WHEN it comes to hair, there are plenty of pricey products on the market to get it healthy and shiny.
But you don’t have to spend a fortune to improve the condition of your locks.
And you may want to visit the fruit and veg aisle instead of the hair and beauty one.
Ginger is a root vegetable that’s commonly used as a spice in cooking.
However, it can also be incorporated into your haircare routine for healthy, glowing locks – and makes a great addition to your shampoo.
Speaking to Gardener’s Dream, Gwenda Harmon of Power your Curls said: “Ginger is not only a flavorful addition to your culinary creations but also possesses beneficial properties for scalp health.
“Incorporating ginger into your scalp care routine can promote hair growth and help prevent damage. Its anti-inflammatory characteristics can soothe scalp irritation, thereby supporting hair follicles’ health.”
She added: “To enhance blood circulation and promote hair growth, massage essential ginger oil – diluted with a base oil such as coconut or olive oil – into your scalp.
“You can also incorporate [grated] ginger into a homemade hair mask or mix it with your shampoo to nourish the scalp and support healthy hair development.”
A loose stem of ginger costs as little as 55p in Tesco, making it a very cost-effective hack.
And ginger’s not the only natural item that could help your hair…
Gwenda has also given rosemary the seal of approval when it comes to your hair, and says it’s becoming more popular in salons.
Speaking about the handy herb’s benefits, she said: “Rosemary is believed to improve blood circulation to the scalp, promoting stronger and thicker hair growth.
“Additionally, rosemary possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective in combating dandruff and maintaining a clean and healthy scalp.”
The hair pro says the best way to use rosemary is to put a few drops of essential oil on the scalp and massage gently.
“This improves blood flow and makes hair stronger”, she adds.
“You can also create a soothing rosemary rinse for hair or mix it into shampoo to keep the scalp healthy and reduce dandruff.”
Lavender is not only known for its soothing fragrance but also offers significant benefits for scalp health.
Research shows that it can help reduce stress levels, which is important since excessive stress is often linked to hair loss.
Gwenda says: “Additionally, lavender possesses antibacterial properties that aid in maintaining a healthy scalp by balancing oil production, thereby alleviating issues such as itching and flaking.
“If you suffer from scalp irritation, try adding a few drops of lavender essential oil and massaging it directly or mixing it into a soothing homemade hair mask to help ease and calm your scalp.
“You can also apply diluted lavender oil directly to your scalp to reduce irritation and stress, which may promote better hair growth.”
Finally, sandalwood has been hailed as “excellent” for dry and damaged hair.
Gwenda says: “It helps retain moisture and prevents breakage by sealing the ends, making your hair soft and shiny. If you struggle with frizz or split ends, sandalwood is definitely worth trying.
“To achieve soft and shiny hair, consider using sandalwood-infused oil. One method is to mix it into a homemade hair mask, which helps retain moisture in your hair.
“You can also add a few drops to your conditioner for enhanced effects. Additionally, applying it as a leave-in treatment can help reduce frizz and keep your hair looking smooth and healthy at all times.”
