How to Get Sweet Results Using Honey!

On my quest for beautiful hair I have read several regimens that women follow to achieve their own hair goals. Of course they use moisturizing shampoos, great conditioners and leave in, but the one consistent ingredient that I have seen in many "hair kits" is honey. Now I have heard of using honey for many things, mostly to sweeten my tea, but not for hair. I figured it's sticky, messy so whats the point? I didn't want to jump in head first and start drenching my hair with this stuff just because everyone else was doing it, but I also didn't want to dismiss it either. So off I went, over to the computer to do my research. I found a lot of information on the benefits that honey has on hair.  I have included some of this information below, as well as a few recipes (I have yet to try) that may help if you are also suffering from dry hair. As always, I plan to try these out and I will let you know how it goes.

What is Honey?

Honey is made by bees from the nectar of flowering plants and trees. It is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture. Honey is also a natural emollient, and it is high in vitamins and minerals, which has wonderful benefits for the hair. This makes honey a natural fit in a variety of moisturizing products including shampoos and conditioners. It also said to be beneficial for treating itchy scalp and hair loss. Caution: Honey has the ability to lighten the hair overtime.

How to Use Honey

Add honey to some of your store-bought hair products or try whipping up some of the simple beauty recipes provided below yourself:

Honey Mayo Hair Treatment

1 cup mayonnaise

1 avocado

2 tbsp honey

1/2 cup EVOO (optional)

rosemary or lavender EO

Mix together mayonnaise, avocado and honey and massage into dry hair, concentrating on the ends. Add two or three drops of essential oils to create a distinctive hair treatment, or a half cup of olive oil to provide extra conditioning. Use a shower cap to cover the hair and leave on for 30 minutes.

Rinse the mayonnaise and honey hair treatment out in a warm shower. Massage the scalp to get the blood flow going, which helps to stimulate hair growth and health. Once the treatment is washed out completely, use a clarifying or moisturizing shampoo and conditioner as usual. For those who have dry hair, using a shampoo and conditioner that adds moisture is ideal to create shiny and smooth hair. Remove excess moisture from the hair with a towel and let air dry. 

Hair Shine Conditioner

1/2 cup of honey

1/4 cup of warm EVOO

1 tsp of xanthan gum

EO (optional)

This treatment leaves your hair feeling super silky and moisturized.

Mix  honey, olive oil, xanthan gum and 4 drops of essential oil (if a scent is desired) in a small bowl.

Warm a towel in the dryer and wrap the warm towel around your head.Apply mixture to damp hair. Work mixture into hair making sure hair is coated from the roots to the ends. Leave the towel on for 30 minutes or longer if desired. The longer the conditioner is left on, the shinier your hair will be. Rinse the mixture out of your hair with cool water and lightly shampoo hair. Rinse shampoo out with cool water. Dry as usual and admire the shine.

Honey Shampoo 

Honey has slight bleaching properties, so this shampoo will create subtle highlights in your hair over time. Honey will also provide your hair with extra body and shine. 

1/2 cup liquid Castile soap
1/2 cup water
1 cup honey

In a squeeze bottle combine the Castile soap, water and honey. Place the lid on the bottle and rock back and forth gently to mix the ingredients. Use your own homemade honey shampoo as you use your normal shampoo. Allow it to rest on your hair for at least 10 minutes before rinsing. 

(Substitutes: If the your hair is oily, you can substitute the liquid Castile soap in this recipe with any gentle shampoo. Castile soap is made from olive oil and is may leave some people's hair too oily. You can also substitute molasses for the honey if you do not want your hair to lighten with use.)

ETA: I have used honey a few time in my deep conditioner, but I have decided to stop using it. I actually found it simply wasn't working for my hair, and oddly I was getting more breakage. Simple is best for me. I have a good regimen right now, so I am going to stick to it.

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