The Path to Perfect Hair: Natural Recipes and Top Products

Hey there, lovelies! Today, I want to share a deeply personal story with you—a journey of self-love, transformation, and finally learning to embrace my natural beauty. Growing up, my hair was always a source of frustration and confusion for me. I hope my story inspires you to love and care for your own hair, no matter where you are in your hair journey.

My Hair Story: From Little Brunette Rapunzel to a Healthier Me

For the longest time, I hated my hair. As a little girl, my mom grew my hair out long—so long that I looked like a little brunette Rapunzel. I had beautiful dark wavy hair with little corkscrew curls all over my head. But my mom would straighten the crap out of it, killing my curls and leaving me with stick-straight hair. When I was 8, my then-stepmother dyed my hair purple and gave me an ugly bob to spite my mom. Ever since then, my hair has been on a journey of recovery.

At age 10, my hair was redone, fading from my natural color into a bleach blonde look, which stayed until I was about 12 or 13. One day, someone asked if I had cut my hair. It turns out my ends kept breaking from all the damage from daily straightening, previous bleaching, and using Dollar Tree and Dove soap as my shampoo and conditioner. My hair felt like it just wasn't growing, and even worse, it was definitely thinning. This was probably due to a combination of everything, including stress.

It wasn’t until COVID-19 that I truly began prioritizing my health, particularly the health of my hair. Through numerous trials, errors, and extensive research, I discovered what works and what doesn’t. At the start of the pandemic, my hair barely reached my shoulders. Now, it cascades down to my bum, measuring about 28 inches long. My curls have returned, and my baby hairs have grown out so much that I can brush them into my hairline, eliminating any signs of thinning. My hair is thicker than ever, and I attribute this transformation to my homemade recipes and a few carefully selected products. Let me share my top products and natural recipes with you!

My Top Products List

1. Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

Ingredients: Rosemary oil, mint oil, biotin, and a blend of essential oils.

Benefits:

Rosemary Oil: Stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, promoting hair growth and improving hair thickness. It also helps reduce dandruff and flaky scalp.
Mint Oil: Provides a cooling sensation that soothes the scalp, reduces itchiness, and enhances blood flow to the hair follicles.
Biotin: Supports healthy hair growth by strengthening hair and improving its overall health.

Where to Buy: Online (Amazon, Mielle Organics' official website, Ulta, Target) and in-store at select Target stores and some beauty supply stores.

Price: ~$15-$20 for 2 oz.

How to Use:

Application: Apply a few drops directly to your scalp and massage gently for a few minutes. You can leave it on overnight or for at least 30 minutes before washing your hair.
Frequency: Use 2-3 times per week or as needed for scalp health and hair growth.

Why It Works: The combination of rosemary and mint oils stimulates the scalp and promotes blood circulation, while biotin strengthens the hair. This oil blend is designed to reduce hair breakage and encourage healthier hair growth.

2. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

Ingredients: Rosehip oil, almond oil, argan oil, algae extract, B-vitamins.

Benefits:

Rosehip Oil: Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, it helps to nourish and hydrate hair, reducing dryness and adding shine.
Almond Oil: Contains high levels of vitamin E and magnesium, which nourish and strengthen hair, reducing breakage and promoting hair health.
Argan Oil: Known for its high content of vitamin E and fatty acids, it helps to condition and soften hair, adding shine and reducing frizz.
Algae Extract: Packed with minerals, it strengthens hair and protects it from environmental damage.
B-Vitamins: Help to restore and maintain hair health by improving moisture retention and adding strength and luster.

Where to Buy: Online (Amazon, Sephora, Ulta, Briogeo's official website) and in-store at Sephora, Ulta, and some high-end beauty supply stores.

Price: ~$36-$38 for 8 oz.

How to Use:

Application: After shampooing, apply a generous amount of the mask from root to tip. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Frequency: Use once a week for optimal results, or more frequently for very dry or damaged hair.

Why It Works: This deep conditioning mask provides intense hydration and repair to dry, damaged hair, leaving it softer, stronger, and healthier with regular use.

3. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

Ingredients: Honey, almond oil, coconut oil, argan oil.

Benefits:

Honey: A natural humectant that helps retain moisture in the hair, making it softer and shinier. Honey also has antioxidant properties that protect hair from damage.
Almond Oil: Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, it nourishes and strengthens hair, reducing breakage and adding shine.
Coconut Oil: Contains lauric acid, which penetrates the hair shaft, reducing protein loss and adding deep hydration.
Argan Oil: Provides a high content of vitamin E and fatty acids that condition and smooth hair, reducing frizz and adding shine.

Where to Buy: Online (Amazon, Sephora, Gisou's official website) and in-store at Sephora and select high-end beauty supply stores.

Price: ~$46-$87 depending on the size (1.7 oz to 3.4 oz).

How to Use:

Application: Apply a few drops to damp or dry hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. It can be used as a pre-styling product, an overnight treatment, or to tame frizz and add shine throughout the day.
Frequency: Use as needed, depending on your hair type and desired results.

Why It Works: This luxurious hair oil hydrates, nourishes, and protects hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and more manageable. The honey-infused formula provides a unique blend of nutrients that enhance hair health and appearance.

Natural Hair Recipes 🌿

1. Hair Growth Recipe

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons of castor oil
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
5 drops of rosemary essential oil

Instructions:

Mix all the oils together in a small bowl.
Warm the mixture slightly for better absorption.
Massage the mixture into your scalp for 5-10 minutes.
Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
Rinse out with a mild shampoo and condition as usual.

How it Works:

Castor Oil: Rich in ricinoleic acid, castor oil stimulates blood flow to the scalp, promoting hair growth. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that maintain scalp health.
Coconut Oil: Contains lauric acid, which penetrates the hair shaft, reducing protein loss and strengthening the hair.
Rosemary Oil: Improves circulation to the scalp, stimulating hair follicles and encouraging growth.

2. Hair Thickening Recipe

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon of fenugreek powder
1 tablespoon of olive oil

Instructions:

Mix aloe vera gel, fenugreek powder, and olive oil until a smooth paste forms.
Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair.
Leave it on for 30-45 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with water and follow up with a mild shampoo.

How it Works:

Aloe Vera Gel: Contains proteolytic enzymes that repair dead skin cells on the scalp and act as a great conditioner, leaving your hair smooth and shiny.
Fenugreek Powder: Rich in protein and nicotinic acid, it strengthens hair and prevents breakage.
Olive Oil: Penetrates the hair shaft, enhancing moisture retention and providing vitamins A and E for thicker, healthier hair.

3. Hair Shine and Health Recipe

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado
1 tablespoon of honey
1 tablespoon of almond oil

Instructions:

Mash the avocado until smooth.
Add honey and almond oil to the mashed avocado and mix well.
Apply the mixture to your hair from roots to tips.
Leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly and shampoo as usual.

How it Works:

Avocado: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and B6, as well as amino acids, it nourishes and strengthens hair.
Honey: A natural humectant, it retains moisture in your hair, making it shiny and smooth.
Almond Oil: Contains high amounts of vitamin E, which promotes hair growth and reduces oxidative stress on the scalp.

Natural Oils & Products for Hair Growth & Strength 🌺

1. Rosemary Oil

Benefits: Increases blood circulation to the scalp, stimulating hair follicles and promoting hair growth. Its antioxidant properties reduce hair thinning and prevent premature graying.
Usage: Can be mixed with a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil) and massaged into the scalp.

2. Olive Oil

Benefits: Penetrates the hair shaft, providing deep conditioning. It contains oleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the scalp and reduce dandruff.
Usage: Can be used as a hot oil treatment or mixed with other ingredients in hair masks.

3. Castor Oil

Benefits: Promotes scalp health and encourages hair growth due to its high ricinoleic acid content. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Usage: Best used as a scalp treatment, either on its own or mixed with other oils.

4. Coconut Oil

Benefits: Reduces protein loss and maintains a healthy scalp. Its lauric acid content allows it to penetrate the hair shaft deeply.
Usage: Can be used as a pre-wash treatment, conditioner, or mixed with other oils for a nourishing hair mask.

5. Aloe Vera

Benefits: Repairs dead skin cells on the scalp and promotes hair growth. It also acts as a great conditioner, leaving your hair smooth and shiny.
Usage: Can be applied directly to the scalp and hair or mixed with other natural ingredients.

6. Fenugreek

Benefits: Strengthens hair and prevents hair loss. Rich in protein and nicotinic acid, it nourishes hair and promotes growth.
Usage: Can be used in powdered form mixed with other ingredients for hair masks.

7. Avocado

Benefits: Nourishes the scalp and hair with its rich content of vitamins A, D, E, and B6, as well as amino acids.
Usage: Can be mashed and applied directly to the hair or mixed with other ingredients for a hair mask.

8. Honey

Benefits: Retains moisture, making hair more manageable and shiny. Its antioxidant properties protect hair from damage.
Usage: Can be mixed with oils or other natural ingredients for hair masks.

9. Almond Oil

Benefits: Promotes hair growth and reduces oxidative stress on the scalp due to its high vitamin E content.
Usage: Can be applied directly to the hair or mixed with other oils for a nourishing treatment.

10. Tea Tree Oil

Benefits: Reduces dandruff and unclogs hair follicles. Its antimicrobial properties maintain scalp health.
Usage: Can be added to shampoo or mixed with a carrier oil for a scalp treatment.

11. Argan Oil

Benefits: Hydrates and softens hair, reducing frizz. It is rich in vitamins A and E, which promote healthy hair.
Usage: Can be applied to damp or dry hair as a leave-in conditioner or styling product.

12. Jojoba Oil

Benefits: Moisturizes and protects hair. Its composition is similar to natural sebum, making it an excellent conditioner.
Usage: Can be used as a pre-wash treatment or added to conditioners.

13. Grapeseed Oil

Benefits: Strengthens hair and locks in moisture. It is light and non-greasy, making it suitable for all hair types.
Usage: Can be used as a heat protectant or mixed with other oils for a hair mask.

14. Peppermint Oil

Benefits: Increases blood flow to the scalp and soothes itchiness. Its menthol content provides a cooling effect that invigorates the scalp.
Usage: Can be diluted with a carrier oil and massaged into the scalp.

15. Lavender Oil

Benefits: Reduces stress and promotes hair growth. Its antimicrobial properties keep the scalp healthy.
Usage: Can be added to hair products or mixed with a carrier oil for a relaxing scalp massage.

16. Sesame Oil

Benefits: Nourishes the scalp and prevents premature graying. It is rich in vitamins and minerals that promote hair health.
Usage: Can be used as a hot oil treatment or added to hair masks.

17. Neem Oil

Benefits: Reduces dandruff and promotes growth. Its antifungal properties keep the scalp healthy.
Usage: Can be mixed with a carrier oil and applied to the scalp.

18. Amla Oil

Benefits: Strengthens hair follicles and prevents premature graying. It is rich in vitamin C, which promotes collagen production.
Usage: Can be applied directly to the hair or mixed with other oils for a nourishing treatment.

Vitamins for Hair Growth and Strength 🌈

Biotin (Vitamin B7): Essential for keratin production, which is a key protein in hair. Biotin deficiency can lead to hair thinning and loss.
Vitamin E: Reduces oxidative stress on the scalp, which can lead to hair loss. It also supports healthy hair growth by improving circulation.
Vitamin C: Helps in the production of collagen, a protein that is essential for hair structure. It also has antioxidant properties that protect hair from damage.
Vitamin D: Creates new hair follicles and promotes hair growth. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to hair loss.
Iron: Produces hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to hair follicles. Iron deficiency can lead to hair thinning and loss.
Zinc: Repairs hair tissue and helps in the proper functioning of oil glands around hair follicles. Zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss.

And there you have it, my hair journey and all the wonderful products, natural recipes, and tips that have helped me along the way. Remember, everyone's hair is different, and what works for me might not work for you. It's all about experimenting, finding what makes your hair happy, and, most importantly, loving your hair at every stage. 🌸

I hope this guide helps you on your own hair journey and be on the look out for more of my hair-related posts, I have a lot more information to share! Let me know if you try any of these products or recipes, and share your results with me. Here's to happy, healthy hair!

Xo,

Cha