Cranberry for Dry Scalp
Cranberry seed oil is rich in antioxidants such as omega-6, omega-3, and vitamin E. The fruit itself is one of the top disease fighting fruits, surpassing strawberries, spinach and raspberries. The fatty acids strengthen hair, prevent dandruff and stop itching in your scalp. Cranberry oil is a great substitute for fish oil, and considered very popular among vegans. Unlike vegetable oil, cranberry oil will not leave your scalp too greasy.
How to Use
After showering, apply a dime size amount to your scalp and massage. Any cranberry oil will do, it doesn’t have to be crafted specifically for hair. Camden Grey provides essential oils (including cranberry oil) that you can order online.
MORE: Herbal Hair Rinse for Dry Scalp
Butternut Squash for Thicker Hair
The vitamins in butternut squash are excellent for growing thicker hair. The orange color that you see is an indication of beta-carotene in the squash — the more orange in color, the more plentiful. Once in your body, the beta-carotene is transformed into vitamin A, an essential vitamin for hair health. Vitamin A helps to renew your hair cells (and skin cells) so you grow healthy beautiful hair. Butternut squash is also a great source of vitamin C, another vitamin important to hair growth.
How to Use
This super fruit it best utilized through consumption. Remember, beta carotene is transformed into vitamin A in your body, not on your head. There are many ways to prepare it, but here’s a recipe for spicy butternut squash soup that also discusses the benefits of this fruit for your hair.
MORE: 11 Foods for Healthy Hair
Pear for Soft Hair
Much like the butternut squash, pears are a great source of vitamins A and C, both essential for repairing and regenerating healthy hair. Vitamin C also helps to counter hair loss since it protects the body from free radicals that can make your hair brittle.
How to Use
Add a good source of vitamin C, such as pears and apples, to your diet to prevent hair loss and help strengthen hair. You can also try this pear hair mask for softer hair:
- In a blender, combine a medium sized pear with 2 tbs of apple cider vinegar.
- Blend until the ingredients form a smooth paste (add a splash of water if it’s too thick).
- With your hair wet, apply the pear paste to your hair focusing on the ends.
- Pin your hair up and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse your hair with warm water.
MORE: Baby Banana Masque For Soft Hair
Pumpkin for Dry, Frizzy Hair
Pumpkins contain powerful antioxidants and omega-6 fatty acids to aid in hair and skin regeneration. Pumpkins are also rich in vitamins A, C and potassium, helping with overall hair health and growth. When combined with other ingredients, pumpkin acts as a great moisturizer for dry, frizzy hair.
How to Use
Because pumpkins are so soft and juicy, they work wonders as a hair masque or conditioner. Original Moxie Everyday Leave-in Detangling Conditioner offers an awesome conditioner that utilizes the health benefits of pumpkin seed oil. You can also try using this pumpkin puree masque for deep conditioning. If you’re handy in the kitchen, try making your own pumpkin hair masque using these ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked pumpkin
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp honey
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix in a blender to ensure a smooth texture. After you’ve washed your hair, apply the deep conditioner to your hair from scalp to end. Pin your hair on top of your head and wait 30 minutes. To really open up your pores, hold a blow dryer over your head for 10 minutes. Rinse your hair with warm water and let it air dry.
MORE: Add Pumpkin to Your Beauty Routine
