Thick, long shiny hair has been prized as a symbol of health as far back as the ancient Peruvian and Egyptian cultures, most notably in the time of Queen Cleopatra, who used her beauty and immense charm to woo powerful men such as Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony.
While the ancient cultures may not have understood the science behind beautiful hair, they paid religious attention to natural and herbal remedies that could give them the lustrous, strong crops of hair they desired.
Today we know that hair is made of protein and is the fastest growing tissue in the body – as such, it needs to be nourished externally and internally. This means what you apply to your hair and scalp – where the hair follicles responsible for hair growth are situated – are just as important as the nutrients you feed it from the inside. In fact, an imbalanced diet is one of three contributors to the slower hair growth we experience in middle age, along with changing hormones and physiological issues, such as severe stress or male-pattern baldness.
Try these amazing 16 non-chemical, affordable home remedies to nourish and repair your scalp and locks
1. Argan Oil
This oil from the kernels of the Moroccan Argan tree is often called ‘liquid gold’ thanks to its immense healing, moisturizing and anti-irritant power. It is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, two essential ingredients for super strands. Vitamin E encourages hair growth and regrowth and contains powerful antioxidants which repair hair cells and damaged follicles, stimulating healthy hair production.
Because of argan oil’s soothing and anti-irritant properties, it can reverse the distress caused by harsh chemicals and help mend split ends. It also softens frizz and adds luster and shine to hair. The oil can be used as a shampoo, leave-in conditioner or styling agent – just make sure that the hair and actual follicles in the scalp along with your scalp itself receives the deep, restorative nourishment contained in this golden-colored serum or oil.
If your hair is particularly brittle and damaged, you may want to try using it as a hair mask. It is a refreshingly natural way to give your hair the boost it needs, minus the many chemicals contained in commercial hair masks.
