A DIY herbal hair rinse recipe that nourishes your scalp, increases shine, and strengthens hair naturally.

Most hair care items, even the natural ones, strip the natural oils from our. A vast majority of shampoos also contain ingredients that coat the hair to replace the natural and vital oils that they strip. A great herbal hair rinse features nutritive herbs that feed the scalp for healthier, stronger hair. The apple cider vinegar softens and cleanses, without removing the scalp’s natural oils.

Herbal Hair Rinse Ingredients

• 3 TBSP dried rosemary
• 4 TBSP dried lavender
• 1/4 cup nettle
• 1/4 cup horsetail
• 3 TBSP dried basil
• 3 to 3 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
• distilled water

Rinse Instructions

1. In a quart-size glass jar combine all of the herbs. Cap the jar and shake to mix.
2. Fill the jar 1 inch from the top with apple cider vinegar. Cap it tightly, and shake well.
3. Keep the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks. Shake daily. After the first few days you may notice that the herbs have absorbed some of the vinegar. Just top your jar off with some more vinegar so that it stays about 1 inch from the top.
4. After the herbs have infused into the vinegar for a few weeks, strain them with a cheesecloth or a clean old t-shirt. 
5. Store completed herbal hair rinse in a clean glass jar. When ready to use dilute it with 1 part of distilled water. The vinegar concentrate will preserve indefinitely; however water will encourage mold and bacterial growth, so don’t store the rinse pre-diluted with water.

How to Use Herbal Hair Rinse

Mix equal parts of the prepared herbal hair rinse and water together in an empty clean container. Apply diluted rinse to clean, wet locs as leave-in or briefly rinse with distilled water.

Use the following as a guide but you may need less or more rinse depending on the texture and thickness of your hair.

Very Short hair: 1/4 cup infused vinegar to 1/4 cup water
Short to chin-length hair: 1/2 cup infused vinegar to 1/2 cup water
Shoulder length hair: 2/3 cup infused vinegar to 2/3 cup water
Longer hair: 1 cup infused vinegar to 1 cup water

Tip your head back and slowly pour over locs until saturated.

The benefits of the Herbs

A great herbal rinse should be infused with beneficial herbs that help hair in a variety of ways:

Rosemary
Adding rosemary stimulates hair follicles and encourages hair growth while strengthening hair at the root. It is also a slight astringent, which works to strengthen the hair follicles and prevent hair loss.

Lavender
Lavender calms inflammation on the scalp and increases circulation for better growth.

Horsetail 
Containing high amounts of silica to strengthen hair strands. Horsetail is rich in calcium, magnesium, bioflavonoids, chromium, potassium, copper, and iron.

Nettle
A wonder herb full of vitamins and minerals. You’ll find vitamin A carotenoids, vitamins B, C, D, and K, as well as chromium, silica, calcium, magnesium, boron and others. By nourishing and increasing the health of the scalp, nettle makes hair naturally stronger and more vibrant.

Basil
Similar to the other herbs in the mix, basil feeds the scalp, but plays a special role as it also detoxes the body by removing toxins and heavy metals. Basil also promotes hair growth as it nourishes with vitamins A and C, flavonoids, and polyphenolic acids.

Apple cider vinegar
An apple cider vinegar helps clarify and smooth hair cuticles – the secret to shiny hair!

Additional Tips

• Use the herbal rinse bi-weekly or monthly according to preference.
• Use this hair rinse in-between shampooing.

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* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

Last Name

• Wednesday, November 07, 2018
• clarifying

Herbal Loc Rinse

A DIY herbal hair rinse recipe that nourishes your scalp, increases shine, and strengthens hair naturally.

Most hair care items, even the natural ones, strip the natural oils from our. A vast majority of shampoos also contain ingredients that coat the hair to replace the natural and vital oils that they strip. A great herbal hair rinse features nutritive herbs that feed the scalp for healthier, stronger hair. The apple cider vinegar softens and cleanses, without removing the scalp’s natural oils.

Herbal Hair Rinse Ingredients

• 3 TBSP dried rosemary
• 4 TBSP dried lavender
• 1/4 cup nettle
• 1/4 cup horsetail
• 3 TBSP dried basil
• 3 to 3 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
• distilled water

Rinse Instructions

1. In a quart-size glass jar combine all of the herbs. Cap the jar and shake to mix.
2. Fill the jar 1 inch from the top with apple cider vinegar. Cap it tightly, and shake well.
3. Keep the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks. Shake daily. After the first few days you may notice that the herbs have absorbed some of the vinegar. Just top your jar off with some more vinegar so that it stays about 1 inch from the top.
4. After the herbs have infused into the vinegar for a few weeks, strain them with a cheesecloth or a clean old t-shirt. 
5. Store completed herbal hair rinse in a clean glass jar. When ready to use dilute it with 1 part of distilled water. The vinegar concentrate will preserve indefinitely; however water will encourage mold and bacterial growth, so don’t store the rinse pre-diluted with water.

How to Use Herbal Hair Rinse

Mix equal parts of the prepared herbal hair rinse and water together in an empty clean container. Apply diluted rinse to clean, wet locs as leave-in or briefly rinse with distilled water.

Use the following as a guide but you may need less or more rinse depending on the texture and thickness of your hair.

Very Short hair: 1/4 cup infused vinegar to 1/4 cup water
Short to chin-length hair: 1/2 cup infused vinegar to 1/2 cup water
Shoulder length hair: 2/3 cup infused vinegar to 2/3 cup water
Longer hair: 1 cup infused vinegar to 1 cup water

Tip your head back and slowly pour over locs until saturated.

The benefits of the Herbs

A great herbal rinse should be infused with beneficial herbs that help hair in a variety of ways:

Rosemary
Adding rosemary stimulates hair follicles and encourages hair growth while strengthening hair at the root. It is also a slight astringent, which works to strengthen the hair follicles and prevent hair loss.

Lavender
Lavender calms inflammation on the scalp and increases circulation for better growth.

Horsetail 
Containing high amounts of silica to strengthen hair strands. Horsetail is rich in calcium, magnesium, bioflavonoids, chromium, potassium, copper, and iron.

Nettle
A wonder herb full of vitamins and minerals. You’ll find vitamin A carotenoids, vitamins B, C, D, and K, as well as chromium, silica, calcium, magnesium, boron and others. By nourishing and increasing the health of the scalp, nettle makes hair naturally stronger and more vibrant.

Basil
Similar to the other herbs in the mix, basil feeds the scalp, but plays a special role as it also detoxes the body by removing toxins and heavy metals. Basil also promotes hair growth as it nourishes with vitamins A and C, flavonoids, and polyphenolic acids.

Apple cider vinegar
An apple cider vinegar helps clarify and smooth hair cuticles – the secret to shiny hair!

Additional Tips

• Use the herbal rinse bi-weekly or monthly according to preference.
• Use this hair rinse in-between shampooing.

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

Last Name

Read more

I'm not one of those parents that try a million super awesome supper cute kid hair styles with intricate basket weaves and braiding. (More power to you if you do, and if you need inspiration visit here.)

 I just don't have time for that, and my daughter would rather I shave her head than sit through it. What I focus on is hair health; Sophie will rock a puff most days, with the occasional ballerina bun.

 My kids are free, heck they wear jeans to church (something I was raised to believe was a sin), and they are occasionally ashy!

I don't make my girl wear the itchy tulle filled Haitian church dresses similar to those of my sketch youth and I don't risk my girl's edges for a haute hair style. (I have a small spot that has NEVER grown back from tight braids, aka tension alopecia.)

Instead I:

• Deep condition with a high quality products, usually Shea Moisture because it is free of industrial chemicals, or something I made myself after a trip to the natural food store. 
• I use a natural leave-in like coconut oil. It's light, smells good, softens the cuticle, and locks in moisture.
• I detangle while wet, either freshly after washing or spray with rosewater (FANCY, but distilled water with a dash of coconut oil will also do).
• When I detangle, I always work from tip to root with a wide-tooth comb and hold the base to avoid pain or discomfort.
• I air dry! There is something about air drying that seems to retain more moisture.
• When I do braid, I use hair scrunches that discourage tangling and do larger and looser braids, more of a protective style.

That's it.

Condition. Detangle with care. Lock in moisture. Choose simple styles that are more often protective and avoid causing tension. 

These video capture some of what we do for my daughter. I had a fro for a number of years so I am well versed in the work that goes into washing, conditioning and detangling natural hair!

This video is the REAL TRUTH of what it takes to detangle a brown girl's hair, YOU'RE WELCOME!

• Sunday, November 30, 2014
• deep conditioning

Natural Hair Care for Little Girls

I'm not one of those parents that try a million super awesome supper cute kid hair styles with intricate basket weaves and braiding. (More power to you if you do, and if you need inspiration visit here.)

 I just don't have time for that, and my daughter would rather I shave her head than sit through it. What I focus on is hair health; Sophie will rock a puff most days, with the occasional ballerina bun.

 My kids are free, heck they wear jeans to church (something I was raised to believe was a sin), and they are occasionally ashy!

I don't make my girl wear the itchy tulle filled Haitian church dresses similar to those of my sketch youth and I don't risk my girl's edges for a haute hair style. (I have a small spot that has NEVER grown back from tight braids, aka tension alopecia.)

Instead I:

• Deep condition with a high quality products, usually Shea Moisture because it is free of industrial chemicals, or something I made myself after a trip to the natural food store. 
• I use a natural leave-in like coconut oil. It's light, smells good, softens the cuticle, and locks in moisture.
• I detangle while wet, either freshly after washing or spray with rosewater (FANCY, but distilled water with a dash of coconut oil will also do).
• When I detangle, I always work from tip to root with a wide-tooth comb and hold the base to avoid pain or discomfort.
• I air dry! There is something about air drying that seems to retain more moisture.
• When I do braid, I use hair scrunches that discourage tangling and do larger and looser braids, more of a protective style.

That's it.

Condition. Detangle with care. Lock in moisture. Choose simple styles that are more often protective and avoid causing tension. 

These video capture some of what we do for my daughter. I had a fro for a number of years so I am well versed in the work that goes into washing, conditioning and detangling natural hair!

This video is the REAL TRUTH of what it takes to detangle a brown girl's hair, YOU'RE WELCOME!

Read more

Though I have a trouble spot or two, the overall look and health of my hair is still going strong.  I am over due for a re-tightening, but I feel a little time was necessary. I've been keeping my hair shinny and moisture rich by cleansing with Baking Soda and using a mix of apple cider vinegar, aloe vera juice and organic coconut oil as a leave in rinse. My hair looks beyond amazing after and I smell all tropical. I've done my fair share of posts, tweets and pins on the wonders of Coconut oil for whole body health.

Another blogger said it best:

Coconut Oil is an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and improves nutrient absorption as well! It can be used for cooking, as a lip balm, moisturizer, shaving cream, Deep treatment conditioner, makeup remover,body scrub (mixed with sugar makes a great exfoliant),bug bites, athletes foot and canker sores. Its also been proven to boost metabolism and aid in digestion. For moms it has tons of helpful benefits as well. You can use it as a nipple cream, diaper salve, and for cradle cap (to name a few)! I mean the list goes on and on!

• Monday, August 27, 2012
• coconut oil

I Love Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil

Though I have a trouble spot or two, the overall look and health of my hair is still going strong.  I am over due for a re-tightening, but I feel a little time was necessary. I've been keeping my hair shinny and moisture rich by cleansing with Baking Soda and using a mix of apple cider vinegar, aloe vera juice and organic coconut oil as a leave in rinse. My hair looks beyond amazing after and I smell all tropical. I've done my fair share of posts, tweets and pins on the wonders of Coconut oil for whole body health.

Another blogger said it best:

Coconut Oil is an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and improves nutrient absorption as well! It can be used for cooking, as a lip balm, moisturizer, shaving cream, Deep treatment conditioner, makeup remover,body scrub (mixed with sugar makes a great exfoliant),bug bites, athletes foot and canker sores. Its also been proven to boost metabolism and aid in digestion. For moms it has tons of helpful benefits as well. You can use it as a nipple cream, diaper salve, and for cradle cap (to name a few)! I mean the list goes on and on!

Read more

I've experienced so much joy and drama through this pilgrimage to settled and locked hair. I've lost locks to atrophy and unraveling. I've also fought with my hairline, most because of post pregnancy hormones and partly to the technique of previous hair dressers.

Most recently to help my locks settle, I have been careful with moisture rich products. It seems like I've been overly careful because it is the Sahara developing on my scalp. So I have been tweaking my homemade conditioners. Last week I developed like a cleansing pre-poo that also conditioned, shampooed with a natural shampoo and then rinsed with Aloe Vera juice mixture.

Pre-Poo Conditioning Cleanser

• Water
• Apple Cider Vinegar- can remove product buildup, restore the pH balance of the scalp and hair, promote blood circulation in the scalp--which can stimulate new hair growth--and give the hair a soft, healthy sheen
• Dash of Jojoba Oil- is a light Moisturizer, fungicide and mildew controller
• Dash of Olive Oil- manages dandruff and dry scalp
• Dash of Neem Oil- which has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, is good for dry itchy scalp and dandruff.  Neem oil is also great for thinning hair and increases strength.
• Dash of Jane Carter Solutions leave-in conditioner

• Saturday, May 26, 2012
• coconut oil

Cleansing and Conditioning your Natural Locs

I've experienced so much joy and drama through this pilgrimage to settled and locked hair. I've lost locks to atrophy and unraveling. I've also fought with my hairline, most because of post pregnancy hormones and partly to the technique of previous hair dressers.

Most recently to help my locks settle, I have been careful with moisture rich products. It seems like I've been overly careful because it is the Sahara developing on my scalp. So I have been tweaking my homemade conditioners. Last week I developed like a cleansing pre-poo that also conditioned, shampooed with a natural shampoo and then rinsed with Aloe Vera juice mixture.

Pre-Poo Conditioning Cleanser

• Water
• Apple Cider Vinegar- can remove product buildup, restore the pH balance of the scalp and hair, promote blood circulation in the scalp--which can stimulate new hair growth--and give the hair a soft, healthy sheen
• Dash of Jojoba Oil- is a light Moisturizer, fungicide and mildew controller
• Dash of Olive Oil- manages dandruff and dry scalp
• Dash of Neem Oil- which has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, is good for dry itchy scalp and dandruff.  Neem oil is also great for thinning hair and increases strength.
• Dash of Jane Carter Solutions leave-in conditioner

Read more