Herbs for Strong Hair: How 9 Herbs Can Benefit Fine Hair
Last updated on October 31st, 2020 at 05:24 pm
When you have fine hair, you’re ever on a quest to keep your hair fortified and strong. That is to say, breakage is too easy of a thing. Well, look no further and start using herbs for strong hair.
What you’ll find below is a list of 9 herbs that can help you to transform your hair. These herbs truly benefit fine hair in the most important way possible – giving strength.
How to Use Herbs for stronger fine hair
Henna | Fenugreek | Shikakai | Amla | Bhringraj | Brahmi | Cassia | Hibiscus | Zizyphus
Henna
Firstly, henna is the king of herbs for stronger hair. It may even be the king of herbs for thicker hair. Based on how long and how frequently you use it, henna can totally transform a head of fine hair. Certainly, I can attest.
Henna has the ability of building up on the hair shaft and filling in gaps that were caused by environmental or mechanical damage. In other words, it helps with wear and tear.
Henna is one of those herbs for strong hair that fosters thicker, denser curls.
How to Use:
You can use Henna in your hair in so many ways. For instance:
- Strengthening hair mask
- Daily hair tea or hair spritz
- Infused hair oil
The longer you allow a henna mixture to sit for, the more dye releases. The lawsone content determines how quickly the dye releases from the Henna. Consequently, the higher the lawsone content, the more potent the mixture.
I’ve written an entire guide about Henna. It’s comprehensive, yet easy to understand. For instance, it includes the What, Why and How of Using Henna: Henna: The Ultimate Guide
Where to buy: Henna Guys
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a plant that’s part of the bean family. So, while the seeds are not necessarily an herb, when the leaves are pressed to powder form, it becomes one of the super strengthening herbs for your hair. It’s basically, a natural protein.
Protein is required for strong, healthy hair. With regular use, your hair will not only become stronger. It will become softer and more manageable.
How to Use:
Fenugreek seeds can be used to create a strengthening daily hair spritz. The seeds or the powder can be used to create an infused hair oil. Additionally, you can also mix fenugreek powder into your deep conditioner to boost its efficiency.
Lastly, you can create a nourishing hair pack with Fenugreek powder. You can create a paste with coconut or sesame oil. Then, apply it to your hair and allow it to sit for a minimum of 30 minutes. Apply a heat source and a plastic cap for deeper penetration.
Where to buy: Z Natural Foods
Naturevibe Botanicals Fenug...Shop on AmazonShikakai
Shikakai strengthens the entire strand of hair from the roots down to ends. That’s because it’s rich in proteins that help strengthen the hair.
How to Use:
I recommend using Shikakai in a hair tea mixed with Henna and Amla. So, check out this video that demonstrates:
Where to buy:
Organic Shikakai Powder by ...Shop on AmazonAmla
Amla powder is made from the Indian gooseberry. The leaves are ground to create a powder. That herbal powder is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, making it an excellent herb for stronger hair.
How to Use:
My favorite way to use Amla is as a Pre-Poo. I leave it in my hair overnight but you can leave it in for as little time as an hour. You’ll find my Amla Pre-Poo Recipe here.
Amla can also be used to create a strengthening hair spray. Simply, steep the powder in a reusable tea bag in very warm water. Transfer to a spray bottle. Then, add essential oils like rosemary, peppermint or tea tree oil. Use up the mixture within one week.
Lastly, you can mix Amla with Henna to create a super nourishing hair mask. Add very warm water to the powders and allow the Henna dye to release from 4 hours to over night.
Where to buy: Organic Traditions
Bhringraj
Bhringraj powder comes from a plant that grows as a weed. Most importantly, it strengthens the hair follicles.
It works best in sync with Amla and Brahmi.
How to Use:
Bhringraj can be used in a number of ways:
- Infused into coconut oil for a DIY hair growth oil (you can also buy Bhringraj oil) – this is the most popular method of use
- Brewed in a tea bag for a strengthening hair spritz or hair tea
- Mixed with yogurt for a hair mask
Where to buy: Amazon
SVA Bhringraj Premium Carri...Shop on AmazonBrahmi
Brahmi powder comes from an all season plant. It can strengthen the roots and entire strand of hair by forming a protective layer on top of it. Most importantly, Brahmi works on the overall health of the hair and even prevents the occurrence of split ends.
It’s fine on its own but mixes well with Amla, Neem, Bhringraj and Ashwagandha.
How to Use:
- As a hair mask, mix with coconut water or plain water
- As a hair rinse, mix warm water along with other herbs and allow the herbs to infuse over night.
Where to buy: Mountain Rose Herbs
Just Jaivik 100% Organic Br...Shop on AmazonCassia
Cassia Obovata (or just Cassia) is a super herb like Henna. It’s often called neutral Henna because it performs in much the same way, only without the ability to change your hair color.
Unlike Henna, Cassia does not build up on the hair shaft over time to thicken the hair. However, it does strengthen the hair shaft. It’s make up is quite similar to keratin, which is what the cuticle or outer layer of the hair is composed of.
How to Use:
Add 1-2 tablespoons to your regular deep conditioner to boost it’s potency. This is the easiest method.
You can also create your own hair mask. Here’s a simple recipe:
- 1 cup of Cassia powder (more or less depending on the length of your hair)
- 1/2 Purified water + 1/2 Aloe Vera juice (equal parts)
- Mix liquids with Cassia to a consistency of mashed potatoes so that it’s not too runny
Apply the mask throughout your hair, put on a plastic cap and then, heating cap. Next, allow it to sit on your hair until cooled for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Where to buy: Henna Sooq sells a ready made mask here. It also contains Fenugreek, Amla, Hibiscus, Rose Petal and Aloe. However, Cassia is the first ingredient and therefore, the richest ingredient in the mask.
Zenia 100% Pure Neutral Hen...Shop on AmazonHibiscus
Made from the Hibiscus flower petal, this is one of those herbs for strong hair that works best in conjunction with other herbs. For example, it mixes well with Henna and Shikakai.
Similarly, Hibiscus strengthens the hair from the roots to the tips like the other herbs. It’s rich in amino acids, a vital component of keratin in the hair. Also, it’s rich in vitamins which impart nourishment deep into the hair strands.
How to Use:
You can mix a few tablespoons of Hibiscus with other herbs into yogurt, curd, or coconut milk.
Where to buy: Amazon
Just Jaivik 100% Organic Hi...Shop on AmazonZizyphus Spina Christi
For a good alternative to Henna, you can use Zizyphus (full name, Zizyphus Spina Christi) when you are seeking strength without a color deposit. It has the ability to strengthen fine strands from roots to tips. It improves the thickness of the hair. Therefore, fine hair becomes stronger.
For us ladies with fine natural hair, zizyphus also adds more “texture” to our tresses.
How to Use:
Zizyphus should be mixed with warm water to make a thick paste. Then, you can apply it to your hair as a pre-poo and/or cleanser.
Where to buy: Mehandi | Henna Sooq
Ancient Sunrise Zizyphus Sp...Shop on AmazonRelated: Read my experience with Zizyphus here
To sum it up, these herbs for strong hair are game changers for fine hair. Especially, fine natural hair. Also, notice that while they can be used alone, they are that much more powerful together.
#StrengthinNumbers