Hair “Boosters”: Giving your products a little something extra!

With millions of health and beauty products already on the shelf, and thousands more being made daily, you’d be surprised to know that many women still find it necessary to add ingredients to their hair products. Even at a time when most products are chocked full of vitamins, herbs, and natural oils, some products still don’t yield significant results without the addition of a few timeless beauty “secrets”. Whether infusing oil with herbs, adding oils to shampoo or conditioner, or mixing in a little honey, women always find a way to make products work better for them. Check out our list of some of the most popular “boosters” and their benefits to your hair:

Oils:
Coconut- Popular in many Indian cultures for head massage, hair growth, and conditioning. Imparts weightless shine to hair. Good for thinning and fine hair.
Olive – Can be used alone as a “conditioning” oil. Excellent for dry, damaged hair. Gives hair shine and resilience.
Avocado- Very moisturizing. Absorbs easily into hair. A great all-around “hair food”. Lots of vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
Wheat Germ- Increases hair elasticity and hair’s ability to retain moisture. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
Castor – Grandma’s remedy for thicker hair. Great moisturizer for new growth; reduces hair breakage.

Essential Oils/ Herbal Powders:
Rosemary – Known for scalp stimulating & hair growth properties; also gives hair shine.
Peppermint – Scalp stimulant for increased blood flow to hair follicles.
Tea Tree – Antifungal properties; stimulates scalp; clears itchy scalp and dandruff.
Amla Powder – Common fruit in Indian culture. Packed with Vitamin C; gives strength to hair roots; darkens hair over time; used for hair growth.
Henna Powder- Natural colorant for orange to red tones. Strengthens and seals hair cuticle. Reduces split ends. Imparts excellent sheen.

Food Items:
Eggs – Nature’s little “protein bundle”. Whether using yolks, whites, or the whole egg, adding this little treat to your hair regimen will be noticeable after just one treatment.
Mayonnaise- A one stop pre-treatment! Packed with eggs, vinegar, and oil, mayo is a great natural alternative for stronger, thicker, shinier hair.
Honey- Get your shine back! Great natural humectant that helps maintain moisture levels. Can also lighten hair slightly over time.
Baking Soda- A great home remedy for removing product build-up from the hair without stripping natural oils.
Apple Cider Vinegar- Also helps remove products build-up; seals hair cuticle, detangles, imparts shine, and helps alleviate dandruff.
Garlic - #1 home ingredient for curbing hair shedding.
Yogurt- Often used for its strengthening properties; the milk proteins help fortify hair. Can be mixed with henna for greater conditioning.