herbal bodycare
Hair Detangler Spray
This article by Kristine Clay is an excerpt from the Autumn edition of Botanical Anthology. A plant lover’s dream, it is a seasonal, plant centered quarterly publication bringing you over 50 articles from 49 contributors to incorporate herbs in your apothecary, kitchen, foraging and gardening, crafts, and celebrations.
This herbal magazine, featuring remedies and recipes with medicinal plants for budding herbalists, can be purchased as a digital version here and as a printed version here.
Hair Detangler Spray
Tame feral locks with a plant-powered spray that improves hair health, too. This hair detangler utilizes the slippery, conditioning properties of flax gel to help make hair smoother, shinier, and more manageable. Unlike conventional options, this all-natural hair product is free of toxic additives that can be harmful to health.
The addition of rosemary tincture helps to stabilize the spray and boosts its beneficial properties. Rosemary is an ally for the overall health of the hair and scalp. It is said to reduce hair loss, promote growth, and prevent premature graying. It may also ease dry, itchy scalp and dandruff. Its lovely herbal scent is an added benefit!
Spritz liberally on hair before brushing to soften and smooth, making snarls and knots easier to comb through. Whip up a bottle to tame frizz and tangles and to give hair a healthy shine.
Rosemary Tincture Materials
⅓ c rosemary, dried or ½ c rosemary, fresh
½ c Everclear 190 proof grain alcohol (95% alcohol)
Rosemary Tincture Method
Add the rosemary to a jar and pour the Everclear over it, leaving at least ¼ inch or so of space at the top of the jar. Be sure to completely cover the plant matter with alcohol, adding a little extra if necessary to make sure it’s fully submerged.
Cap the jar tightly, label it, and store in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Shake the jar as often as you remember, every few days or so.
Let the rosemary infuse for 4 weeks.
Strain the herbs from the alcohol and rebottle the liquid.
Detangler Spray Materials
1 tbsp flax seeds
⅓ cup water
3 ½ tbsp rosemary tincture (95% alcohol)
4 oz spray bottle
Detangler Spray Method
Add the flax and water to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for about a minute, then remove from the heat and let sit for an hour or two.
Strain out the flax seeds with a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve into a measuring cup with a pour spout.
Add the rosemary tincture and stir vigorously.
Pour into bottles and cap tightly.
Shake well before using.
Note
For best results, use within a year.
If 190 proof alcohol isn’t available, you can substitute a lower proof alcohol (at least 100 proof). This will reduce the shelf stability of the finished product, so it should be stored in the refrigerator.
Kristine is a momma, herbalist, writer, and budding botanist who lives in the Andean mountains. Read her musings about non-toxic skincare, herbal remedies, nourishing foods, and holistic mothering on her blog at mamalibelula.com. Find her on Instagram at @mamalibelula or follow along with her family’s off-grid adventures at @sierraycielo
For educational purposes only. Not intended for medical advice. Always consult your physician.
*This post contains affiliate links, which means if you choose to buy something from a link that I share, I will make a small percentage of the sale *at no extra cost to you*.
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