DIY Herbal Hair Rinses

Last updated on March 10, 2025 by Jess Healey
Originally published on November 17, 2017

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[dropcap]D[/dropcap]uring my journey towards a #FromScratch lifestyle, I once found myself drawn towards trying the ‘No Poo’ movement. After I started making my own deodorant and body scrubs, going natural with my hair care seemed like the next big step. So off I went, making a DIY shampoo with castile soap in it, and following with a DIY conditioner.

Tragically, my hair did not like the ‘No Poo’ method. Believe me, I tried to make it work. I’ve read before that the ‘No Poo’ method for your hair might take some time to work because you have to wait for the gunk from years of normal shampoo/conditioner to wash out. 

[/cs_text][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://pronounceskincare.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/herbal-hair-rinse-Pronounce-Skincare-DIY-Blog-Shop-Pinterest.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”” style=”margin-top: 30px;”][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_blockquote cite=”” type=”center”]I did not want to go back to conventional shampoo/conditioner, but I certainly was not happy with the ‘No Poo’ method.[/x_blockquote][cs_text]I have recently started reading more about the ‘No Poo’ techniques, so I might try again later in life with different ingredients because of my hair type (I will wait to try when I know we are not going on vacations or seeing too many people!). For now, though, I’m making a compromise with my haircare: I use a sulfate-free shampoo/conditioner, and 1-2 times a week, I try to do an herbal hair rinse.

An herbal hair rinse is an inexpensive way to treat and strengthen your hair and your scalp.[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” style=”color: #008481;margin-bottom: 20px;”]Let’s take a closer look at the basics of natural hair rinses:[/x_custom_headline][cs_icon_list][cs_icon_list_item title=”Hair growth” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Hair growth[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”Dandruff” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Dandruff[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”Itchy scalps” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Itchy scalps[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”Circulation in the scalp” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Circulation in the scalp[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”Soften your hair” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Soften your hair[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”Remove residue from the hair shaft (from your hair care products)” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Remove residue from the hair shaft (from your hair care products)[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”Add shine” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Add shine[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”Add highlights or natural color tints” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]Add highlights or natural color tints[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”And many other great things for your hair” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]And many other great things for your hair[/cs_icon_list_item][/cs_icon_list][cs_text]One of the funnest parts is that you can choose which herbs, teas, and other ingredients to add to your hair rinse to customize it for your specific needs.[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” style=”color: #77c47f;margin-bottom: 20px;”]DIY Herbal hair rinses can help with:[/x_custom_headline][x_accordion][x_accordion_item title=”Herbs” open=”true”]

There are many different ways to use herbs in a hair rinse. They can be used to enrich and brighten the colors of your hair; they can be used to add minerals and nutrients to your hair; and they can be used to boost the health of your hair. Common herbs in hair rinses include: calendula flowers, chamomile flowers, sage, rosemary, comfrey (both root and leaves), burdock root, and nettle. Here’s a basic list of ways to use herbs in your hair rinse. There are many other herbs you could add, but I tried to keep the list simple so you (and I) do not get overwhelmed:

• For light colored hair: Chamomile flowers, Calendula petals, Yarrow
• For dark colored hair: Rosemary, Sage, Raspberry leaf
• For red/auburn hair: Calendula petals, Hibiscus flowers, Red clover
• For additional minerals and nutrients: Nettle, Rosemary, Sage
• For dry or oily hair issues, add one or more of the following to encourage hair balance: Burdock root, Calendula, Chamomile, Nettle, Comfrey root
• For dandruff/itchy scalp: Burdock root, Calendula, Chamomile, Comfrey leaves, Rosemary, Sage, Nettle
• For hair loss issues, add one or more of the following: Nettle, Rosemary, Sage

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The caffeine and vitamins/nutrients in tea can be good for hair growth and can also reduce shedding as well as overall hair and scalp health. The teas most often used for hair rinses include black tea, green tea, and rooibus tea.

• Black tea is especially good at restoring shine and color (often a dark highlight) to your hair.
• Green tea, already popular in homemade toners for skin health, can also strengthen hair and stimulate hair growth.
• Rooibus tea can encourage hair growth and is great for giving a natural color boost for light brown hair and red/auburn hair.

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• Lemon juice can be added to your hair rinse if you want to lighten your hair color.
• Baking soda can be added to your hair rinse to help remove hair product buildup from your hair.
• Black walnut hulls are commonly added to dark hair rinses.
• You can add essential oils for an increase in effectiveness as well, though I personally prefer the old-world charm of a completely-herbal hair rinse.
• Apple Cider Vinegar is a common ingredient to add to herbal hair rinses; it can help balance the pH of the scalp and hair, soften your hair, and add shine.

[/x_accordion_item][/x_accordion][x_image type=”none” src=”https://pronounceskincare.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/herbal-hair-rinse-herbs-Pronounce-Skincare-DIY-Blog-Shop.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” style=”color: #008481;margin-bottom: 20px;”]How to Make an Herbal Hair Rinse[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]

Now that we know the common ingredients for a hair rinse, it’s time to learn how to make one.

There are two basic ways to make a hair rinse: an herbal rinse and a vinegar rinse.

[/cs_text][x_feature_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ icon=”pagelines” icon_color=”#77c47f” icon_bg_color=”hsla(0, 0%, 100%, 0)” style=”color: #77c47f;”]HERBAL HAIR RINSE[/x_feature_headline][cs_text]This is the hair rinse you should make if you want to use a hair rinse right away. All you need to do is brew a strong tea with 2 ounces of your chosen herbs/supplies and let it steep. After this strong tea is approx. room temperature, strain it, and add more water to the hair rinse to make 1 quart of liquid. After normal shampooing and rinsing of your hair, slowly pour the mixture through your hair and massage your scalp. It is not necessary to rinse with water.

This herbal hair rinse would make a lovely spa night for spouses or good friends. Lean over a tub or large bowl and have someone pour the herbal hair rinse on your hair and massage your scalp. Scoop the rinse up in a bowl and pour over your hair a few more times (with more scalp massage!). Return the favor to your spa helper so you both have a splendid evening. :)[/cs_text][x_feature_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ icon=”flask” icon_color=”#77c47f” icon_bg_color=”hsla(0, 0%, 100%, 0)” style=”color: #77c47f;”]VINEGAR HAIR RINSE[/x_feature_headline][cs_text]Since apple cider vinegar is good for your hair and your scalp, this rinse gives you a great extra boost of love. This rinse takes some time to make, but it will keep for at least a year, so you can make a huge batch at one time if you so desire (simply double or triple these directions!).

Add 3-4 tbsp. of your desired herbs in a glass jar. Pour 1 cup of apple cider vinegar over the herbs. Close the lid tightly and place the jar in a warm place for 3-5 weeks. Shake the jar daily. When ready to use, strain your mixture with a fine mesh strainer and/or cheesecloth (and keep the liquid! Newbie confession: my first time, I strained the mixture over a kitchen sink and kept the herbs and lost the liquid! Oops!).

At this point, keep your vinegar hair rinse in the fridge, where it will keep for at least a year. When needed, pour ½ cup of the herbal vinegar with 2 cups of warm water in a small bowl. After shampooing and rinsing your hair, slowly pour this diluted vinegar hair rinse through your hair and massage your scalp. Rinse with warm water, and then if you can handle it, finished with a blast of cold water (to stimulate your scalp and lock in a glossy sheen in your hair).[/cs_text][x_image type=”none” src=”https://pronounceskincare.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/herbal-hair-rinse-herb-infusing-Pronounce-Skincare-DIY-Blog-Shop.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column bg_color=”hsla(110, 32%, 62%, 0.34)” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ class=”cs-ta-left” style=”padding: 6px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”cs-ta-left”]

DIY Herbal Hair Rinse Recipes

[/x_custom_headline][cs_text style=”margin-left: 30px;”]You can have tons of fun deciding the specific ingredients to put in your hair rinse, but here are some classic recipes, in case you needed some inspiration:[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false” class=”cs-ta-left”]

Herbal Hair Rinse for Dark hair:

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• 1 part black walnut hulls, chopped or in powder form
• 1 part sage
• 1 part rosemary
• 1 part red raspberry leaf
• 1 part black tea

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Herbal Hair Rinse for Blond Hair:

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• 2 parts chamomile
• 1 part calendula
• 1 part yarrow
• 1 part lemon juice

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Herbal Hair Rinse for Red Hair:

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• 2 parts hibiscus flowers
• 1 part red clover
• 1 part calendula
• 1 part rooibus tea

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Herbal Hair Rinse for Dry, Brittle hair:

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• 1 part green tea
• 2 parts nettle
• 1 part calendula
• 1 part burdock root
• 1 part comfrey leaves

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Herbal Hair Rinse for Oily Hair:

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• 1 part rosemary
• 2 parts nettle
• 1 part burdock root
• 1 part comfrey root
• 1 tsp. baking soda

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”false” style=”color: hsl(180, 100%, 25%);”]Notes[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]

**Do not expect these herbal hair rinses to give you a dramatic, bold color change for your hair, but rather they enhance the subtle natural highlights you already have.

What combination will you try? Feel free to add your combination recipe in the comments to inspire others!

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”4/5″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”cs-ta-right”]xo,[/x_custom_headline][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/5″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://pronounceskincare.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Pronounce-Shop-DIY-Blog-Jessica-Healey-signature.png” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”2/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”false” style=”color: hsl(110, 32%, 62%);”]Want to try this recipe out?[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]Please, head on over to my Pronounce Skincare Shop where I sell some of the ingredients you will need to make the hair rinse.

Look around for all of my other skincare creations. I love making them for my family and for you![/cs_text][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text][product id=”104663″][/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

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