Common Cooking Herbs can be the Best Herbs for Healthy Hair

Best Herbs for Healthy Hair

In ancient times, herbs have been used for curing ailments and general personal care such as skin and hair care. If you are looking for natural hair care products, why not use the common cooking herbs which are readily available in your garden or kitchen.

Herbs are natural produce and they certainly help in managing healthy hair. This is the reason many hair products manufacturers include herbal produce into their products.

Read on to find the best herbs for healthy hair and how easy it is to make your own home remedies for hair care.

Firstly, you may want to know

What Causes Hair Quality to Deteriorate

  • Old age. Needless to say and we don’t need to be reminded of this 🙂
  • Nutritional deficiencies affect the quality of the hair. Our body, hair included, cannot do what it is meant to do without getting the right nutrients.
  • Hormonal imbalance. There are many causes of hormonal imbalance ranging from menopause to birth control pills to a genetic predisposition. Thyroid hormones imbalance is a common culprit for hair loss.
  • Emotional stress, trauma and anxiety can disrupt hormone levels in the body which leads to hormonal imbalance explained above.
  • Physical stress that is over styling and overuse of hair products contribute to unhealthy hair. Hot blow drying, straightening and tying hair up too tightly included.
  • Environmental factors. Weather, water as in chlorine content, air pollutants and sunlight exposure can affect the hair quality.

There may be several factors combined that cause hair quality to deteriorate. You may want to pinpoint which and mitigate each factor individually to lessen the effect. In the case of old age, well, keeping a healthy lifestyle is important.

Now, let’s look at the

Common Cooking Herbs That Promote Healthy Hair

These are easily available in your kitchen and you may use the same as part of your natural hair care treatment.

  1. Basil
  2. Parsley
  3. Peppermint
  4. Rosemary
  5. Sage
  6. Thyme

Best Herbs for Healthy Hair

Basil

Ocimum basilicum, is rich in magnesium, a mineral that is vital for the hundreds of biochemical reactions in your body. In this case, basil helps to strengthen hair protecting it from breakage and improves circulation in the hair follicles stimulating growth.

Also, basil helps soothe the roots with its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, give the lustre to dull hair.

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum, is high in essential vitamins and antioxidants. Both are significant in protecting your hair and scalp from free radicals and improve circulation promoting healthy hair growth.

The minerals, zinc and copper found in parsley work together and separately to help regulate metabolism and produce melanin, the pigment that helps protect skin and hair from the sun’s harmful rays. Melanin also gives hair its colour.

Peppermint

Mentha piperita, contains a high amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals which are vital to maintaining good health, hair included.

Its minerals include magnesium, zinc and copper which benefits were explained above.

In addition, peppermint has antibacterial properties, eradicating bacteria which may enter your scalp. Thus, providing a conducive environment for hair to grow healthily.

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis, with its antioxidant properties, help to protect your hair and scalp from free radicals and improving circulation for healthy hair growth.

Whilst, its antibacterial properties gently cleanses hair, relieving irritated and dandruff-ridden scalps.

Rosemary also fights against premature greying and increases shine.

Sage

Salvia officinalis, contains vitamin B and C, as well as minerals – magnesium, zinc and potassium. All of these helps strengthen hair and improve growth.

With its antibiotic and antiseptic properties, it is ideal for curing skin conditions that may impede hair growth.

Also, sage is great in adding shine to dull hair and intensify hair colour. It is a natural hair tint for dark hair.

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris, is known to contain antifungal and antiseptic properties helping to heal and soothe your scalp. Since the main causes of dandruff are bacteria, sage being antiseptic helps keep dandruff at bay.

Additionally, sage contains minerals magnesium, potassium and selenium, essential for stimulating stronger hair growth.

Knowing these common cooking herbs and their benefits for hair, you may want to

Make Your Own Home Remedies for Hair Care

Home RemediesIt is not very complicated to prepare. Moreover, these herbs are easily available from the grocery stores or you may even have some leftovers in your pantry or fridge.

Here are the simple remedies that can be prepared at home.

Encourage Hair growth

Basil

Make a paste-like mixture by grinding a handful of basil leaves and mix it with 2 tablespoons of pure coconut oil. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair while massaging the scalp gently in a circular motion. Leave it for 1 hour and wash off with a mild shampoo.

Parsley

Blend a handful of parsley sprigs with two tablespoons of water. Apply this mixture on your dampened scalp.  Leave for 1 hour and rinse off.

Mint

Make a mint leaves infusion by adding 2 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried mint leaves into 2 cups of hot water. Cover and let it rest until it cools down.

Mint Leaves InfusionStrain and apply the mint infusion on the scalp while massaging gently in a circular motion. Leave it for 30 minutes and rinse off. Repeat the process 2 – 3 times a week. The mint infusion can be kept for 1 week.

or

Prepare a herb infused oil using mint leaves with olive oil. Put a handful of fresh mint leaves in a sterilized glass jar and add extra virgin olive oil ensuring the mint leaves are fully submerged. Close the jar well and store it in a warm place for 4 weeks.

After which, strain and apply the oil to your scalp. Leave it for 20 minutes and wash off with a mild shampoo.  This mint-infused oil can be kept for 1 week if using fresh mint leaves. Infused oil with dried mint leaves can be kept for up to 1 month.

You may want to read these related articles

Fresh vs Dried Herbs – how to substitute fresh herbs with dried and vice versa.

About Herb Infused Oil and steps on how to make your own.

About Mint Leaves – its health benefits and interesting ways to use it. You’ll be amazed by the different types of mint available.

Dandruff control

Thyme

Using a glass jar, fully submerge ¼ cup of thyme leaves with apple cider vinegar. Cover it and let the thyme leaves sit for 2-3 days.

Strain and pour into a cup or bowl. Mix with 1 tablespoon of honey and pour into a spray bottle.

Spray substantially on your scalp making sure it reaches the scalp by parting the hair if it is thick. This helps get rid of dandruff and stimulate hair growth too. Use daily if needed.

Rosemary

Using the herb-infused oil method, fully submerge a couple of rosemary sprig with extra virgin olive oil in a sterilized glass jar. Close the jar well and store it in a warm place for 4 weeks.

Strain and apply over your scalp. Leave for 15 minutes and wash off with a mild shampoo.

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Darken grey hair

Sage & Rosemary

Boil ½ cup each of dried sage and rosemary in 2 cups of water. Cover and let it sit for 2 hours.

Strain and apply it to your hair after shampooing. Leave for 30 minutes and rinse off. Repeat weekly.

This herbal rinse also improves the quality of hair, preventing clogged hair follicles and revitalizing dry hair. Also, it reduces dandruff.

Oily hair

Mint and Rosemary

Steep 2 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves and 1 tablespoon of rosemary leaves in a ½ cup of hot water for 30 minutes.

Strain and add the liquid to a ¼ cup of shampoo. Use it as you would regular shampoos. It may take a couple of weeks to see the improvement in the oily hair condition.

Increase shine and lustre

RosemaryHair

Steep 2 fresh sprig of rosemary leaves in 2 cups of hot water overnight.

Strain and use it as a final rinse after rinsing out the shampoo in your hair.

Sage

Boil 1 tablespoon of dried sage leaves in a cup of water. Let it rest until it cools down. Use it as the final rinse after shampooing.

Do note that it could take weeks, sometimes months for these homemade remedies to show results. However, these are definitely safer and healthier than treating the hair with synthetic substances and additives.

Caution. Before using any herbal remedies on the scalp, test a small amount on the inside of the wrist. Do not use if experience itching, burning or inflammation. If pregnant, lactating or taking medication, please consult a doctor to ensure that a specific herb isn’t harmful.

Interested to find out how do bay leaf benefits hair and skin? Read more here.

Above All

There are many homemade remedies for hair care on the World Wide Web. Some of them using essential oil. In this article, I have chosen to share those using fresh or dried herbs because it is a great way to utilize these herbs.

Leftover herbs, waste not. Buy some to make remedies, why not. It is natural and healthy. Do you agree?

Click here to check out another Healthy Way to Use Common Cooking Herbs.

A famous phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. If your hair is in good condition, not damaged, why would you want to use hair care treatments/products? Nevertheless, why would you not give your hair a little bit of shine and lustre using natural homemade remedies?

A sprig or two of rosemary leaves and hot water is all you need to give your hair a well-deserved shine.

Consider Growing Your Own Herbs

Wouldn’t it be marvellous to have herbs for cooking or remedies all year round? If you have not a herbs garden, I urge you to consider one. Need not a garden. A few potted herb plants will suffice. It is a fun process and when you harvest your own herbs, I can see the sense of joy in you. Go on, find out more here.

Please Leave a Comment

How do you feel about using herbs from your kitchen or garden to make home remedies for hair care? Or do you still prefer buying natural hair care products? If you are buying, tell me what product it is. I look forward to learning more.

Also, if you know of any other homemade remedies, share with us! Yes?

Please leave them in the comments section below and have a Good Hair Day!

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Share This Article

If you find this blog post interesting, please share it with anyone that you think might find it useful. Thank you and have an awesome day!

From the Corner of My Home – Spice Up Your Life with Herbs and Spices

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional, and this post should not be taken as medical advice. Please do your own research. Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.

Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links as part of the Amazon Services LLC Associate Programs and other affiliate services. This means that cornerofmyhome.com receives a small commission by linking to amazon.com and other sites at no extra cost to the readers.

Published by

Sharon

Sharon is on a career break, minding her family. During her free hours, she loves sharing her passion for herbs and spices. She learned how to build this website at Wealthy Affiliate University. If you have a passionate topic and would love to share, click here to learn how to build your own profitable website!

29 Replies to “Best Herbs for Healthy Hair

  1. Hi, Sharon!

    This is a great source of natural recipes for anyone to have healthy hair. The herbs you mentioned are indeed very common thus making it easy to start following your instructions.

    Being from Brazil – a country so rich in natural resources – I got used to trying herbs and plants as I grew up.

    One of them was chamomile, said to be beneficial in so many ways to human beings, it’s also great to make our hair lighter.

    Another one my mom loved to apply on my hair was aloe vera in order to fight its dehydration. And it did work!

    Thanks for such a rich a detailed post. I’ll keep these recipes saved.

    All the best,
    Eliane

    1. Hi Eliane,

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to share your experience.

      I knew aloe vera has many benefits but have not got the chance to try them. Probably I should.

      Do drop by periodically for more articles on herbs and spices usage.

      Good Day!

      Sharon

  2. Hello Sharon,

    Thanks for sharing your website! I was actually doing some research on google and stumbled upon your website.

    The content provided is very clear and easy to navigate. I was actually doing some research on google and stumbled upon your website.

    My hair is always very dry and I’ve been searching for ways to get better hair. I had no idea herbs can be beneficial to your hair as well.

    Thank you so much for sharing this with me and I will most definitely recommend some friends to check it out as well!

    Kind Regards,
    Eric

    1. Thank you Eric. Am glad that you found this information useful.

      There are many benefits using herbs and spices. In this case, using common cooking herbs to make remedy for hair care is the most natural way to keep your hair healthy.

      All the BEST!

  3. A fascinating read Sharon! Gosh who would have thought our pantry is like a salon! You cannot go wrong with nature that’s for sure, and now after reading your post i’m well equipped with some simple home treatments for my hair. I’m just curious though, can we use store bought dry herbs? Or do you recommend fresh only?

    1. Yes. You may use store bought dry herbs. Personally, if making a hair rinse, I would use fresh herbs because I love the fresh aroma. However, if making a herb infused oil, I would use dried because it can be kept longer – up to one month. My usual hair remedy is rosemary infused olive oil, which gives shine while keeping them healthy.

      Read more about herbs infused oil here. Do let me know if you need more help on this matter.

      Thanks for reading and have a good hair day!

  4. Thanks for the great suggestions. I had no idea that basil was helpful for hair loss. I’ve heard of rosemary being really helpful but not the other ones. People are always fretting about shampoos and whatnot being unnatural and dangerous- it makes sense to just skip straight to the plant itself, if making a paste of it and leaving it on helps!

  5. Hey Sharon,

    Thanks for that great informative article.
    My hair has been a struggle all my life so any tips are welcome. I particularly liked the rosemary effect.
    If it can help for dandruff and fight against premature greying hair I’m all in. 🙂

    I’ll definitely give it a try.

    Thanks Sharon

    1. Hi Sara,

      Do try the rosemary infused oil. While it helps to control dandruff and darken grey hair, it also gives hair a most deserved shine. I have been using it for quite some time now with no complains.

      Do let me know how it turns out for you.

      Cheers!

  6. Hi Sharon

    I’m so glad I came across your article today. Thanks for the super comprehensive post on herbs for healthy hair.

    I was so intrigued as I have been buying a lot of hair treatments that probably contain lots of chemicals. And funnily enough I actually have all the herbs you mentioned in my garden.

    So I’ll be trying out your recipes and going the natural way before I go out and buy anymore hair products for sure!

    1. Hi SJ,

      I am glad you found this article useful. Do let me know how it goes with your natural hair treatment remedy. 

      Good Day!

  7. I find this article really helpful and with loaded with information about herbs that are great for hair care. I am always for herbal products whether for skin care, health and of course for my hair. My hair is naturally soft and smooth but I’ve been looking for hair products that can help my hair grow thick and healthy.

    I am a bit hesitant to try every herbal products out there because I am afraid as to what they might do to my hair. Some shampoos maybe herbal but for sure there are still chemicals added to them. So now that you mentioned using these herbs as they are, I want to give it a try.

    Parsley is readily available and it is the easiest to prepare so I’m definitely going to try it for hair growth. How often should I do this and how long will I see results?

    1. Hi Alice,

      I am glad you find this article helpful.

      Use the parsley paste twice a week for about two months. Do take note that different people react differently meaning it may take longer or faster for the remedy to work. Also, do a patch test on the inside of your wrist. If you are comfortable with it, then go ahead to use it.

      Please come by here again to let me know how it goes. All the BEST!

      Have a good hair day!

  8. What a great and very informative site! I am getting married in March and have been doing everything to save money, which means buying cheaper shampoo and conditioner. This has not been easy on my hair that I am trying to get looking great for the wedding. I am going to try out your remedy this week! Thank you

    1. Congratulations Ashley!

      No reason not to take care of your hair and now you have the best reason to do so. Do try the herbal remedy and let me know how it turned out for you. 

      Best Wishes!

  9. Very interesting creating your own hair care.
    As for myself I like using coconut oil and castor oil for my hair.
    Castor oil brings back the thickness and the coconut oil brings the shine and color that keeps my natural color come out instead of the gray.
    We do need more site like yours, need to go back to the old ways a little more.
    Keep going don’t stop.

    1. Thank you so much for the nice words Nick. Your appreciation for this site is indeed a motivation factor for me to keep going.

      I have not tried coconut oil. Perhaps it is time to try given so much benefits people were talking over the net. I have been using olive oil since I were a baby! That explains my thick dark hair. 

      Thanks again and do drop by periodically for more articles on herbs and spices usage.

      Good Day!

  10. OHHHHH I can’t wait to share this site with my girlfriend. Her hair is literally down about two inches above her knee and it’s gorgeous. She is however always looking for ways to improve the health of her hair because it’s so long and I really do think she would love the information she would get from this site!

    1. Thanks for sharing Corey. I hope she finds the article useful. The natural way is always the best way. There are so many uses for fresh herbs. Why not on our hair?

      All the best!

  11. This is the first time Ive read that you can make your own products to give your hair some shine. I’m excited to try some of the recipes. My hair has always been on the dry/frizzy side and I’ve always been envious of those with smooth, flowy hair. The salons just say you need to buy product, but maybe one of these recipes could be a huge help.

    1. Hi Jen,

      If the herbs are good to be consumed, they won’t harm our hair. Go on and try out the herb remedies.

      Please do a patch test as each individual reacts differently.

      Drop by again and let me know how it turns out.

      Good Day!

  12. Hi Sharon

    This was a really interesting post. I love herbs and if there is a way to treat our body or hair naturally I am always up for it. I did not know we could use herbs to treat hairs, so i wrote down some of the indications you are giving about how to prepare at home some of the remedies.I am getting old and lately, I have been through a lot of stress, I can see how it reflects on my hairs. I will try them and let you know.Thank you

    1. I am delighted this is of help to you, Barbara. 

      There are many interesting and healthy ways to use herbs. Feel free to browse through this site and read those articles that interest you. And come back periodically for more.

      Look forward to hearing good news from you.

      Cheers,

      Sharon

  13. It’s always nice to have healthy and good looking hair. However, maintenance of healthy and good looking hair can be expensive and unsustainable.

    It’s much better to use herbal products which are pocket friendly and come with no chemical side effects. 

    I will surely try out this ingredients listed on your blog, and hopefully I will return with positive results.

    1. You are correct, Louis. Many consumer natural health products can be expensive. Thus, why not use what we have from our garden or kitchen. 

      Take precaution when trying your homemade remedies as each invidual may react differently using them. Try them on a smaller patch for allergy before going full scale.

      Do let me know how it works out for you.

      Best wishes,

      Sharon

  14. Thanks for that great informative and educative article.I have been struggling with my hair for a better part of my life, so I always appreciate any tip especially if it’s free. Everything I need for my hair is here!  Dandruff and premature grey hair. I will be more than willing to try it out.  I’ll definitely give it a try.

    i love the way you express yourself. 

    Thank you Sharon

    1. Thank you for your positive comments, Jay.

      Let me know which remedy works best for you.

      Cheers,

      Sharon

  15. I understand fresh herbs may not be easily available. How about dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage or mint? You can substitute fresh herbs with dried. Click here to find out how. The results are similar. Let me know should you need further information.

    Best wishes,

    Sharon

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