Back-to-school season is the perfect time to try something new. We’ve got three ways to have fun experimenting with your hair — starting in the kitchen!
Shine
This subtly scented hair oil has a light feel that adds moisture without being heavy or greasy. Smooth onto damp ends to condition or dry ends to control flyaways.
Neroli Vanilla Hair Oil
Makes 1 4-ounce bottle (120 ml)
Ingredients
2 ounces (60 ml) virgin coconut oil
2 ounces (60 ml) apricot kernel oil
½ vanilla bean, sliced lengthwise
½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) neroli essential oil in jojoba
Instructions
1. Combine coconut oil, apricot kernel oil and vanilla bean in a small canning jar. Place the jar in a small saucepan with 1 cup (240 ml) water with a small dish towel beneath the jar to keep it from rattling.
2. Bring water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer 15 minutes before turning off the heat.
3. Allow oil to cool 30 minutes, then strain through a fine mesh strainer.
4. Add neroli oil to strained oil, then transfer to a 4-ounce bottle.
5. Add a few drops of hair oil to your palms and apply to the ends of damp or dry hair to moisturize and condition.
6. Store at room temperature for up to 3 months.
Enjoy this recipe, but remember that essential oils can irritate sensitive skin, mucous membranes and eyes. Use wisely and keep out of reach of children. For external use only.
Texture
Encourage your hair’s natural curls and waves, or add a little texture to straight hair with this blend of mineral-rich sea salt, fragrant rose water and styling gel.
Rose Water & Sea Salt Scrunch Spray
Makes 1 4-ounce bottle (120 ml)
Ingredients
½ cup (120 ml) rose water
1 teaspoon (7 g) sea salt
1 tablespoon (30 ml) Whole Foods Market™ Medium Hold Styling Gel
Instructions
1. Warm rose water in a small saucepan or in the microwave until hot, but not boiling.
2. Add salt and styling gel to the rose water and stir until ingredients fully dissolve.
3. Transfer mixture to a 4-ounce spray bottle.
4. Spritz damp or dry hair with scrunch spray, then scrunch and tousle hair as it dries, by air or with a hair dryer.
5. Store at room temperature for up to 1 week or keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Strength
This is a Netflix-in-your-pajamas type of treatment since you’ll need at least 30 minutes for it to do its magic. It’s amazing how something as simple as mashed banana can provide dull, dry hair with a boost of softness and shine. A dollop of egg-based mayonnaise can nourish hair while honey helps to moisturize and soothe the scalp, and a rich conditioner featuring quinoa protein supports strand-strength and ties everything together into an incredible hair treatment.
Banana Honey Hair Mask
Makes about ½ cup (1 application)
Ingredients
1 tablespoon (30 ml) Whole Foods Market™ Moisturizing Conditioner
1 tablespoon (30 ml) honey
1 tablespoon (30 ml) mayonnaise
½ fresh banana, mashed (60 g)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together conditioner, honey and mayonnaise.
2. Add banana, then whisk until mixture becomes mostly smooth.
3. Push through a fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps.
4. Massage about half of the mask directly to the scalp, then apply the remaining mask to the rest of your hair. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly.
5. Cover hair with a towel or shower cap and allow to set for up to 30 minutes.
6. Rinse hair with warm water, then wash and condition as needed.
7. This mask should be used right away, but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
