For years, women have been conditioning their hair with something or the other, claiming its the best remedy there is. You want hair that’s softer, better moisturised, and healthier – all with things you already have in your house or apartment. No more wasting money on expensive products. After all, why not use what you already have, especially if it works? It’s a method that’s not only affordable but also fast, effective, and a simple solution to keeping your hair healthy and moisturised, no matter what your daily hair routine might be. Here are 12 ways to condition your locks using household items.
Coconut Oil
If you haven’t yet incorporated this stuff into your beauty routine, it’s time to start. Coconut oil can be used to replace (or enhance) virtually any toiletry products (and of course you can cook with the stuff). Take a few spoonfuls of the oil (depending on how much hair you have) and melt it a bit in the microwave or on the stove. Next, coat on your hair and let it sit for between a few minutes to several, depending on your desired level of moisture. Not only will it give your hair new life after the oil is rinsed, it’ll smell absolutely incredible.
Honey
Yes, we said honey … but not alone. Mix a tablespoon of honey with a cup of conditioner and you’ll make it much less sticky. However, when added to your conditioner your hair will be able to get some healthy goodness out of this natural substance. (It’s also another DIY conditioner that smells just as great as it works!) You can heat the honey to help make it easier to mix and pour; however, crystallised honey can also be easily mixed. (This is a great use of crystallised honey, which can be difficult to manage.)
Apple Cider Vinegar
This is one of those times you want to get “the good stuff.” Buy cleaner, higher quality ACV and you can get your hair seriously clean and smooth if you mix it with water. Better yet, keep a bottle in the shower for a simple, moisturising rinse whenever you need it most. Unlike cheaper or stronger versions of vinegar, this stuff doesn’t smell nearly as pungent as you might think. It’s a super welcome scent and will fast become just another normal part of your beauty routine.
Lemon Juice and/or Lemon Essential Oil
The smell of lemon is pretty hard to beat — few people would deny that fact. When you use it for your hair, there are tons of ways to get this stuff into your hair. You can use lemon juice (do it yourself, the pre-juiced liquid is from concentrate) and mix it with water for a hair mask. You can also grab some lemon essential oil… and that smells super great, too. Simply use a few drops and watch your hair transform.
Avocado & Coconut Milk
This may sound like a recipe instead of a beauty product. But trust us, the results will be well worth the effort. Just don’t eat the stuff before it makes it into your hair. Blend an avocado and a cup of coconut milk and thin with water if needed. You can make up a larger batch if you have thick, long hair. Work into your wet strands and let sit for 15-20 minutes before washing out. Your hair will feel smoother and softer almost instantly.
Mayo
This is pretty classic but yeah, we’re still coming to terms with the idea of putting mayo on our hair, too. But as it turns out, there’s some really great protein-rich goodness in there. It can make your hair shine, become healthier and stronger, too. Yes, you can wash after conditioning here. If you’re too wigged out by putting straight mayo on your hair, dull down its scent by combining it with other items. Since it’s so thick, it will stick right to your strands instead of being washed away by the shower’s water immediately.
Eggs
Eggs have a bunch of beauty perks, like eliminating dandruff, moisturizing the hair, eliminating oil from scalp, and more. Blend up an egg or two (so it’s seriously mixed), with olive oil, coconut milk, caster oil, or any other number of substances, depending on your particular ailment. Mix thoroughly and let sit on the hair for between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Wash as normal, then skip the conditioning – the egg will remain with your hair and keep it silky soft.
Yogurt
More protein = more shine. Yogurt is an awesome protein source. Grab a plain, unsweetened version without all that extra gunk since that can seriously clog up your hair follicles. However, if you’ve got any type of yogurt that’s about to expire and you know you can’t eat it all, consider using it as a wet hair mask (or mixing it with other ingredients) for a concoction that will make your locks glow. Just be sure to remove thoroughly to avoid leaving a milk-based ingredient behind once you’re done showering.
Gelatin
No, we’re not talking about the fruity kind you eat for dessert. We’re talking about the plain stuff that helps hold soaps and savory dishes together. The original Jell-O counterpart is an essential food bonding agent… and it’s good for your hair, too. Mix it with water for a healthy hair mask and/or rinse. It’s also a simple addition to any other DIY concoction. It will coat and stick to your hair, even after you rinse. But it won’t leave a gross or thick after film. Keep this option in mind for a cheap, fast way to get super beautiful hair.
Aloe
Yup, we’re talking about the stuff you put on sunburns… only now you can think of it as the stuff you put on hair. Aloe has incredible healing powers, and that fact is also true when placed on hair. Besides, it smells pretty good and will totally remind you of summer. It’s light and airy scent will be having you longing for the beach. Besides, it’s pretty great on the scalp, whether it’s burned or just looking to gain some extra moisture. Light and airy, aloe is a great conditioner ingredient. Get your own plant and drop in as much aloe as your heart desires.
Argan & Jojoba Oils
More oils. But before you turn up your nose at the thought of oily hair, consider the benefits you’re going to get. They’re definitely not as greasy as you might think. You’ll smell great and your hair will be as soft as possible. Both Argan and Jojoba oils are great for a DIY conditioner. Sprinkle in as desired for a serious kick of hair health goodness. Or use them on their own for a quick daily boost every time you touch up your hair.
