Hair rinses provide a number of benefits to the scalp, the hair, and the hair color–they are meant to give an extra oomph of chemical-free revitalization in the form of nutrients and vitamins necessary for hair growth, dandruff, moisture retention… the list goes on. Sometimes clarifying with a shampoo just doesn’t cut it on wash day. Or perhaps your hair is begging for moisture and shine, but your usual deep conditioning masque isn’t proving to restore the lackluster curls on your head. Try one of these, depending on the ‘hair problem’ you are facing.
Beer Rinse
Best for: Dull Hair
Hops is a key ingredient in beer, and its essential oils are rich in antioxidants which can fortify and strengthen the hair. Beer also contains B-vitamins and proteins which are great for conditioning. Maltose and sucrose sugars in beer help to swell and tighten the cuticle which add body as well as shine. I experienced satisfying results after rinsing with beer! Surprisingly, my hair was softer, shinier and felt fuller to the touch even before it dried. Body is usually difficult to achieve with finer hair so this had impressive results for my fine hair. The beer rinse is also said to improve elasticity and helps to revitalize the curl after heat damage so if this is an area that you are looking to fix, try watch this beer rinse tutorial.
Red Tea Rinse
Best for: Brittle 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. Caffeine is sited as blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT”>, the hormone responsible for a few forms of hair loss. One of the main antioxidants, polyphenol, is said to help promote shiny, soft hair and protect from sun damage. If you’re looking to fight brittle hair, hair loss, or are spending a lot of time in the sun, then try this red tea hair recipe.
Vodka Rinse
Best for: Frizz
Warren-Tricomi stylist Marc Mena says, “Vodka has a low pH level and is naturally acidic, which when added to conditioner can help maintain and lower a high pH level found in the hair. [It] has the ability to seal the hair cuticle which will manage and reduce the appearance of frizz, resulting in softer and shinier strands.” In addition to helping with frizz, vodka has been used to fight hair loss. Check out this simple, 3-ingredient recipe for a vodka rinse. And no, it won’t leave your hair smelling like alcohol.
Hibiscus Tea Rinse
Best for: Itchy scalp
In the Ayurveda traditional system of medicine, the hibiscus flower has been found to curb hair loss and is used to promote hair growth, give hair shine and bounce, balance the pH of the scalp, and reduce itchiness or redness of the scalp. For an in depth list of benefits and recipes used with the hibiscus flower, read here.
Onion Juice Rinse
Best for: Unwanted gray hair
Researchers from Bradford University in the UK found that the build-up of hydrogen peroxide in hair causes grays and hair loss. The natural antioxidant, catalase, is decreased when more hydrogen peroxide enters hair follicles. Luckily, catalase is found in onion juice, which also helps to reduce the buildup of hydrogen peroxide. For an onion juice recipe and 7 more natural ways of ridding unwanted gray hair, read here.
Ground Coffee Rinse
Best for: Fading brunette hair color
As if you needed one more reason to love your morning coffee? Authority Nutrition says caffeine improves various aspects of brain function including memory, energy levels, and general cognitive functions. It also encourages hair growth and when paired with an herb, a hot oil treatment with coffee can add natural vibrance to your hair color, restoring luster. Ground coffee works best for brunettes, but if you’d like a list of rinses for each hair color, read here.
Horsetail Rinse
Best for: Hair breakage
Horsetail naturally contains silica, which is known to promote hair growth and prevent thinning. To make the most of horsetail, simply boil it in water as you would a tea and then use it to rinse the hair after shampoo. Click here for the full directions to carry out this at-home treatment.
Green Tea Rinse
Best for: Terminal hair length
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea can increase your metabolism. A faster metabolism may increase your hair growth rate, in addition to all of the well known weight loss benefits of a faster metabolism. Green tea contains panthenol, which has been used in shampoos and conditioners to strengthen hair and manage split ends. With one cup of green tea and a tablespoon of vinegar, you can try this remedy out for yourself. Click here for the easy recipe.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Best for: Product buildup
The restorative properties of apple cider vinegar (ACV”> cleanse hair, removing buildup and creating curls that have sheen and bounce. It can be used in conjunction with aloe as either a clarifying rinse, or a moisturizing refresher mist. ACV pairs well with aloe vera to create either a gel or a spray treatment, click here for the recipes for both.
Do you use rinses as a part of your regimen? Share your favorite if it’s one we missed!
