My medicine cabinet is an accident waiting to happen. It’s a good thing my husband doesn’t use it because it’s seriously one jar of Advil away from a product avalanche. And while I try to give it an overhaul every few months or so, I’m drawn to Sephora like a moth to a flame in search of great new products. Now don’t get me wrong, I am a stylist and a child of the 80’s and I will never hate on hair products, but I’ve started to think of how great it would be to simplify (and give my hair a rest from chemicals). With that, I’ve unleashed my inner hippie and turned to the kitchen for a little inspiration.
Whole Milk– For all my platinum blondes, silver foxes or even blondes who have started to turn brassy, this is your new $2 best friend. Whenever I do a platinum blonde in the salon I make sure I have a cup of whole milk to pour on their head as soon as we rinse the color. The enzymes in the milk will not only cool your scalp but kick out the yellow, keeping your hair an icy blonde. Directions: Pour 1 cup of milk (more for thicker hair) over freshly washed hair. Leave on for 5-10 minutes, rinse and condition. Twice a month should do it.
Chamomile Tea– Golden or strawberry blondes, this is for you. Many color support shampoos contain chamomile essence, which helps keep the gold in your locks. Adding 2 Tbsp lemon to the tea will also help bring out natural highlights in your hair. And if that wasn’t enough, chamomile is also a natural aromatherapy so breathe in that healthy goodness while it’s sitting on your head. Directions: Steep 2 organic chamomile tea bags in 2 cups of hot water for 5-10 minutes (lemon juice is optional). Apply to freshly shampooed hair and wrap in Cling Wrap for 20 minutes. Rinse and condition. Once per month is plenty.
Beet Juice– I know that dumping beet juice on your hair doesn’t sound particularly appealing my little gingers, but the juice from canned beets is an excellent pick-me-up for tired reds. Directions: Depending on the level and vibrancy of your red, you can dilute the juice with water. Start with 2 Tbsp beet juice to 1 cup of water and add more juice if needed. Apply directly to hair for 5-10 minutes, rinse well and condition. Adding 1-2 tablespoons of Beet juice to your shampoo is also a great way to enhance your color. Twice per month is recommended.
Guinness– It seems like such a waste to pour a perfectly good stout over brunette hair, but nothing beats a Guinness for superior shine and color enhancement on beautiful brownies. Directions: Pour a can of Guinness over freshly shampooed hair. Allow to sit on the hair for 10-20 minutes,rinse, condition and share the remaining 5 beers with a friend.
Olive Oil– Remember that old VO5 treatment we used to do in the 80’s and 90’s? Yeah, that’s basically just microwaved olive oil. For a wonderful, inexpensive deep conditioning scalp and hair treatment, pour 1/2 cup to 1 cup of olive oil into a microwave safe dish, cook for 20-30 seconds and massage into your scalp and hair. Wrap in plastic wrap or a shower cap for 10-30 minutes, shampoo and enjoy your silky tresses. For extra scalp stimulation, add a drop or two of rosemary oil to the mix and dream of focaccia bread while you’re marinating.
I always love to hear about natural remedies so please forward your favorites!
P.S. I didn’t think it was necessary to say things like “use gloves to prevent beet juice manicures” or “let tea cool before scalding your face and scalp.” Common sense is the most useful tool in color and in life.
what's the pH? 
Awesome tips, I love it!