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Minimalist Beauty

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

Minimalist Beauty

DIY Green Tea Cleansing Hair Rinse

September 2, 2011 by Dawn Michelle

I decided to again stop using all store bought conditioners.  I did my usual online research on simple hair regimens and of course I found articles and forums filled with information about the no-poo hair care method.

No-poo refers to no longer using shampoo and for some no longer using conditioner either.  I have been using conditioner only for quite sometime as my hair cleanser and my hair has done extremely well.  I then added shikakai powder to my coconut deep conditioning treatment to further cleanse my hair which is kind of like a all natural co-wash.

I began to wonder if so many different ingredients in my hair care not only complicated things, but also made cleansing my hair with stronger ingredients more important.  I assumed that if I simplified my hair regimen even more with the right ingredients that my hair may not need as many conditioning products.  I could then most certainly cut things back to the basics.

I came across a few different forums that spoke about the water only hair method, sebum only hair method, and basic ingredients to cleanse the hair like baking soda, apple cider vinegar, tea, applesauce, apple juice, and lemon juice.  My scalp does not produce excess sebum, so I’ve never had to wash my hair more than once a week.  I also was very clear that the sebum only hair method wouldn’t work on my dry textured hair, nor would it go over well with a hair stylist when working a job on set.  Whatever I used for my hair needed to work well and be somewhat simple.

Baking soda and lemon juice are completely out of the healthy hair pH range of 4.0-7.0, so I knew both of those ingredients were not an option.  I had no interest in using apple juice or applesauce so that was out too.  But I did think about tea and apple cider vinegar.

Black tea has a pH of about 4.9 and green tea has a pH of 6.0–6.4.  Since green tea is not as acidic as black tea, I felt that it would be a better mix with apple cider vinegar which has a pH of 2.8–3.0.  I also already use green tea in my DIY Soothing Antioxidant Toner and always like using something that I already have at home.  Once I settled on green tea and apple cider vinegar, I decided to add raw honey for its humectant and conditioning properties.

Benefits of Green Tea for Hair

Green tea is full of antioxidants and soothes dandruff, psoriasis, and other scalp irritations.  Green tea contains vitamins C, D, and E as well as vitamin B5 (panthenol).  Green tea stimulates hair follicles therefore increases healthy hair growth and reducing hair loss.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair

Apple cider vinegar’s natural antibiotic and antibacterial properties balances the pH of your scalp while removing dead skin cells on the scalp.  It is also a natural remedy for hair thinning, hair loss, and dandruff.  Apple cider vinegar rinses away chemicals and excess oils from the hair and scalp without dehydrating the hair leaving it conditioned and tangle free.  The best nutrients are in organic raw apple cider vinegar.  (Although the Trader Joe’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar pictured above isn’t raw, it is also a really great option). So here’s the recipe…

What you will need:

Organic Green Tea

Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw Honey

Purified Water

Spray Bottle

I steeped one green tea bag in 2-3 cups of water for 30–60 minutes.  I then added 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of raw honey.  I mixed thoroughly until the honey disappeared.  Once the liquid cooled I poured it into my spray bottle now ready for use.

How To Use

Part hair in half and rinse with water.  Now spray the tea rinse on scalp and hair thoroughly and gently massage the scalp.  Clip one side up then proceed to the other.  Once hair is completely saturated, let it sit for at least five minutes.  Use any remaining tea cleansing rinse to repeat to both sides before rinsing.  To completely avoid tangles during this cleasing process it is even better to wash hair in braids or twists.

My Notes

Before I even began using this method of hair cleansing I clarified my hair with apple cider vinegar and water.  I used 1:3 part ratio of apple cider vinegar to water.  The next wash day I started using the my tea rinse.

Because this tea rinse has no slip, I no longer detangle my hair in the shower and instead detail carefully and gently before and/or after I wash my hair.  For my usual styling method of setting my curls with braids, I use a mix of aloe vera, unrefined shea butter, hemp oil, camellia oil, and guar gum.  Surprisingly the guar gum gives this mix the exact amount of slip needed to easily detangle my hair.  I don’t have a set recipe for this as it’s just been a fun experiment.

I believe that because this hair cleansing process doesn’t open the hair cuticle detangling is also easier.  I honestly think that keeping the hair organized while cleansing has a lot to do with it too.  I do not put any oil on my scalp so that the skin can breath and does not become irritated.  I don’t feel like my hair needs to be deep conditioned weekly any more and will only deep condition my hair after my monthly henna treatments.  My results are shiny beautiful curls in the most minimal way I ever imagined.

Understanding What Is Working For You

Pay attention to how your hair responds to new methods and hair products. You sometimes need to isolate products to really know if they are working or not.  I have a shower filter which gives a good balance to hard water.  Depending on the water you are dealing with can also affect what works for your hair especially when going no ‘poo.

Lastly if you have chemically damaged hair, your hair cuticle is not intact as strongly as virgin hair.  I’ve used henna for so long and know that it coats and fills in the hair cuticle.  I suggest doing henna or cassia treatments to improve your hair’s damaged condition as you grow out chemically over-processed hair.  Many turn to silicone based products to temporarily fill in damaged hair cuticles.  Henna and cassia are long term natural ways to strengthen and condition hair.  Read Henna For Hair 101 for more info.

This hair cleansing method isn’t going to work for everyone or be for everyone.  I haven’t used natural shampoos for sometime and was ready to taking things one step further.

I’ve been really enjoying my experience with the no-poo method (with & without conditioner) and have shared my journey on Minimalist Beauty.  You can find a list of those articles here.  Check out my most recent beauty regimen including hair care here.

(Image by Dawn Michelle)

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  1. al says

    September 2, 2011 at 6:51 am

    I have a 2 year old toddler, who has a fear of washing her hair. I have never used convetional products for her, since I have been using nautral products for 9 years now! Even at the hospital they told me to use only pure water to clean the newborn baby, and truthfully, I still have the same bottle of 2 in 1 baby shampoo and cleansing gel, that I bought for her when she was born 🙂 – and it is obviously a natural and organic. I wash her hair with this every 3 months, if she allows it 🙂 and I rinse her hair once or 2x a month with water only. Amazingly, her hair is always perfectly clean, smells nice, and cleans itself, as it seems. So I believe our hair needs only water. Unfortunatelly I suffer from a bad case of dandruff and oily hair, but it seems it is more of an internal problem, that is connected with my eating habits. I think i will try to simplify my hair routine too.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 2, 2011 at 10:47 am

      Thanks Al for sharing!

      Reply
  2. chineze says

    September 3, 2011 at 11:35 am

    I use the water only method and also use a mixture of herbs and apple cider vinegar as
    a rinse. Since i cut of all my relaxed hair in 2006 i have not used shampoo. I used to do the conditioner wash method but for two years now i have stopped using the method and my hair seems to like it.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 3, 2011 at 11:43 am

      Hi Chineze,
      How long did it take to for your hair to get used to your new simplified regimen?
      Thanks for sharing!
      Dawn Michelle

      Reply
  3. chineze says

    September 3, 2011 at 2:25 pm

    Hi,
    i think it took about 6 months to get use to this method. Could be because i really don’t use that much product in my hair-olive oil and shea butter.

    Reply
  4. chineze says

    September 3, 2011 at 2:32 pm

    oh and henna every month. I use your method. Its works wonderfully for my hair.
    Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 3, 2011 at 4:23 pm

      That’s awesome Chineze! I’m so glad that monthly henna treatments are working so well for you!

      Reply
  5. br3 says

    September 11, 2011 at 2:49 am

    i have fine and thin hair that is wavy(thankgod cuz it gives me volume). i was wondering if i could also give up conditioner and cleanser with a light conditioner like Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle conditioner? would it weight my hair down or make it greasy? i have to wash my hair everyday because since it is so thin/fine, the natural oils are very visible and my hair gets weighed down. what should i do? do you think no-poo method is for me or is it just for girls with awesome thick or coarser hair?

    thanks so much
    b

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 11, 2011 at 10:27 am

      Hi br3!

      Check out the No-Poo Method Community to research this hair method more. You will read about scritching with horn combs and all types of other regimen practices that I will write more on a bit later. There are a bunch of different stories that will give you an informed perspective.

      The Aubrey’s Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner is very moisturizing. If you’d like to condition wash your hair, a clarifying conditioner may be a better match. Also you can try apple cider vinegar and water for clarifying and conditioning instead. I personally like to the mix of green tea with apple cider vinegar to keep the ACV smell to a minimum yet the smell will go away after your hair dries. Adding a few drops of essential oils after your hair is dry is a nice trick as well.

      If your scalp produces a lot of sebum you will experience a different kind of transition period than someone with a dry scalp/hair as your scalp balances itself. Just like with our complexions, if you have oily skin and use harsh facial cleansers, your face will produce even more oil. Your scalp is the same way with stripping shampoos. Keep me posted on your experience.

      Peace and Sunshine,
      Dawn Michelle

      Reply
  6. br3 says

    September 11, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    thankyou! youre the best!

    Reply
  7. Vida Urbana says

    October 6, 2011 at 10:07 am

    You’ve inspired me to be more eco-friendly and to save my money! 🙂

    I really want to try this herbal hair cleansing recipe, but do you know a way to make it more moisturizing? I have extremely dense hair with strand size ranging from medium/caorse.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      October 6, 2011 at 6:26 pm

      Hi Vida,

      Try adding marshmallow root extract to this recipe. If you cook it for at least 10 minutes you will get a thick slippery mucilage from the herb. The other way to extract the mucilage is to steep in in boiling water. Here’s the recipe. It adds moisture and gives slip to the hair rinse. You could also add more honey or even vegetable glycerin. Feel free to tweak the recipe to fit your hair’s needs. You will most likely want to finger detangle your hair prior to using the DIY Green Tea Cleansing Hair Rinse to make the process easier as there is not suds with this product.

      Best Wishes,
      Dawn Michelle

      Reply
  8. mangomadness says

    October 27, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    @Vida: you can also add some vegetable glycerin to the mix. I did a green tea/ACV/honey/veggie glycerin rinse one and my hair felt super soft afterwards. Veggie glycerin is the key to soft hair and skin for me.

    Reply
  9. Christa says

    January 17, 2012 at 3:52 pm

    Hey just curious… how often do you use this method for your hair? is it an everyday thing or just once in awhile? i’m planning on trying it out to see how it works for me. thanks for the recipe! 🙂

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      January 17, 2012 at 6:55 pm

      Hi Christa,

      I don’t use this cleansing hair rinse every week since falling back in love with rhassoul clay as shampoo. It is still a wonderful recipe especially with marshmallow root extract added. What is also great about this recipe is that the ingredients are so easy to find.

      I am always trying new things as I keep getting new ideas for recipes. Everyone is distinctly different and I like creating as many different natural DIY products as possible so that something will catch your eye to try out and fall in love with. Let me know how this works for you.

      Best Wishes,
      Dawn Michelle

      Reply
  10. RTaylor says

    March 10, 2012 at 6:22 pm

    Does anyone know if the honey hair lighter and/or henna works with locks? I also have a bit of thinning in a couple spots. Any suggestions? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      March 12, 2012 at 3:52 pm

      Hi RTaylor,

      Both the honey and henna should work well with locks. I would cleanse hair prior to the first time using either and rinse thoroughly. Also use a diluted mix for easy application and rinsing.

      For hair thinning green tea, aloe vera, and castor oil are wonderful for increasing hair growth. Depending on the length of your locks, the weight of them will pull on the roots. You may want to have a loctician check the base of the locks that are thinning to make sure they are strong enough. I hope that is helpful.

      Peace,
      Dawn Michelle

      Reply
  11. mangomadness says

    April 21, 2012 at 5:04 pm

    Nice recipe! I used to do green tea/ACV/honey rinses all the time. THey soothed my scalp and made my hair soft. I’ll have to revisit it.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      April 22, 2012 at 6:24 pm

      Thanks mangomadness! This is definitely one of my favorites. It is so easy to make and my scalp loves it!

      Reply
  12. Anonymous says

    July 19, 2012 at 1:52 am

    I’ve enjoyed perusing your website. I admire your commitment to make your own products. I am getting into that too, as well as following Curly Girl.

    I am interested in strengthening my over-processed hair but it is blond so I can’t use Henna. From what I’ve read about Cassia, it’s strengthening effects are only temporary (versus the permanent effects of Henna). Is that true?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      July 20, 2012 at 9:41 am

      Hi Anonymous,

      I haven’t had any personal experience with cassia as I’ve only used henna regularly over the years. Here is some really comprehensive information about cassia. You may want to look into tryingLight Mountain Natural Hair Color which uses organic henna and cassia for their hair color/treatments. You can also find cassia/neutral henna here.

      At one point I was using henna weekly versus my current monthly treatments. I’m sure that you could also do the same for cassia prior to condition washing your hair. I’ve also read that the effects of cassia are not as long term as henna, yet I doubt they are as short term as a regular deep conditioning treatment. Cassia would truly help with over processed hair. Like recommended in the first article linked above, do a cassia test on hair strands that have shed. That way you can see if you love the results or not.

      Best Wishes!

      Reply
  13. meracle says

    August 10, 2012 at 11:41 pm

    hi dawn. does this cleansing rinse help remove oils like coconut oil, almond oil, etc and butters like cocoa butter and shea butter? have you made any rinse out conditioners? I haven’t found a good conditioner for my dry curly hair… Thanks.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      August 11, 2012 at 11:16 am

      Hi Meracle, This rinse does pretty well at removing oils and butters as long as the product does not contain beeswax. Also check the list of conditioners that I’ve tried and liked. Hope that helps and enjoy your weekend!

      Reply
  14. yuke says

    October 19, 2012 at 4:05 pm

    Hi can diluted lime juice be used to wash hair? Will clean sebum, dirt, flaxseed gel, and oils from the hair? ACV dries out my hair even in very dilute quantities, so I’m looking for an alternative. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      October 20, 2012 at 6:44 pm

      Hi Yuke,

      Lime juice is very acidic, yet diluted with water the ph would raise. I’m not able to do a pH test for you but a suggestion may be to try washing you hair with clay instead. I really like using rhassoul clay and have recently been playing with yucca root as a cleanser. I tried to go back to only using herbs and clay alone with oils and butters for my hair routine and my hair was a dry greasy mess. My hair responds very well to “natural” conditioners ingredients.

      If you are want to only use simple ingredients you can do a deep conditioning treatment with coconut milk or even a blended banana with honey. I’ve been meaning to try using a banana to deep condition but they always end up in my smoothies. Avocados also work really well as a pre wash conditioning treatment. I’m not a licensed stylist but these are some ideas that may work well for you. Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

      Best wishes,
      Dawn Michelle

      Reply
  15. hanna says

    October 25, 2012 at 1:25 am

    Is it drying to use weekly? can aloe juice be used with ACV to wash hair?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      October 25, 2012 at 11:04 am

      Hi Hanna,
      This DIY hair wash wasn’t drying to use weekly for my hair yet it is important to pay attention to how your hair responds as we are all different. I am currently loving yucca root as a natural hair cleanser. It is very gentle and softens the hair. With aloe vera and apple cider vinegar together, they are both acidic. With this combination you would need to dilute both a lot with water and use pH strips to ensure a balance where the mix was at least a pH of 4 to be healthy for hair. I wouldn’t suggest this combo otherwise. Have a beautiful day!

      Reply
  16. luna says

    October 28, 2012 at 4:46 pm

    Hi
    I have used acv with honey and tea and it leaves a little weird residue. Can I use acv with herbs such as lavender rosemary or nettles as a hair wash?
    btw great site!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      October 29, 2012 at 4:59 pm

      Hi Luna,
      You can infuse herbs into apple cider vinegar. I wrote about doing that here. Also check out using yucca root as a hair wash. It gently cleanses hair and I noticed that it softens my hair as well. Sometimes it takes so time to find exactly what works for you, yet DIY is a lot of fun. Use your intuition on what may work best and go with that. Glad you like the site too!
      Best,
      Dawn Michelle

      Reply
  17. lila says

    November 9, 2012 at 3:08 pm

    I want to try washing my hair with vinegar only and I found this article http://hyphenbird.hubpages.com/hub/Ditch-the-Shampoo-Frugal-and-Chemical-Free-Hair-Care
    It says it helps with curls and cleanses well, but is 2 cup of vinegar with 2 cups of water too highly concentrated?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      November 10, 2012 at 6:41 pm

      Hi Lila,
      With most vinegar rinses it is a lot less concentrated yet it does depend on your hair if it would be too strong of a solution. I’m currently really enjoying yucca root as a hair cleanser. Have a beautiful day!

      Reply
  18. maya says

    November 12, 2012 at 11:56 pm

    hi dawn,
    I tried the rinse and my hair feels sticky and I still have gunk on my scalp. is that normal? Is this a transitional phase?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      November 13, 2012 at 12:20 pm

      Hi Maya,
      I created this recipe over a year ago and haven’t tried it for sometime. It all depends upon what products you use in your hair as well as the transitioning period from not using traditional shampoos. I added honey to the recipe for a humectant yet feel free to try this without it. I’m currently enjoying yucca root as a hair cleanser. I’ve also had great success with clays. Let me know if you have any other questions.
      Best wishes!

      Reply
  19. Alana Sayler says

    January 16, 2013 at 8:48 pm

    Hi Dawn Michelle!

    i have been following your blog for sometime and I want to give you a big KUDOS. I love all of your information and recipes, in fact, I am finding your blog as my “go to” especially since i have started a no-poo regime. i believe i am still in transition but with my weekly henna treatments,I feel my hair is getting better.

    At this moment, I am sitting here with my hair marinating in your Green Tea rinse with marshmallow root added. I can keep you posted with my results.

    You are such an inspiration! I am patiently waiting for your store on Etsy and want to try to convince you to share and/or market your recipe for your homemade conditioner.

    Sincerely a devoted fan,

    Alana

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      January 17, 2013 at 7:43 pm

      Thank you so much Alana! I am really working hard on my product line. There are so many factors that go into it. I’m also trying to find eco packaging. I so appreciate your enthusiasm! Let me know how your hair comes out. Also yucca root is definitely one of my favorite no ‘poo hair cleansers. Have a beautiful day!

      Reply
  20. Alana Sayler says

    January 22, 2013 at 9:37 pm

    Hi Dawn!

    I can only imagine what it would take to get a product line up and running so you will get positive energy from me on that.

    I tried the rinse and i am still trying to figure out what is going to work. i like the marshmallow root added for the slip and conditioning but I think it was too much as it made my hair oily. I have naturally oily hair anyways so I might have to cut back.

    I just made another list for mountain rose and yucca is definitely o. n it as well as some rhassoul clay to speed up my detox. I just did week 2 of the henna challenge and I don’t think I will ever stop. I love Henna!

    Thank you so much again! Have a wonderful day.

    Alana

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      January 23, 2013 at 9:36 pm

      Hi Alana, There is always a transition period when you stop using shampoos especially if you have naturally oily hair. If you haven’t checked out the No ‘Poo Journal online that may help as well with this transition. I experienced a minor transition at the beginning of the year when I stopped using conditioner ingredients such as cetyl alcohol. That’s a blog in itself. Well thanks so much with the good energy around the product line! I wish you the best with everything that you are doing as well!

      Reply
  21. tabitha says

    December 30, 2013 at 10:17 pm

    I love this hair rinse. Its helped my thick wavy hair a lot. But its turning my blond hair a weird greenish hue. Any ideas?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      December 30, 2013 at 11:38 pm

      Hi Tabitha,
      I had no idea that green tea could do that! You could swap out the green tea for chamomile tea. Let me know how that works for you.
      Best wishes and happy new year!

      Reply
  22. tabitha says

    January 7, 2014 at 7:27 pm

    Hi dawn! I switched the green tea out for chamomile and my hair is slowly losing the green tint. I think it took the tint on because it was bleached very light by the sun this summer on top. Thanks again! I love your site!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      January 9, 2014 at 6:28 pm

      I’m so glad the chamomile tea worked out for you Tabitha! That’s great news!

      Reply
  23. Allyssa says

    January 16, 2014 at 6:08 am

    Hi

    The green tea cleanser sounds awesome since im hopping on the “no poo” bandwagon! It seems like a better alternative to rosemary tea. I question the alkalinity of rosemary because i noticed looser curls and straight pieces in my hair and stopped using it.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      January 16, 2014 at 8:57 pm

      Hi Allyssa,
      I hope that you enjoy this cleansing hair rinse. Let me know how it works for you and it’s also great that you are paying close attention to how different ingredients work on your hair. I have learned so much about my hair through the process of truly natural hair care.
      Have a beautiful day <3

      Reply
  24. Angie1988 says

    August 27, 2014 at 9:32 am

    I actually started doing this last week, and flakes are gone, I quit losing my hair, and so far I’m having fantastic results. Honey, tea, and ACV works very well for cleaning hair. Since there is no slip no need to wash every day. 🙂

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      August 27, 2014 at 8:31 pm

      Hi Angie1988,
      Thanks is much for sharing this! I’m thrilled this is working well for you!

      Reply
  25. Ellie says

    November 17, 2014 at 6:47 pm

    Green tea and aloe vera mixed together gives my 4b hair tremendous slip. I spray my hair with it daily

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      November 18, 2014 at 11:02 am

      Hi Ellie,
      Both green tea and aloe vera are so wonderful for helping to promote healthy hair growth too! Thanks for sharing this! I’m glad you’ve found a simple and affective combination for your hair. <3

      Reply
  26. laurice says

    January 4, 2015 at 6:01 pm

    hello, thanks for sharing these great thoughts, but can I leave this beautiful vinegar tea rinse on or do I have to rinse all out.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      January 4, 2015 at 6:27 pm

      Hi Laurice,
      I’ve always rinsed my hair after using any vinegar rinses or rinses with vinegar but if this works for you go with it. I prefer to rinse because the apple cider vinegar and white vinegar has a potent scent to me. I do leave other hair rinses in my hair as a leave-in though. <3

      Reply
  27. Shawna says

    January 9, 2015 at 10:43 am

    You mentioned getting camellia seed oil from FromNatureWithLove I noticed that they have “flavor” oils that are approved for use in lip things….. i.e. safe for small amounts getting ingested…. What are your thoughts on using small amounts in a homemade hair concoctions? I don’t really like the smell of ACV or Aloe Vera, I know I can do some essential oils, but unfortunately they don’t yet make a mango or watermelon essential oil Lol. FNWL doesn’t list ingredients in their flavored oils but since it’s approved for lip use?? I am just starting research for this whole new world and wanted advice from someone who knew what they were actually doing. 🙂

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      January 9, 2015 at 11:21 am

      Hi Shawna,
      Not all of the products from FNWL are 100% natural or chemical-free, so you will have to read everything closely. I honestly prefer to get things from Mountain Rose Herbs instead yet they don’t carry camellia seed oil so I offered this option. In my opinion flavored ingredients are questionable, but do what you feel is best for you. Fragrance is a toxic ingredient with a list of unknown chemicals that they do not disclose. It is one of the highest ratings on the Cosmetic Database for toxicity. It does take time to become accustomed to essential oils/absolutes and they do cost more than synthetic fragrance, yet they are so much better for your health. You can see a few ideas on DIY natural fragrances/perfumes here. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  28. Shawna says

    January 9, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    Thanks! I called and they said their scents come from synthetic so it’s a no go…..but I’ve been looking into coco powder. Add some orange essentials oil and you could have a pretty yummy smelling stuff! Also coffee has a PH of 5.0 and promotes hair growth and smells pretty good too…. Maybe some infused coffee oil? Thanks again for your amazing tips!!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      January 10, 2015 at 3:18 pm

      You are so welcome Shawna!

      Reply
  29. Selina says

    August 29, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    I have the opposite type of hair to you but I use these ingredients too. I brew green tea, steep fresh mint and splash in apple cider vinegar for a hair rinse to pour into my shampoo bottle to make my hair last longer between washes as well as soothing my scalp

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      August 29, 2015 at 7:30 pm

      Hi Selina,
      I’m thrilled this has been helpful to you! Apple cider vinegar rinses are so good for keeping the scalp healthy. Green tea is a gem too.

      Reply
  30. JohnGardner says

    October 19, 2015 at 12:02 am

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      October 20, 2015 at 1:38 pm

      Hi John Gardner,
      I’m glad this has been helpful to you. Have a wonderful day and best wishes!

      Reply
  31. Danica says

    August 25, 2016 at 1:28 pm

    A few years ago I was making a detangling hair gel that I thought was one of your recipes. I can’t find it in your site any longer. From what I recall it was 1/2 cup aloe gel, 1/2 distilled water, guar gum, glycerine, lemongrass oil, rosemary oil. Do you still have that post somewhere or something similar?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      August 26, 2016 at 2:05 pm

      Hi Danica,
      Yes this was one of my recipes yet when I did my most recent website remodel, I actually decluttered a bunch of articles. Just know for every one cup of total liquid, add 1 tsp of guar gum. I hope this helps!

      Reply
  32. Patricia says

    March 25, 2017 at 1:56 am

    How long can this mixture of green tea, honey and acv last? What is the shelf life

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      March 26, 2017 at 12:14 am

      Hi Patricia,
      This rinse would be good for about 1-1 1/2 weeks in the refrigerator. In general I only make what I plan to use for these types of DIY products. There is also the option of freezing large portions until needed in small containers. I hope this helps!

      Reply
  33. Naya says

    February 21, 2018 at 12:23 pm

    Revisited this yesterday and fell in love with it all over again. I used a green tea from Ralphs (their Private Selection brand) that also contains hibiscus, orange peel, and powders of acai, pomegranate, and blueberry. My hair looked and felt great. I used it on my toddler this morning. Only applied some oil to our hair after.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      February 26, 2018 at 6:41 pm

      Hi Naya,
      This is so awesome! Thanks for sharing this. I’m glad that it worked for your little one too.

      Reply
  34. Prima Donna says

    July 30, 2018 at 2:01 pm

    Thank you for this article. I’m also trying to move forward to 100% natural and homemade products. What moisturizing natural conditioners do you recommend after washing my hair with 100% natural African black soap? Also what deep conditioners do you recommend after your henna coconut milk treatment? I will be trying this tea rinse as well as your henna tea rinse but i feel like those may be a bit drying and may need something moisturizing to follow up with (I am new to henna and I’m not sure how my hair would respond to it as it is very strengthening). Also, if you have any leave in conditioner recipes, I would greatly appreciate that. I have been researching like a mad woman for natural alternatives to commercial hair products and stumbling upon your blog has honestly been a miracle. You are definitely my hair goals as well as inspiration for my hair journey 🙂

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      July 31, 2018 at 10:36 pm

      Hi Prima Donna,
      I follow up any shampoo bar, African black soap, or olive oil soap with a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse. I didn’t always use soap based hair washes but I do enjoy them now. Also I created a chemical-free hair care series that will give you some ideas for natural hair care and conditioners. It is a total of four articles so I hope that it will answer some of your questions. Best wishes!

      Reply
      • Prima Donna says

        August 2, 2018 at 2:47 pm

        Thank you Dawn,
        I definitely will be taking notes from your blog to start my new natural regimen. Thank you for all of your amazing information and advice! You are very thorough and detailed and put a lot of care into this blog and I think that is so great of you.
        Do you have a YouTube channel by any chance?

        Reply
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living simply with grace, discretion and faith

I met a woman the other day who openly shared some I met a woman the other day who openly shared some of her challenges with motherhood.  Motherhood is intensely challenging, beyond humbling, and at times you just want the day to be over then realizing that you’ll be back at it the next day.  It never ends and there isn’t much reprive.  It’s been on my heart to share some encouragement to any mother who will read this.  I pray this will bless you in some way.  The link is in my profile!
🌻 #motherhood #encouragement #humility #minimalistbeauty
Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a m Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a multitude of medicinal properties along with being a prominent spice in many cultural dishes.  For starters, fenugreek seeds are packed with protein for strengthening strands, mucilage for moisturizing and soothing the scalp while detangling the hair, and most importantly nicotinic acid which may minimize hair shedding while soothing scalp issues.  Fenugreek seeds are also anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal which is beneficial for soothing a dry irritated scalp as well as high in iron. 🍂

These little seeds are a win win for natural hair care and can be used in various ways.  I’ve used fenugreek seeds in my beauty regimen on and off for years.  Today I wanted to share four easy ways you can incorporate fenugreek in your hair regimen to promote healthy hair growth.  The link is in the profile. 🍂

#diyhaircare #naturalhair #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
God is so good! We move on FRIDAY. This picture God is so good!  We move on FRIDAY.  This picture was taken before they removed the bricking which was VERY NOISY to say the least.  We haven’t been completely able to avoid the beginning of the construction process, but I honestly think it’s a good thing.  This way we can remain GRATEFUL throughout the entire process.  GRATITUDE during LIFE’S IMPERFECTION develops CONTENTMENT.  That is one thing I work on daily.  If you missed our “We’re Moving Again” testimony it’s on the blog. 🌿🍁🍃

 #testimony #sharewhatisgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the wee Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the week.  I make muffins for Saturday’s breakfast (either corn bread, pumpkin, or banana bread muffins) to have with fruit, a big crockpot dinner for the weekend (beans & rice bowls, lentils and sweet potato stews, or a big veggie and red potato stew) to serve with bread, tortillas, grains, and/or salad depending on the dish, and I’m usually putting orders together to go out for @iamazuha today too.  All the while I’m also making other food for the day. 🍂🥧🍁

Friday’s are crazy because of the usual responsibilities, but mainly because I really want to relax a bit over the weekend.  Over this past year I’ve worked really hard to create systems to make working from home and being a homemaker easier.  Homemaking really is like running a small boutique bed and breakfast hotel.  It takes planning ahead, having a solid system, financial planning, commitment, and a lot of love.  I’ve been learning to really enjoy this process.  Just like everybody else I’ve been baking more this year than ever.  Very rewarding. 🍂🥧🍁

Wishing all of you a beautiful and blessed weekend! 
💞Dawn Michelle
We’re MOVING again! With everything going on wi We’re MOVING again!  With everything going on with the world wide pandemic, I’m seeing the importance of sharing anything good that the Lord is doing in your life with others.  We need HOPE.  We need to share the JOY of walking with God.  The testimonies of glorifying God would just add encouragement that I know I need.  I LOVE hearing of God making ways out of no way, giving us more hope and FAITH. 🌿🍂🍃

I was initially praying to God for ways to endure what we were about to go through while somehow someway making it nice for my family during the process.  But God was already orchestrating a new way for us to not even have to endure it at all.  Read my testimony on Minimalist Beauty... (link in profile) 🌿🍂🍃

If God has done ANYTHING in your life no matter how small PLEASE share it in the comments below.  We all need to hear what’s good!  The news shares otherwise, but we can create a space here of good testimonies.  Please share below and I pray you are having a blessed day. 🌿🍂🍃

Much love!
#testimony #sharewhatsgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
We could all use an IMMUNE BOOST right now.  Here’s a simple juice recipe that I make for just that.  I call it SPICY APPLE JUICE and my three (almost four) year old drinks it up no problem! 🍎 

I simply juice 2 WHOLE medium/large APPLES (3 small apples pictured) + 3 CLOVES of GARLIC in a slow masticating juicer for one immune boosting serving.  Yes I do include the core as it has many health benefits. 🍎 

After having my 1st official winter back on the east coast last year, RAW GARLIC was how I made it through without getting sick at all while caring for sick family members. 🍎 

Since then I juice garlic in many of my juice recipes or mince up multiple cloves as dinner toppings for chickpea pasta, beans and rice bowls, and stews.  What I LOVE most of all is hearing my son say, “More Juice?” Proud Mama!!!! 🍎

#immuneboost #juicing #juicerecipe #simplenutrition #healthyliving #minimalistbeauty #minimalistbeautyeats
I started wearing linen clothing because it’s ex I started wearing linen clothing because it’s extremely practical.  Linen is one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics on the market.  Linen is also considered the world’s strongest natural fabric.  After tiring of purchasing new clothing every season for my heavily worn small capsule wardrobe, it just made sense to look for mid and heavy weight linen garments that could be worn year round and layered that actually lasted. 
🍃

Linen clothing can last up to 2-3 decades if properly cared for.  I’ve made some mistakes along the way, but have finally found a simple method for caring for my linen garments. (Link in profile.)
🍃
#linenlover #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I wear hair buns 95% of the time, and my hair care routine only got simpler with only two “products”. All the details plus why I really cut my hair last spring on the blog.  Much love!  #minimalistbeauty #curlyhairroutine #naturalhaircare
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