We know that our personal care products are packed with harmful substances and toxin chemicals that have been linked to chronic and degenerative diseases. It is sometimes hard to find natural alternatives on the market and to know what substances are safe to use.

So why not make your own personal care products from 100% natural ingredients and know exactly what you are putting on your body. This series of articles will give ways to make natural products for the hair, body and face.

Natural Hair Treatments

For thousands of years humans have been blending herbs and plants and using them to cleanse and condition hair. Frequent hair-washing is actually damaging to the hair as it strips it of all natural oils and dries out the scalp. This stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil to compensate, which in turn lead to greasy hair and more hair washing. When hair is left alone it reaches a point of homeostasis where it is protected by its natural oils. Strong hair growth is also closely connected to diet, fitness and general wellbeing. Shiny, strong, healthy-looking hair is an indication of a well-balanced, healthy body.

The following are some simple, age-old remedies for hair care.

Easy Egg Shampoo

• 2 small eggs
• 50ml / ¼ cup still mineral water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Mix the ingredients well in a blender. Massage into scalp and rinse very thoroughly with lukewarm water (if the water is very hot the egg will begin to set).

Zesty Hair Cream

• 150 ml / 2/3 cup natural yoghurt
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp sea kelp powder
• 1 tsp finely grated lemon rind

Thoroughly mix the ingredients together and work into the hair. Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap or cling film and leave for 40 minutes. Shampoo and rinse.

Parsley Hair Paste

• 1 large handful parsley sprigs
• 2 tbsp water

Place the parsley in a blender or food processor with the water. Blend to a smooth paste. Apply to the scalp and leave for about an hour before washing hair as usual.

Rosemary Hair Tonic

• 250ml/ 1 cup fresh rosemary tips
• 1.2 litres/ 5 cups mineral water

Place rosemary and water in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Simmer for about 20 minutes, and then allow to cool in the pan. Strain the liquid into a clean bottle and store in a cool place. This tonic can be used as a substitute for mildly medicated shampoos and is effective in controlling greasy hair. Alternatively use after shampooing as a soothing and invigorating final rinse.

Natural Dandruff Treatment

Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with 2 tbsp olive oil and rub well into the scalp at bedtime. Shampoo and rinse thoroughly in the morning.