Frugal Fridays~Hair "Conditioner"

In my quest for all things au naturale, I've found a beauty of a hair conditioner. In the past, I've used every commercial conditioner on the market. Not only did I get mixed results depending on the brand, I was also relieved of the extra weight I was packing around in my purse.

I'm talking money honey.

These days, unless you're packing a stack of coupons, hair conditioner will cost $4/bottle minimum. The salon stuff will set you back at least $12. And it's not quality we're paying for, it's chemicals. Lots of nasty chemicals that leave waxy build-up, cause dandruff, and yes, even rob the hair of it's moisture. Many hair products claim to repair damaged hair and recover split ends, but if you have half a brain, you know that this is false advertising at its best. Here's the skinny: Hair is made up of dead cells. It is not a living organism. It cannot be resuscitated with chemical promises, and commercial products will not create long, luxurious locks while you sleep.

Although, I'm pretty sure there are evil hair fairies sprinkling gray pixie dust on mine while I sleep.☺

After ditching the commercial products, I started using an apple cider vinegar rinse on my hair. (1 cup water and 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar.) It did a great job of keeping my hair mousse from making a permanent home on my scalp, but did little by itself for keeping the dry scalp at bay. Between winter and the wood stove, this year was unusually bad. Like I-can't-wear-my-favorite-black-shirt bad.

A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a recipe for homemade hair conditioner. And honestly, I cannot tell you where I got it. I think I had found it through the link of a link of a link of a link to another blog. Or the link of a link of a link of a link through Pinterest. Or the link of a link of a link...oh, never mind. If this is your recipe, I thank you. My hair thanks you. And my wallet thanks you.

~Hair Conditioner~

~The Players~

3/4 C. water

1/4 apple cider vinegar

2 Tb. aloe vera gel

1 Tb. honey

8 drops peppermint essential oil

8 drops tea tree oil

Combine all ingredients into a squirt bottle or condiment bottle. Shake well to incorporate the honey and aloe vera into the mix.

To use: After shampooing hair (I use a natural shampoo bar.), squirt conditioner all over scalp and hair being careful not to get any in the eyes. Gently massage conditioner into scalp. Allow to sit for a minute or two before rinsing well.

Be sure to shake before each use to reincorporate the oils and honey back into the mix. Style as usual.

Here's what each ingredient does:

*Apple cider vinegar balances the ph in the hair, and removes build-up from hair styling products. It is also an effective treatment for dandruff and itchy scalp.

*Aloe vera gel is an effective treatment for dandruff, dry scalp, and psoriasis.

*Honey is an antiviral and antibacterial that moisturizes the scalp.

*Peppermint essential oil reduces excess oil that can cause hair to fall flat and soothes skin irritations and itchy scalp.

*Tea tree oil kills bacteria, combats dandruff, and is an effective preventative for lice.

Shiny hair, more money in the wallet, less exposure to unnatural chemicals, and very frugal.  

What are you waiting for?☺

This post is linked to The Homestead Barn Hop and Vicariosly Vintage's