Ready to jump into the world of oil healing for hair? Learn how to make herbal oil for hair growth at home, with herbs you can easily forage nearby.
Did you know your local park has the hidden potential of being a forge-able food forest? On a recent bike ride through the park, the herbal haul I raked in consisted of: rosemary, pine needle, and lantana flowers. Of course adhering to foraging rules in my city and only taking a handful of herbs I needed, I am able to create a holistic hair serum to last for months on end!
Learning how to infuse oils is actually much simpler than you might imagine. In fact, I’d say the most challenging step is patience while waiting for your fusion to be nice and potent! Here is an infused oil I know you will love; used to strengthen and grow your hair into a healthy, beautiful mane.
Rosemary. Rosemary is an herbal powerhouse for hair growth. The medicinal properties of the herb prevent hair follicles from being starved of blood flow, weakening, and leading to hair loss. In fact, rosemary improves circulation to the scalp therefore stimulating hair growth. This herb also acts as a cleanser due to its antibacterial properties and naturally cleanses the hair. Rosemary increases shine and relieves irritated, itchy scalps, and dandruff.
Pine needle. Paired with rosemary, pine needle is the perfect partner to repair hair. This magical herb is jam packed with Vitamin E, known for increasing hair growth. Correspondingly to rosemary, pine needle, keeps the scalp clean and free from dandruff. Also known for reversing hair loss, pine needle can stimulate strong, thick, healthy hair when applied.
Sunflower oil. Also packed with Vitamin E, sunflower oil, has major benefits for hair health. People use this oil for overall hair restoration, as a deep conditioning mask, or an approach to minimize frizz and maximize shine!
Alternative Oils
As previously mentioned, I used only one type of oil for this hair serum. However, there are numerous of other oils that nurture your hair back to health. That is why when you are creating your own herbal-infused oil, keep in mind, you can most definitely mix and experiment with what works best for you! Certain oils to include:
- Argan oil
- Almond oil
- Coconut oil
- Castor oil
- Olive oil
- Jojoba oil
- Grapeseed oil
Do not fret over measurements, all these oils contain qualities that help nourish your mane. When thrown together they only have positive benefits towards your scalp and hair. The one rule I will implement is that the oils your select are of the highest quality. Meaning, going organic and minimally processed is ensuring that you will get the oils natural levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
How to Make Herbal Hair Serum
Here is the step by step to creating your own holistic hair serum:
- Select a jar, make sure it is sterilized and completely dry.
- Add your herbs and fill your container to the top with the oil of your choosing.
- Place the container in a dark, warm spot, maybe in your kitchen cabinet, and out of direct sunlight.
- Make sure your jar is sealed air tight, let the mixture sit for 4-6 weeks. The longer you let the serum sit the stronger your infused oil will be. Patience is key here.
- Shake the oil mixture to allow the contents to mix and release the herbal elements into the oil every few days.
In a few weeks’ time, you will have your own DIY hair serum! You can drain the oil from the herbs into another clean jar through a cheese cloth. I recommend applying it to your scalp and begin combing it through to your roots. Use 1 to 2 times per week, leaving overnight is the best way to nourish and pamper your hair.
Taylor Goggin is tropical gardener in Florida who gained her skills in cooperative agriculture while work-trading with a World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) program on the Hawaiian Islands. She now grows papaya, banana, avocado, fig, tomatoes, and medicinal herbs to make into inventive plant-based recipes.
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