Photo: Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
Tea can be good for you, inside and out. Derive benefits from sipping a cup or two of green tea a day or applying different herbal or regular teas directly to your tresses. The natural chemicals in the brews deliver amazing effects in the form of hair growth, hair retention, shine and color. Stir up a tonic, make a rinse or create a colorant to aid in the care of your hair.
Encourage Hair Growth
Nettles and rosemary can remedy thinning or slow-growing hair. Brew a pot of strong nettle tea and cool to a lukewarm temperature. Pour it over your clean, wet hair to promote growth. Leave it in for approximately 10 minutes before rinsing with water. Pour boiling water into a cup and add 1/4 cup of dried rosemary. Allow the rosemary to steep until the water cools to lukewarm. Strain the rosemary from the liquid. Pour the liquid over damp hair to treat thinning hair. Do not rinse.
Prevent Hair Loss
Try drinking green tea if hair loss plagues you. According to author Maggie Greenwood-Robinson in her book "Hair Savers for Women: A Complete Guide to Preventing and Treating Hair Loss," chemicals in green tea inhibit the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT, which kills follicles. Black tea has the same helpful chemicals, but in lesser amounts than green tea.
Healthy, Shiny Hair
A dried lavender tea rinse can bring a shine to your locks. Steep 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dried lavender in 2 to 4 cups of boiling water and allow to cool to room temperature. Strain the tea to remove the dried lavender. Pour the rinse over damp hair and leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Hair Color
Caring for your hair includes helping it look its best. If graying hair concerns you, combine 1/4 cup each of sage and rosemary in a cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. After cooling and straining, pour the tea over your hair to darken and cover gray areas. Do not rinse until hair is completely dry.
