Most of us have heard of using apple cider vinegar and baking soda for cleaning our hair and scalp, but there’s also other ‘foods’ that can be used in replace of expensive, store-bought products that condition, strengthen, and restore shine. Check out the following recipes that incorporate eggs, bananas, and even molasses.

Apple Cider Vinegar – ACV
ACV contains alpha hydroxy acids, which help dissolve fatty deposits on the skin’s surface. It can help with itchy scalp, product build-up and detangling. ACV also helps balance pH levels in your hair – high pH levels (the amount of acid/akaline) damage hair.

ACV Recipe- 1 tablespoon or 1 capful of ACV to one cup of warm (not hot) water. Depending on hair length, you may need to double the amount. Pour on after washing as a final rinse and don’t rinse out, then follow with a conditioner or leave-in (as your hair dries the vinegar smell goes away), or you can also pour on as a pre-wash treatment.

For itchy, scalp treatment- Mix 1 cup of ACV in 1 cup of warm water. Pour mixture on hair, let sit for 10 to 20 mins and wash as usual. You can also use water infused with herbs (such as chamomile or green tea) with this recipe.

Both mixtures can be used on braids and extension styles as well.

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
Natural exfoliate, softens and smoothes skin. Removes product build-up/residue. Baking soda also has the ability to neutralize other substances it comes in contact with that are acidic.

Scalp Wash- Mix water and baking soda to make a paste. Massage the paste on your scalp and rinse well with warm water. Follow with a conditioner.

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with your shampoo and wash as usual. You can also add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to your ACV rinse mixture to use as a pre-shampoo rinse. Pour on mixture, massage scalp and rinse.

Molasses
Source of iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, copper, and manganese.

Molasses users claim that it adds shine, softens, strengthens and defines their natural hair color. Many people have testified that ingesting molasses has cured ailments from arthritis to cancer. Although at present there are no medical studies to prove such testimonies, some studies have shown it’s effectiveness on lowering blood pressure and helping to cure depression.

Molasses Recipes (from Black Voices Hair Talk)
Pre-Treatment- Wet hair and apply 1/4 cup of molasses from root to tip. Leave on for at least 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Then shampoo and condition. Hair should feel soft and shiny.

Deep Conditioning- Mix 1/4 cup of molasses with an equal part of a thick oil, i.e. olive or avocado oil, and add to a conditioner. Apply to hair, concentrating on the ends and let penetrate for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and style.

For best results, use Blackstrap molasses, which is available at most grocery and natural food stores.

Eggs
Contain proteins and nutrients. Protein strengthens hair, and the nutrients condition and add volume and shine.

Eggs Recipes- Beat 1 egg and massage into your hair and scalp. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Rinse with cool or lukewarm water (using hot water will make it difficult to rinse) . The shampoo and condition.

Shiny Soft Hair Treatment (from Care2.com)
1 avocado (1/2 for shorter hair)
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon olive oil

Apply mixture to your hair, let it sit for about 30 minutes or longer, then shampoo and condition as usual.

Added Protein to your Conditioner- Mix your favorite conditioner with 1 egg yolk and ½ teaspoon of olive oil, let sit for about 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse, wash and condition as usual. *Applicator brush can be used to apply mix to your hair*

Bananas- Rich in potassium, natural oils, carbohydrates and vitamins. Helps soften and shine and protects the hair’s natural elasticity i.e. strengthens, and controls dandruff.

Simple Banana Honey Hair Mask- Mix 1 banana with 1 two 2 tablespoons of honey (longer hair – 2 bananas may be needed). Make sure you puree the banana so you don’t have problems rinsing. Apply to hair. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Rinse with warm water and shampoo as usual.

I’ve seen tons of variations of this recipe; with added mayonnaise or plain yogurt, and added oils such as almond or olive. Feel free to tweak recipes by adding your personal favorite ingredients.

Sources and More Info:
Care2.com – ACV
Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits
The Beauty Brains – Baking Soda
Molasses – BV Hair Talk
Health Diaries – Blackstrap Molasses
Ehow – Eggs
Care2.com – Avocado Egg Treatment
Health Top 54u – Bananas