helps to stop itchiness.

Dandruff

• Coconut oil is very good for combating dandruff. It contains lauric acid which has antifungal and antibacterial properties which are effective at fighting dandruff. Take a few tablespoons of coconut oil, depending on your hair size, gently and thoroughly massage onto the scalp and leave it on for a few hours. Repeat the treatment 2-3 times spread out through a period of seven days. You would notice your dandruff to be completely gone by the end of the period.

Dry hair

• Honey: honey is a natural humectant which draws in and traps moisture in the hair. Apply about half a cup of honey onto the hair, allow it to sit for about 20 minutes, and rinse with warm water. You could also add 1 or 2 tablespoonful of olive oil to help loosen the hair before applying the honey.
• Eggs: eggs are very good conditioners. For dry, brittle hair, moisturize with egg whites. You could apply half a cup of egg white and yolk mixture on your damp hair, allow it to sit for 20 minutes, and rinse with cool water. You could also use a mixture of eggs and yoghurt as a conditioner.

Greasy hair

• Cornstarch/cornmeal: use a salt or pepper shaker to sprinkle cornstarch onto your hair. Ensure that your hair is not damp before sprinkling. Leave to sit for about 10-15 minutes and use a paddle hairbrush to brush off the powder.

Weak and damaged ends

• Jojoba oil: jojoba oil is rich in lipids and peptides and easily absorbs into the hair.
• Argan oil: this is also effective for dry and damaged hair. Gently massage into the hair and focus on the damaged ends.