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Alright, now I know how much we all admire getting a brand new hairstyle. However, there’s just not enough hair dye or tupees in the world to reverse the damage you’ve inflicted on your follicles. But what if I told you that you can “re-do the hair-do,” without the fear of burning chemicals and half-secure hairpieces? 

With just a few minor steps, you’ll master the art of natural hair regimens at a lightspeed.

Aloe vera 

The transparent gooey substance is all that you need to revive the dying strands in your scalp. No, I’m not talking about mucus, but the slimy yet healthy properties that reside in the green aloe vera plant. Aloe vera has been used for centuries in a variety of ways such as dermatology purposes, medicinal purposes and the most prevalent one: hair growth.

The gel-like element is said to have been utilized by Egyptian queens, Cleopatra and Nefertiti for their beauty routines. Wow! That explains why I’m always feeling like royalty after I put this stuff on my hair. I guess you can say that I’ve turned it into my own personal crown  — though I wish that this crown was just a little less sticky.

Benefits of Aloe vera

According to healthline.com, Aloe vera:

  • Treats itchy and dry scalp
  • Contains vitamins A, C and E
  • Helps strengthen hair strands
  • Repairs damaged hair
  • Deep cleans oily hair
  • Detangles hair
  • Promotes hair growth

DIY Aloe vera hair regimen

Now, there are a multitude of methods in which you can go about performing this little hair routine. However, I think it’s best if I save you the confusion and direct you to the easiest way that I know of.

  1. Get a hold of an Aloe vera leaf

You can either purchase one at your local food store which roughly costs around one dollar, or you can simply grow an Aloe vera plant right in your backyard. Though I doubt that you have four months to spare, so I recommend just purchasing the leaf from the store.

  1. Cut off the end of the Aloe vera leaf

This step is very important because without it, you’ll never get to the magic. Make sure you chop off that ugly white stem first, so you can access the gel.

  1. Then cut off about two inches of the Aloe vera leaf

I suggest you start off with two inches. Feel free to cut off any extra Aloe pieces you may need for your hair. 

  1. Use a spoon to scrape the aloe vera gel out of the leaf

A tablespoon should work perfectly fine for this part. 

  1. Blend or crush up the Aloe vera gel pieces to eliminate big chunks

This step works way better with an actual blender to avoid gigantic chunks from being in your hair. Otherwise if you don’t have a blender, you’ll have to apply the Aloe Vera to your hair with chunks the size of glaciers.

  1. Apply the Aloe vera to your hair and scalp

This is the last and final step — Woohoo! After blending it well, you should be left with the watery result of Aloe. This is where you’ll finally be able to apply it to your hair. You can either transfer the liquid to a spray bottle or dump it over your head like the ice bucket challenge. Both methods are quite effective!

Rice water

Sounds delicious, right? Rice water may seem appealing but you might change your mind after discovering what it’s really used for. Yep, you guessed it — your hair! Let’s take a journey down memory lane, shall we?

According to prose.com, rice water was mainly prominent during the Heian era in Japanese history, where the court ladies would comb their hair with Yu-Su-Ru, which is pretty much rice water. This regimen has a plethora of advantages, and if you wish to know more about it, then keep following along.

Benefits of rice water

According to medicalnewstoday.com, rice water: 

  • Eliminates dandruff
  • Contains vitamins B and C
  • Strengthens hair strands
  • Prevents premature alopecia
  • Rid of toxins in the scalp
  • Prevents grey hair

DIY rice water hair regimen 

This is yet another natural hair regimen that I know too well of. There are numerous ways that you can use rice water, however the most effective way is the fermented rice water hair regimen.

  1. Purchase a bag of rice

There isn’t any particular kind of rice that you are required to buy. However, I will say that some bags of rice may be more fruitful in terms of protein. Aside from that, you needn’t worry.

  1. Take two cups of rice

I promise you that this is all that you’ll need, trust me.

  1. Clean your rice

Even though you won’t be eating it, it’s still important that you wash off any impurities before applying it to your hair. But don’t wash it down to the grain! In other words, leave some room for the important minerals. Sometimes swirling the rice around too much in water can put a strain on the protein.

  1. Leave the rice to soak for about 30 mins

The purpose of this is to allow the vitamins and minerals to gradually engulf the water. After the 30 mins, the water should be slightly cloudy.

  1. Drain the water out of the rice and pour ONLY the water into a mason jar or a spray bottle (lid/covering is required)

At this point in the regimen, the rice no longer has any purpose.

  1. Leave the mason jar or spray bottle in a dark area at room temperature for 24 hours

This is the only way for the rice water to ferment!

  1. Apply the fermented rice water to your hair

Because it is now fermented, it will contain a very pungent and sour smell. If you’re brave like me, then you’ll take the scent like a champ. But if you have a weak stomach, then you might want to consider adding some lemon pieces or essential oils to get rid of the horrendous smell. Those essential oils can be lavender, rosemary or even peppermint. 

Cardi B’s hair mask

You read right! The R&B mogul took out the time to share her natural hair regimen with her loyal followers via Instagram story. Now personally, I haven’t tried this one out in particular, but I definitely will. OKKUURR! — in the words of Cardi B!

According to the rapper, you only need five basic ingredients: one avocado, one egg, honey, castor oil and a scoop of coconut oil. 

Benefits of Avocados

According to healthline.com, avocados: 

  • Promote hair growth
  • Contain Biotin
  • Protect hair from damage
  • Hydrates hair

Benefits of eggs

According to parenting.firstcry.com, eggs:

  • Improve the texture of hair
  • Add shine to hair
  • Prevent hair loss
  • Promote hair growth

Benefits of honey

According to healthline.com, honey is:

  • A Great hair moisturizer 
  • Restores luster in hair
  • Stimulates hair regrowth
  • Rids of impurities in the scalp

Benefits of castor oil

According to verywellhealth.com, castor oil:

  • Enhances the strength of hair follicles
  • Protects against hair loss
  • Prevents dandruff
  • Adds shine to hair

Benefits of coconut oil

According to lucybee.com, coconut oil:

  • Stimulates hair growth
  • Fights against lice
  • Prevents dandruff
  • Adds softness to hair

All you would simply do, is combine all of the ingredients in a blender and there you have it folks! I guess you can say that Cardi B knows how to put the “ask” in hair mask. If I have any questions about natural hair regimens, she’ll be the first person I’d run to for sure.

The next time you’re stress-pulling your hair out of your scalp from college workload; don’t panic! There are plenty of natural hair tips on Youtube and in articles to help you patch up the bald patches.

Graphic design via Canva

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