Honey is a common ingredient in several sweet recipes, and you might be familiar with its role in traditional medicine. However, its amazing dermatological benefits make it a great addition to your skin- and haircare routines as well. If you’re struggling to care for your mane, check out these five ways raw honey can improve your hair’s health.
Promotes Growth
One of the best benefits of using honey in your hair is that it promotes growth. While honey itself doesn’t magically make your hair grow, it contains antioxidants and nutrients that improve your overall hair and scalp wellness. Additionally, honey helps to rejuvenize dormant follicles, encouraging luscious, voluminous locks.
Conditions and Hydrates
Honey might be your saving grace if you struggle with dry hair and scalp. It’s a humectant, which will prevent your hair from becoming dry and brittle. Additionally, its high sugar content helps restore and retain your hair’s moisture. Just as many conditioners contain minerals, vitamins, and several other beneficial ingredients, honey also happens to include these and many more that harbor conditioning properties.
Adds Shine and Lightens
It shouldn’t surprise you that the sweet substance can make your hair look just as golden. The proteins and extra moisture honey provides work to add shine to dull or dry hair, leaving it soft and glowing. Therefore, if you’ve noticed your hair looks a little stale, adding honey to your hair care routine can restore your natural shine.
To kick it up a notch, you can actually use honey to create natural highlights in your hair. Honey contains glucose oxidase, which produces hydrogen peroxide. Ditch the harsh chemical treatments and opt for the natural reaction that has bleaching effects. However, it will take a few sessions to lift your color because of its gentle nature.
Strengthens
Hair breakage is one of the leading causes of hair loss, and it can affect the overall hair appearance. Reducing the chances of hair breakage improves your ability to grow your hair out. Honey also contains proteins that make your hair follicles stronger and minimize hair damage.
If you find yourself losing more hair than you’re comfortable with, it could be a result of damaged hair. Consider using honey to boost your follicle strength and, therefore, your hair’s appearance.
Fights Dandruff
Aside from moisturizing, honey also harbors anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which help fight the bacteria and fungus that cause dandruff. Using a honey formula on your hair and scalp can actually help clear scaling and itching within a few weeks.
How To Use Honey in Your Hair
While these five ways raw honey can improve your hair’s health probably already make you want to buy raw honey, there are multiple ways to add honey to your hair care routine. You should use it weekly to get its maximum benefits, so find a solution that works best for your personal needs.
However, it’s critical to patch test a small section before applying it all over your hair and scalp to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction to honey.
Scalp Treatment Paste
It’s best to use honey on its own to maximize its effectiveness. While it may seem difficult to do this, you can mix it with just enough water to reduce the stickiness. Next, rub it into your scalp and pull it through to your ends. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out and wash your hair as usual.
Deep Conditioning
The next way to use honey in your hair is to create a deep conditioning treatment. To do so, mix honey with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, to maximize moisture and hydration potential. Shampoo your hair like usual, and then apply the deep conditioning mixture from root to end. It’s best to let it sit on your hair for up to 20 minutes for the most significant results.
Add to Existing Products
If you don’t want to use honey on its own or create your own products, don’t worry. You can add it to your existing shampoo and conditioner and still reap the benefits. However, be sure not to use more than a few drops, as it can result in stickiness and buildup on your hair and scalp.
Honey Hair Masks
Hair masks are a great way to nourish your hair, correct breakage, and prevent future damage. Additionally, creating your own hair masks with honey can offer even more benefits for your mane. There are several different recipes to make a mask that works wonders for you, but here are just a few.
For moisture: Mix honey with extra virgin olive oil and heat it up. Apply this concoction to clean but damp hair, and let it sit for up to 30 minutes. Cover your hair with a plastic cap or even a bag to avoid a mess.
For growth: Bananas contain many vitamins that are imperative for hair growth. Mix one banana with ¼ cup of honey and a little bit of olive oil, and blend until the mixture has a smooth consistency. Apply the mixture to your damp hair from the roots up, and let it sit. After 20 minutes, comb out your hair and rinse thoroughly.
For cleaning and nourishment: Yogurt contains lactic acid, which works to cleanse your hair and scalp, as well as protein which strengthens your follicles. Combine 2 to 4 tablespoons of plain, unsweetened yogurt with about 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Apply generously to your damp hair, starting at the ends and working up to your scalp. Let it sit for 20 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
While it’s easy to head to the store and pick up the next best product when your hair needs attention, sometimes the best solution is already in your kitchen cabinet. You might be surprised at how well honey pairs with several oils, fruits, and yogurts to improve your hair’s overall appearance and health. Even if you’re still skeptical about using raw honey on your hair and skin, it’s worth looking into or trying for yourself. For the best raw honey, visit Crystal’s Honey online.
