DIY Herbal Hair Rinse Recipes for Healthier, Shinier Hair
Using a DIY herbal hair rinse is a beautiful part of my natural haircare routine — and something I’ve come to rely on for maintaining a healthy scalp and soft, shiny hair.
Depending on the herbs you choose, these herbal rinses can help:
- Relieve scalp conditions like dandruff or itchiness
- Strengthen the hair and minimize breakage
- Enhance natural highlights and enrich your hair color
- Gently stimulate the scalp to support growth
I often add raw apple cider vinegar to my rinses for an extra boost. It helps cleanse the scalp, balance pH, remove buildup, and leave the hair soft, detangled, and glossy.
Below you’ll find two simple ways to make your own herbal hair rinses, plus a list of my favorite herbs to work with. You can adjust each recipe based on your hair length, type, and what your scalp needs most.
Recipe 1: Herbal Vinegar Concentrate
This is a strong, shelf-stable herbal infusion that you can keep in the fridge and dilute as needed.
You’ll need:
- Dried or fresh herbs of your choice (see list below)
- Raw, organic apple cider vinegar
- A clean glass jar with a lid
Shop all my haircare essentials here
Instructions:
- Add your herbs to the jar and cover completely with raw apple cider vinegar.
- Seal tightly and let steep at room temperature for at least 2 weeks (up to 4 for a stronger infusion).
- Strain and store in a dark glass jar or bottle in the fridge.
How to Use:
- Dilute a few tablespoons of the herbal vinegar in a large bowl or jug of water (adjust based on your hair length).
- Short hair: 2 Tbsp
- Long, thick hair: 4–5 Tbsp
- After shampooing and conditioning, pour the mixture over your scalp and hair.
- Let it sit for a minute or two, then either rinse out or leave it in.
💡 Tip: I like to dip my ends in the bowl before pouring the rest over my scalp — it helps deeply nourish dry or damaged ends.
Recipe 2: Simple Herbal Hair Tea
This is an easy, quick-to-make rinse that’s perfect for using fresh or dried herbs from your garden or pantry.
You’ll need:
- A handful of dried or fresh herbs
- Boiling water
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar
Shop all my haircare essentials here
Instructions:
- Place herbs in a bowl and pour boiling water over them.
- Cover and let steep for 20–30 minutes until the infusion is strong.
- Once cooled to room temperature, strain the herbs and add ACV if desired.
How to Use your DIY herbal hair rinse:
- After washing your hair, slowly pour the tea over your scalp and through your ends.
- Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse or leave it in for extra softness and shine.
💡 Store leftovers in the fridge and use within 2–3 days.
Tips for DIY Herbal Hair Rinse Success
- Use fresh or dried herbs — dried are more concentrated, so you’ll need less.
- You can finish your rinse with cold water to help close the hair cuticle and enhance shine.
- For best results, use herbal rinses 1–2 times per week, or as often as your scalp needs.
Best Herbs for hair
Here are some of my favorite herbs to use — each brings its own healing, strengthening, or shine-enhancing qualities.
| Herb | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Rosemary | Stimulates circulation to the scalp and supports growth |
| Lavender | Soothes the scalp and promotes relaxation (great before bed) |
| Sage | Relieves itchiness and dandruff; may gradually darken hair |
| Horsetail | Strengthens hair and reduces breakage |
| Calendula | Moisturizing and healing for dry scalps and strands |
| Peppermint | Cooling and stimulating; helps relieve inflammation |
| Thyme | Antiseptic and antifungal; great for oily or itchy scalps |
| Parsley | Adds natural shine and vitality to the hair |
| Chamomile | Brightens and enhances blonde hair tones |
| Bulgarian Rose | Calms the scalp and adds a soft floral scent |
☕ If you don’t have loose herbs, tea bags work too! Chamomile, peppermint, or rosemary tea are all great options.
Watch the Full Tutorial
See exactly how I make and use these herbal rinses in this step-by-step video:
