Nourish! | Have some tea! (for your locs and not in a cup)
by Gail Mitchell
Herbal infusions, or herbal teas, are great for getting your locs to glow! They’re good for strengthening, natural coloring, and for your loc and scalp maladies. Herbal teas also help clarify hair and remove any last traces of shampoo or conditioner residue that may linger.
Whether you’re using a professional concoction or your own homemade brew, don’t expect overnight success. It will take a lot of applications to get visible results. They work slowly, but over time your locs will be transformed. If you’re lightening, darkening or not sure what a particular herb will do, see an herbalist, or test in an inconspicuous area before a full application. Read on for what a cup (okay, a lot more than a cup) of tea can do…
General base/instructions: Boil a handful of herbs in a medium pot filled with water. Boil for about 15-30 minutes until you have a strong, dark tea. Strain and save the tea. Allow to fully cool, then soak your locs and scalp. You can let it soak for 30 minutes before rinsing, or rinse right away if you’re short on time.
| What to add in your loc tea: | |
| Nettle and Rosemary | A fragrant stimulant for the scalp. It prevents dandruff and promotes hair growth. Please note that a rosemary brew can also darken your locs. |
| Sage or Fennel | A good conditioner that leaves no residue or greasiness. |
| Parsley | Clears dandruff |
| Mint | Try this before you shampoo. Put 2 tablespoons of dried mint into a cup of water and a half cup of vinegar. Simmer for 15 minutes, Steep with a lit on the pot until the tea is cool. Strain and massage tea into your scalp. Stimulates, prevents dandruff and promotes growth. |
| For specific results: | |
| To lighten | Pour 1 quart boiling water over 1/2 cup chamomile flowers. Let it steep 30 minutes. Add the juice of 2 lemons. Have a basin ready to catch the rinse,as you will need to repeat it at least 20 times. Pour directly on clean hair as a rinse. |
| To darken gray hairs |
Pour 1 cup boiling water over 4 tablespoons of dried sage. Let it steep overnight. Combine with 1 cup black tea and work into hair every night until colour desired is reached. |