Have you been contemplating a tea rinse for your hair lately? Black and green tea rinses are super popular for reducing shedding and promoting growth; however, if you are thinking about trying a different tea rinse, then consider adding red tea to your list. Rooibos, also known as red bush tea, actually is not a tea at all but an herb from the rooibos plant cultivated in Cedarberg, South Africa. With a long list of amazing health and beauty benefits, this herb definitely deserves to be placed on the “must try” list.
Health Benefits
Rooibos tea is linked to similar benefits of green tea, except it is caffeine-free, making rooibos a great alternative for children and breastfeeding mothers. Due to this reason red tea is also a great calming drink before bed if you suffer from insomnia. Red tea is rich in antioxidants, which are great anti-aging substances and has also been claimed to help fight against several diseases. Elsevier concluded that after six weeks of traditional use of rooibos tea, lipid profiles as well as redox statuses of 40 adults significantly improved. In simple terms, both of these factors are relevant to heart disease in at risk adults. Other traditional uses of red tea in South Africa include treating infantile colic, allergies, asthma, and dermatological problems.
Benefits of Red Tea for Hair
Red tea is enriched with zinc, copper, potassium, and calcium, which all promote hair growth and strengthening. The high dose of copper assists to prevent premature graying of hair, while anti-inflammatory agents of the tea can also help to soothe the scalp and fight dandruff. Since red tea is caffeine-free, it does not serve the same purpose for your hair as the popular black and green tea rinses. Caffeine is sited as blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT”>, the hormone responsible for a few forms of hair loss. However, one of the main antioxidants, polyphenol, is said to help promote shiny, soft hair and protect from sun damage.
DIY Red Tea Rinse
You can complete a red tea rinse similar to other tea rinses. If you are a lighter blonde color, red tea can also be used as a natural hair dye. Here’s how to prepare your rinse:
- Steep tea for minimum of 30 min. in boiling water, then allow to cool.
- Shampoo and condition hair to your liking.
- Pour tea over freshly washed and conditioned hair or use a spray bottle if preferred.
- Allow tea to sit for 20-30 min. before rinsing.
- Follow with deep conditioner and style as desired.
Although it may seem like every other day a new thing emerges in the world of hair care, tea rinses have actually been used for many years as a natural option to treat several hair problems. If you are still on the fence about tea rinses, take some time to do additional research. Nothing is worse than hopping on a bandwagon without being knowledgeable.
What other tea rinses have you tried and what were the results?
