Stunning Hair Straight From Your Kitchen

It's a fact that as the seasons change, so does our hair. Depending on your hair type and climate, your hair may turn oily or dry, dull or limp or your hair may begin to thin out a little. We're really no different than other animals in that we shed our hair in the spring and fall and it's not impossible that you may notice a few bare spots where you would normally have hair.

Never fear, your kitchen pantry holds several basics which contain the same active ingredients as many pricey salon hair therapies. These remedies are great if you develop a specific problem and don't have a product specially formulated for treating it. In many cases, these home ingredients work just as well or better than the best products you can buy. When you find yourself with one of the conditions below, instead of going out and spending money on a product you'll only need a few times, use the ingredients you can find in your kitchen to solve the problem and save a little time and money in the process.

Problem: Oily Hair
Solution: Mint
Why It Works: Mint is a natural astringent. For a quick detox, brew five mint tea bags in a pot and cool. Pour over hair as a final rinse after shampoo and conditioner.

Problem: Dull Hair
Solution: Baking Soda
Why It Works: Baking soda lowers the pH of shampoo and seals the cuticle. Mix 1 tsp. of baking soda with your favorite shampoo for extra strength shine

Problem: Dry Hair
Solution: Honey
Why It Works: Honey is a humectant that draws and traps moisture into dry hair. Simply mix 1 Tbsp. of honey with 2 Tbsp. of shampoo and apply normally.

Problem: Limp Hair
Solution: Rice
Why It Works: Rice protein expands hair, making it look fuller. Simply soak 1 cup of rice in 2 cups of water overnight. Strain and transfer the liquid to a spray bottle. Then mist on damp hair before drying.

Problem: Thinning Hair or Hair That Won't Grow
Solution: Basil
Why It Works: Basil promotes new growth by stimulating the scalp. Heat 1 Tbsp. of basil and 1/2 cup of olive oil in the microwave for 30 seconds. Let cool slightly and massage into scalp. Leave on for 15 minutes then shampoo as normal.