I'm so happy to share this post with you. I'm always testing and perfecting hair care recipes that moisturise the scalp and hair, as my own hair has a habit of turning to the texture of coconut husk! Especially the ends!
This scalp & hair conditioner is now a new firm favourite of mine!
The mixture is light and intensely moisturising (especially for the scalp).
Does not colour hair.
Not too oily.
Has no added chemicals, so safe to leave in if desired. Personally, I apply before bed and rinse out the next day with warm water (no shampoo).
Has a light, floral & feminine smell.
It contains rose and hibiscus petals which improve the condition of the scalp and the hair, making the hair texture softer.
Hibiscus are one of my all-time favourite plants - native to Nigeria and extremely beautiful. They come in a vast array of colours, shapes and sizes! I grow hibiscus in my home. Did you know that hibiscus flowers bloom for just one day?!! ... a reminder to take time and stop for just a moment to fully appreciate the beauty of each day...before it's gone forever!
The secret to this recipe is hibiscus and rose extract. The petals contain a lot of vitamins that are believed to stimulate root growth. To preserve the nutrient content of the petals, the coconut oil and petal mixture is not boiled. The infusion with coconut oil is done slowly, over 1-2 days at room temperature.
For this recipe it's important to blend the rose and hibiscus petals well so that the petals break up. I used a blender but you could achieve a similar result with a pestle and mortar. Breaking up the petals makes it easier for the nutrients to infuse with the coconut oil.
The coconut oil is gently warmed to turn it into liquid form. I do not recommend boiling the coconut oil and petals as this alters the nutrient content of the mixture.
Whenever possible I try and use virgin coconut oil as I feel that it is absorbed by the hair better. Virgin coconut oil is usually solid, as opposed to liquid at room temperature.
If you don't have access to fresh hibiscus or rose petals no problem!! You can buy dried hibiscus & rose leaves from the market. Sometimes they can be found in health food stores and often in the baking or beverage sections of the supermarket.
I used approximately 2 full hibiscus flowers and 2 rose buds, plus 3 tablespoons of coconut oil to cover my whole hair and scalp (waist length porous hair pictured). Adjust measures based on your own hair length.
I use this mask whenever I want to give my hair a fragrant moisture boost! I hope you enjoy trying it!
NB: You will notice that the oil mixture is clear and not red. If water is introduced into this mixture the hibiscus petals will release a deep red pigment. Some people boil hibiscus leaves in water and rinse their hair in the liquid to colour it red.
If you decide to give this recipe a go, please share your thoughts, pictures and recipe tweaks. Good luck!
Method
Step 1.
Select an equal quantity of rose and hibiscus petals. Inspect the petals closely and ensure that they are free of insects, dust or dirt.
Step 2.
Finely chop the petal mix in a blender of grind using a pestle & mortar.
Step 3.
Transfer the ground petal mix into a clean jar or container.
Step 4
Add the coconut oil (should be liquid at room temperature. Gently warm before using if solid).
Step 5.
Set the coconut/petal mixture aside to infuse for 1-2 days.
Step 6.
Separate the petal mix from the coconut oil using a strainer or muslin cloth.
Step 7.
Your mixture is now ready to use!
Disclaimer
I'm very passionate about the management of autoimmune conditions in a healthy way.
I speak with medical professionals, read journals, try and test new recipes to share with you and diligently undertake research online. That being said, as you know, each autoimmune disease, as well as any set of symptoms you may be experiencing are unique.
All information provided is in no way intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure the appropriateness of any information in relation to your own situation.
And finally, please comment and share so we as a community better cope with our conditions by through growth and learning.