Hubby and I were both endowed with very thick heads of hair. For the most part, I'd say that my dense tresses are a blessing. After working in the natural beauty industry for over a decade I have met enough people on the opposite end of the spectrum to know that having too much hair is a much easier problem to solve than having too little. So I'm grateful, and I know my husband is grateful, for all of this crazy hair we have between us.
But there are times when having thick hair is kind of a pain. Keeping a healthy and happy scalp beneath a head of long, dense hair can be challenging – especially for people like my husband who have over-productive scalps. He has a touch of psoriasis too – which complicates things even further. The battle against dandruff is constant. The danger of build-up and damaged hair is around every corner, and itchy, dry scalp conditions are constantly a problem.
A natural beauty author's husband with serious scalp problems? No, sir. It just won't do. My mission to help soothe his head is not only a labor of love but also a matter of pride. I can't have my loved ones walking around all flaky. What will people think?
So, I invented this recipe to help both of us get our irritated scalps back to their happy place. I started off with a big chunk of manuka honey, a unique variety of raw honey that is believed to contain antibacterial properties. Honey is also a natural moisturizer so it's perfect for soothing cranky scalps.
I blended that marvelous manna with half a banana, a squirt of apple cider vinegar, and a splash of moisturizing apricot oil. These ingredients are meant to soothe, balance, and moisturize. If you're scalp is troubled try giving this recipe a try for a few nights and see if it makes any difference. We both loved it and I hope you will too!
Manuka Honey Scalp Masque
Makes about 1/4 cup (enough for one use)This sweet and sticky scalp masque calls for manuka honey – an exotic variety of honey that is prized in the health food community. If you don't have manuka honey available, just use any variety of honey you have on hand. Apricot oil is a favorite of mine for hair care – but jojoba, avocado oil, or sweet almond oil would also do very well in this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1/2 ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon manuka honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon apricot oil
Directions
- Mash the banana as finely as possible – or use a food processor to blend it into a smooth paste. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the manuka honey and apple cider vinegar.
- Add the banana and whisk until smooth. If necessary, you can push the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or food mill to smooth its texture.
- Slowly pour the apricot oil into the mixture while whisking vigorously.
- Use right away or refrigerate for up to five days.
To Use
- Part dry hair into small sections using clips or hair-safe bands to keep them secured.
- Apply the mixture directly to the scalp – in between the parted sections.
- Remove the clips or bands and use your fingers to massage the masque onto your scalp.
- Cover your head with a scarf or cap (keep in mind that the masque may stain fabrics) and allow the masque to set for up to twenty minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and follow with hair wash and rinse as needed.