Homemade Shampoo - Improve Scalp Conditions

Shampoos contain detergents which remove dirt and grease from your hair and which can be rinsed off with water. There are shampoo’s formulated for all types of hair. Washing hair on a regular basis with the right shampoo will not damage your hair.

From generations people have been using readily available products from the kitchen to wash their hair. However the mixture prepared should be used immediately because the ingredients may spoil if kept for a long time.

Egg Shampoo – Egg has excellent cleansing properties. It clings to the dirt and while washing hair it drags the dirt away with it. Prepare egg shampoo by beating the white and yolk of the egg together in a mixing bowl. Massage the mixture into dry hair and after 5 minutes wash your hair well with cool water.

How to Shampoo Hair

Always use the right quantity of shampoo for washing your hair. If you use more shampoo than your naturally black hair may become dull. For long hair you need a walnut sized dollop of shampoo for short hair its grape sized dollop.

To begin with, first brush your hair to loosen dead skin cells and dirt. Then lean over and wet your hair with warm water.

Dilute shampoo with some water in the palms of your hand. Work up some lather with your palms. With your fingertips massage the shampoo into your hair. The ends of your hair are not greasy so concentrate on the hair nearest to your scalp.

Massage your scalp with small circular motions to stimulate blood circulation for healthy hair. If you have long hair dot pile it on top of your head and scrub as they may entangle.

Now rinse your hair with clean water from the tap or shower as bath water maybe contaminated with soap residue and dead skin. Shampoo for a second time only if your hair is very dirty.

Remove excess moisture from your hair by wrapping a towel around your head or patting it dry.

Shampooing, Conditioning Benefits

Shampooing: Washing your hair with the right shampoo can prevent hair loss. Proper cleansing clears the hair follicles of unwanted debris of dead cells and washes away excess oil from hair and scalp.

Conditioning: Healthy hair can be damaged by extreme weather conditions, while styling with heated appliances or while brushing or combing your hair. After washing, your hair may look ragged. The may interlock with other hairs and cause knots. Conditioner coats each hair and smoothes it down avoiding tangles and hair loss. Conditioner gives a healthy, shiny look to your hair by adding moisture and strengthens it; improves hair texture and make them easily manageable.

Homemade Mayonnaise can condition your hair and make it shine. Mayonnaise is made with eggs, oil and vinegar. You can prepare mayonnaise by mixing 1 tbsp of vinegar, with an egg yolk and 8 tbsp of olive oil. Beat the mixture till it becomes creamy. Apply it over your hair, wait for 5 minutes and then shampoo.

You can pamper yourself further with quick rinses. After washing your hair you can add extra volume, brightness or shine by applying a rinse.

Add 4 tsp of lemon juice to a litre of cool water and pour it over your hair as final rinse. This will brighten blonde hair.

Add ½ cup of vinegar to a litre of water and pour it over your hair, rinse thoroughly. This gives extra shine to dark hair.

Infusions – An herbal rinse is called an infusion. Herbs have different curative properties. To prepare an herbal rinse place 25gm of the required herb in a container and pour 300ml of boiling water. Close the container for several hours. Strain the liquid and pour over wet clean hair.

Thickening Conditioner

Certain hair products contain ceramide or panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) which coats the cuticle of the hair making it look thicker by adding moisture. These conditioners’ restore body and adds volume to hair. They are usually creams and balsams applied after shampoo and rinsed out with water. The materials include protein and polymer fibers and add volume to hair.

Shiners, Glossers, Anti-Frizz Shampoo

Shampoos and conditioners that contain oil or silicone restore the acid mantle and removes snarls from frizzy hair. Special cream rinse conditioners are designed to untangle frizz in the hair. It also gives glossy look to the locks. It keeps breakage and split ends under control by minimizing the stress on the hair while combing, brushing and setting.

You can enhance the gloss and color of your hair with this homemade conditioner. Grate few onions and some cabbage in a copper utensil and leave it overnight. In the morning add few drops of herbal oil and apply the mixture and wash your hair after 20 minutes. You will notice tremendous change in the texture of your hair.

Color Enhancing Shampoo

Hair can be damaged by chemicals used to color or perm hair. Hair treated with chemicals often becomes dry, brittle and very difficult to manage. Color care shampoos and conditioners maintain the chemical balance of the hair and prevent it from fading.

You can even enhance the color of your hair with Henna Conditioners.

For Dry Hair: Mix Henna, 1 tbsp oil and some warm milk to from a paste. Apply the mixture and rinse after 20 minutes.

For Oily Hair: To Henna, add 2tbsp of yogurt and a pinch of sugar and some water if required. Apply the paste and rinse after 20 minutes with clear water. Henna provides excellent color and body to the hair.

How To Condition Your Hair:

A Conditioner adds moisture to your hair and strengthens it. After washing, your hair may become dry, so you need to condition them.

Conditioner can be applied to towel dried hair. The effect may be less on wet hair as the conditioner may get diluted. Long hair requires 2 tbsp of conditioner and for short hair it is 1 tbsp. Massage the conditioner into your hair, concentrate on the ends. Then distribute it with a comb.

Now wash your hair properly, as shampoo and conditioner together will make your hair look lifeless and dull. So rinse till the water leaving your hair is completely clear.

Wet hair gets easily stretched and breaks off. So first pat your hair dry and then comb with a wide toothed comb, starting at the ends and working up the scalp.

Dandruff and Medicated Shampoo:

Dandruff often occurs due to stress and poor diet. White flakes (dead cells) lie close to the roots of your hair and cause itchiness. Avoid scratching your scalp and wash your hair with Anti-dandruff shampoo. These shampoos contain chemicals that slow down the cell multiplication that causes dandruff. Shampooing leads to dry hair condition. Use it only once a week, alternating with ordinary shampoo.

Bacterial, viral or fungal infections can cause spot baldness. This can be treated with medicated shampoos. They have antiseptic properties that help to eradicate the infectants and thereby prevent hair loss.

Moisturizing and Hydrating Shampoo: 

If your oil glands do not produce enough oil than your hair is dry and brittle and may break easily. External factors like bleaching, heat styling and perming can also lead to lack of moisture.  Use a shampoo for dry hair that has added moisturizer.

These shampoos are usually made of mild detergents to clean your hair and droplets of conditioner to moisturize your hair. These are quick and result oriented, as your hair can be shampooed and moisturized at the same time