It's no secret we love nettle leaf! It is a bountiful and rich source of calcium, chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, protein, riboflavin, selenium, silicon, sodium (trace), thiamine, tin, zinc, and vitamins A and C. Did you know Nettle has a long history of topical use as a hair mask? Just as its nutritive, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties can aid us against allergies when taken internally, they can also help us maintain scalp health and keep and grow strong and luscious hair! Nettle is good for all hair types.
Nettle Shower Rinse
3 - 5 Tablespoons dried nettle (or a handful of fresh)
2-3 cups water
1/2 cup - 1cup apple cider vinegar
*Optional: Include equal parts Rosemary and/or Horsetail for additional benefits!
*Very optional: Some folks really love Neem leaf for their hair rinses and say it boosts their hair regrowth and shininess. Be aware that it does have a strong smell!
Directions: Make a strong infusion of the nettle leaf by pouring boiling water over the herb(s), covering, then leaving to infuse until cool or, even better, overnight. Strain out herbs and combine with ACV in a glass jar. You can transfer the amount you need per use into a squeezy bottle for application. I like to do this in the shower but it's up to you! If you feel the mixture is a bit strong for your comfort, go ahead and dilute with water upon individual use. Leave on for 5 - 15 minutes. Shampoo and condition as usual.
You should get between 1 - 3 applications depending on your hair/scalp needs. Mixture will keep (ideally refrigerated) 1-2 weeks.
Liquid Nettle Mask Rinse
5 Tablespoons dried nettle leaf
2 cups water
*Optional: Include equal parts Rosemary, Brahmi and/or Horsetail for additional benefits!
Directions: As above, you are making a good, strong nettle infusion but with this hair "mask" we will leave it as a simple tea. I like to pour the cooled tea into a large bowl and dip my hair and scalp into it until I feel it's thoroughly coated. You could also use a spray bottle or a squeezy bottle. Massage mixture into scalp and hair and then put hair up and cover. You can leave this on for minutes or hours, then shampoo and condition as normal.
Nettle Paste Hair Mask by Hairprint
2 cups dried nettles
Jojoba oil (approx. 2 tablespoons)