Natural Hair Treatments

Illustrated by Emily Turner.

When searching for the perfect hair treatments and products, there are endless options in the aisles of your local salons and pharmacies. But, you might not need to look further than your own fridge (unless, of course, you're as addicted to Seamless as the rest of us).

From beer to baking soda, there are many foods and beverages that double as hair remedies and offer great (and tasty) alternatives to store-bought products. So, next time you're considering throwing out unused groceries, think again — if you’re not making guacamole, save that avocado for your shower, or turn your last brew into a deep-conditioning detox for your locks.

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When it comes to scouring your kitchen for hair product replacements, olive oil and coconut oil are by far the most popular options. A few of the others may sound bizarre, but you'll be shocked with the sleek and shiny results! Check out some of my favorite, fridge-bound options, and suggested ways to give your locks some lick-able love, from shampooing and conditioning to smoothing strands and taming frizz.

Illustrated by Emily Turner.

Natural Highlights

Lemon Juice
For those beachy-chic natural highlights, all you need is lemon juice, water, and a little summer sunshine. Add 1/4 cup lemon juice to 3/4 cup water, and rinse your hair with the mixture. Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner to moisturize hair. Slather on some SPF and sit in the sun until your tresses dry, letting the lemon juice act as a natural bleach. To maximize the blonde, repeat once daily for up to a week.

Illustrated by Emily Turner.

Shampoo And Cleanse

Baking Soda
For oily hair, use baking soda in place of your regular shampoo. Mix one part baking soda with three parts water and massage a palm-sized amount into the scalp. Repeat as you would a regular shampoo session and after a couple weeks, the baking soda solution will help dry out some of the natural oils, allowing you to go longer in between washes.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar works wonders as a clarifier for your hair. A weekly apple cider rinse works to prevent hair loss and promote healthy, shiny strands in all seasons.

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Lemon Juice
Known primarily for lightening and brightening hair in the sunlight, lemon also helps remove styling product, excess oils and unwanted build up. Massage lemon juice into the hair and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing in the shower. Repeat every day in order to maximize the results. No such thing as too much lemon!

Illustrated by Emily Turner.

Condition & Strengthen

Avocado
Your most glamorous guacamole recipe yet! Whip avocado into a cream, mixing with a little mayonnaise until the color is a pastel mint shade. On clean, wet hair, apply as a deep conditioning treatment to really strengthen and rejuvenate dry and limp locks. After 10 to 15 minutes, rinse hair well.

Beer
Get your strands a little boozy with a beer rinse. Alcohol acts as a cleansing agent, and helps bring out a natural shine. The B vitamins and protein in malt and hops repair damaged strands, giving hair ultimate body and a sleek finish, so don’t be afraid to infuse a little life into your locks with a brewsky. (Budweiser, Dos Equis or Sam Adams: Your hair isn't picky)

Oils
Natural oils are really great for a variety of hair solutions. From almonds, to coconut and olive oil, a little goes a long way, and can make a big difference in your hair routine. Add a little oil to damaged ends to seal the cuticle in between trims.

You can also combat a dry scalp with oils. Warm oil in a bowl and massage over the entire scalp. Then, wrap the hair in a towel, leaving the oil on overnight and rinsing out in the morning to minimize dandruff and itchy scalp and to promote a healthy sheen. And — a Hollywood home favorite — oil will give your hair unbelievable shine and softness to brighten your entire look! Perfect for de-frizzing and smoothing, add a tiny drop of oil to dry hair for a sleek finish. Remember, less is more. If you go overboard, use a clarifying shampoo to rinse.

NEXT: Master Beachy Waves No Matter Your Hair Type