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If you’re tired of the same dull, lackluster hair and have tried every shampoo and conditioner on the planet, perhaps it’s time to go au naturel. Before commercial hair care products flooded the market, savvy women used items from their garden, such as lemongrass, to get their beauty on. This woody herb may be tough on the outside but has a soft spot when it comes to hair care.
What Is Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a hearty herb commonly found in warm, temperate regions of Thailand and Vietnam. The herb can be used fresh, but is also available in concentrated oil and dried powder forms. While it may look just like grass, it’s got a fragrant lemony scent with small hints of earth and wood. These calming scents are an absolute must for the au naturel crowd, relaxing your mind and putting your hair at ease.
For Greasy Locks
Chop up a few fresh sprigs of lemongrass and stick it in a sauce pot. Cover the grass with water and set it over a medium flame. Let the grass simmer in the sauna for 15 minutes, then flip off the heat and leave the grass to steep overnight. Strain the fragrant liquid through a fine strainer, and bottle it in a squirt bottle. Keep the lemongrass water in your shower, and splash it on after washing your hair. The potent juice will even out overactive oil glands on your scalp, leaving your hair bouncy and balanced.
Clear the Flakes
Mix up a lemongrass shampoo to combat dandruff and flaky psoriasis. Pour 1 cup of castile oil in a large bowl and drizzle in 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil. Stir the soap to blend in the oil, and transfer the shampoo to a small bottle. Castile soap is super runny, so you only need to pour a little on your head. Scrub the lemongrass shampoo into the hair to lift away flakes and scales, and rinse away the sudsy foam with clear water. Repeat the lemongrass shampoo three times a week to tame terrible scalp flakes.
Keep it Strong
Whip up an olive oil and lemongrass conditioning mask. Add one cup of olive oil to a double boiler and sprinkle in 1/4 cup powdered lemongrass. Whisk the mixture to break up lumps, and heat for 15 minutes. Cool the infusion completely, and drizzle it into an empty conditioner bottle. Slather the oil on clean hair, and wrap your hair up in a plastic bag. Leave the lemony oil on for 30 minutes to combat dryness and add shine, then rinse and shampoo as usual.
