Today I want to share with you 10 Foods You Can Safely Use On Your Hair. When I was about 9 years old, My mother would add watercress, coconut, carrots, and water in a blender, then rinse her hair with the juice. She would do that after washing her hair. According to our doctor friend, WebMD, watercress can be used to treat baldness. I wonder if my mom knew that back then!
And when I read this article about rice water for hair growth, I could not believe my eyes! According to the article, rice contains inositol, a carbohydrate capable of repairing hair damage and protects the hair from future damage. I’ve been cooking rice at least twice a week for at least 30 years! Why am I learning about this now? Anyway, there are so many other foods in your pantry that you can use to promote hair growth, strength, and softness. The list is long. Please bear with me, my Teddy bears!
Foods You Can Safely Use On Your Hair
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Bananas
Rich in potassium and natural oils, bananas help the hair retain its elasticity. They also prevent breakage and split ends. Bananas mixed with honey and extra virgin olive oil, can be used a natural deep conditioner. Just make sure you blend it well. You don’t want to have extra pieces sticking to your hair.
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Honey
From personal experience, I can say that honey is great for the softening of the hair. Honey is a natural humectant that attracts moisture. This ingredient is more effective when used on wet hair because it helps the water get into the hair strand. For an all natural deep conditioner, add the desired amount of honey to a few tablespoons of yogurt, a few teaspoons of coconut and olive oils, then add the mix to the hair. Cover your hair with a plastic cap for about 30 minutes before rinsing it out.
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Eggs
One egg is filled with zinc, iron, and protein. After using a clarifying shampoo, it is easy for the hair to lose some of its natural oil and protein. Using one egg mixed with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil, can help fill in the weak spots along the hair strand, making the hair stronger and shinier.
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Rice
The secret lies in the fermented rice water. The amino acid in the water strengthens the hair from roots to ends. It repairs damage done to the cuticle layers. It also provides shine. The water can be used to shampoo the hair. In order to get the fermented water, you have to boil the rice first. You should separate the water from the rice and let it sit overnight at room temperature. The next day, add some essential oils to the water and use it to clean your scalp.
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ACV or Apple Cider Vinegar
The Acetic Acid in ACV removes buildup from the scalp, making it a natural hair cleanser. ACV helps close the cuticle layers of the hair after shampooing. It has the ability to stimulate the scalp to promote hair growth. It also balances the hair’s pH level. If you use a clay mask or rinse, never forget to add ACV to the mix. They mix well together and ACV balances the mix out. Using 1 part Apple Cider Vinegar to 4 parts water after shampooing your hair can do the trick. Don’t forget to rinse it out!
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Watercress
This powerful vegetable contains potassium, fatty acid, and protein to soften your hair and keep your scalp moisturized. Blend it with some water and use the juice as a deep conditioner for your scalp and hair.
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Okra
Did you miss my All Natural Okra Moisturizer? Okra can be used as a light gel to moisturize the hair and scalp. It helps the hair keep its softness by taming frizz.
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Flax Seeds
Since Fax Seed is rich in Omega-3, it helps prevent hair loss by strengthening each hair strand. Omega-3 fatty acid also improves the elasticity of hair and makes it less prone to breakage. Check out the video below to learn how to make your own all natural flaxseed gel.
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Coconut
The hair benefits of coconut oil are endless. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which binds to the hair’s natural protein very well. It easily penetrates inside the hair shaft, which is due to its low molecular weight. Read my post here to learn the many ways you can use coconut oil on your hair. You can also use the coconut milk as a natural detangler. Or you can do like my mom did, blend it with watercress and carrots and use it as a deep conditioner.
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Avocado
Nothing beats a great Avocado hair mask. Avocado oil is used in different beauty products, by different companies, because of its nourishing and moisturizing properties. I love to use Avocado hair mask after removing my extensions because my hair tends to be very dry and weak after doing so. Because it is rich in vitamin B6, Avocado helps with the transportation of oxygen on your scalp. It also helps with moisturizing the scalp and removing dandruff and other hair conditions due to the lack of B6. Check out my Avocado recipe here.
There are other foods that you can use on your hair. I know hair bloggers who use old fashioned oats (Avena sativa) on their hair. I have not tried it yet, but I learned that it is very good at keeping the hair silky. My dear mom used carrots long ago and it worked wonders on her hair. What about you? Are you using any food on your hair that I forgot to mention? Please let me know below!
I remember a bar soap that was more brown than green that my Grandma used in Jamaica and Castor oil had so many uses in her house including her hair. Those folks knew a lot about holistic medicines and used items we only read about now. I bet your Mom knew about watercress benefits! Great Post Sis.
Thanks luv!
This is very good information; I have never used food or fruits on my hair directly before but I do not doubt its benefits. I would definitely try some of these.
It good to experience with different things.
Oh wow I did not know your could use flax seed thanks great post doll.
It's good as a gel.
Great info, Nerline, I didn't know about the rice, tho. Happy hump day, sista.
kisses
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle
You too Hun!!
My jaw dropped when I saw rice in the collage. Ha! I've read it, so the water. Cool! I've used avocado, banana and honey only.
http://missymayification.blogspot.co.uk
You need to try the rice now. Lol!
I'm book marking this Nerline! So many things I didn't know. We have most of this in our kitchens. So good to know.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
I'm so happy you find it helpful!
I have used banana and coconut so far.
That's what I need to try together. I usually go for either avocado or banana, never both!
I only know about the eggs; I didn't know about the other items, great information! I'll definitely be keeping them in mind as I'm always looking for natural beauty products as alternatives.
Thanks Jane!
Great info! I need to try more natural options on my hair.
You should!!
Thank you for all the amazing tips. I didn't know the benefits some of these food can do to our hair. Will need to try some for sure 🙂
Very interesting post. I had not heard about okra, rice or watercress for the hair. I wonder if it matters whether the rice is brown or white. I will google it to find out 🙂 Thanks for the info.
great post!!! thanks for your visits !!! happy day !!!
Great tips Nerline, I will try an avocado mask soon 🙂
Excellent article Nerline. I'm definitely sharing this on my FB page.
Jay | RelaxedThairapy.com
Thank you so much, Jay! it means the world to me.
This is so good! I didn't know about half of these, good post!!
http://www.robincharmagne.com
I had no idea you could use that many different foods on your hair! Great post. Have a terrific weekend.
Nerline darling, thanks for this great info. I knew coconut's everything but rice? okra? All new to me, girl thanks again. Your mom must have known and she wasn't playing.
http://fashionablyidu.blogspot.com/2016/04/fuchsia-express.html
Interesting post, thanks for sharing!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Facebook
Really amazing tips! Thanks for sharing!!
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