Do you want outstanding hair without an outrageous price? Want to be able to pronounce all of the ingredients listed on your hair product? Then perhaps you should consider starting your own DIY kitchen salon. If you're considering it but don't know how to start, check out what I've learned.
Basic Tools
This short list of tools to keep on hand will have you set for nearly any recipe.
- A glass mixing bowl or jar. This doesn't have to be large, I use an old 8 oz. jar from a facial scrub I had years back. Glass is best because it can withstand heat. Plastic is known to release toxins when microwaved that can seep into your products.
- An empty spray bottle, or two or three, depending on how many mixtures you like. I reuse leave-in conditioner spray bottles. Its not a good idea to store mixtures for too long because bacteria will grow. I make small batches of a water and aloe juice solution for each use so as not to be wasteful.
- A few containers with screw tops for storing mixtures that are non-perishable or have a long shelf life. I also reuse old containers for this purpose. Placing a layer of plastic wrap tightly under the top can extend the shelf life a day or two.
- An old stocking will serve a few purposes. You can cut it at the top of the thighs, sew or tie the loose ends and use as a stocking cap for sleeping or dryer styling. You can use one leg as a head band or hair tie and use the other leg as a strainer for your flax seed gel. Stockings are as functional as they are fashionable!
Basic Ingredients
These ingredients can be found in most grocery stores and pharmacies. They are either non-perishable or have long shelf lives and all are useful in a variety of ways.
- aloe vera juice
- apple cider vinegar (ACV)
- baking soda
- canned coconut milk (I use half for my hair and half in a meal)
- castille soap (like Dr. Bronner's)
- [extra virgin] coconut oil (EVCO)
- essential oils
- flax seeds
- glycerin
- honey
- [extra virgin] olive oil (EVOO)
- vitamin E
Excited to get started? I hope so!
Any of you veterans want to share what's worked for you or what have you learned never to do again?
