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How to Use Okra as Hair Conditioning

Feb 29, 2012 / By Nina Makofsky

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Rather than scoot out to the drugstore or salon for your next hair treatment, head for the farmers market. Natural foods are the hottest thing in ecological hair care. If you have wavy, curly, coarse, dry or distressed hair, consider creating an all-natural conditioner from fresh or frozen okra. Boiling pieces of okra transforms the plant into a thin, watery mucilage that you work through your hair as a moisturizer and treatment. It won't give you the crunchy curls that alcohol-based gels deliver, but it also does not dry out your scalp, and produces soft, bouncy waves or curls.

Slice three or four okra pods horizontally.

Place the okra in 5 ounces of distilled water and boil in a saucepan.

Monitor your okra. It should start to break down and look slimy. Once your mixture hits a gooey texture like a loose gel, turn off the heat.

Mask that unmistakable okra scent by adding a couple of drops of essential mint or lavender oil. If you don't like using fragrances, a squirt or two of lemon or a drizzle of honey should brighten up your okra's bouquet.

Cool your concoction for a few minutes. Strain it through a flour sack towel or a tea strainer. If your okra is very watery, some pieces might slip through.

Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar that has a tight-fitting lid.

Shampoo your hair as you normally do. Squeeze out excess water and work the okra gel through your hair from roots to ends. Massage your scalp with the okra as well.

Rinse the okra thoroughly from your hair. Squeeze out water from your hair and style as usual. Let your hair air-dry to minimize frizz and damage.

1.Okra

3.Essential oils

5.Towel or tea strainer

2.Distilled water

4.Lemon

6.Glass jar

Experiment with different natural ingredients to add to your okra hair conditioner. Rosemary oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, nettle and vinegar also cleanse and condition damaged hair.

Keep your concoction cool and fresh by storing it in the refrigerator. If you do not add any preservatives, your okra conditioner should last for a couple of more days.