Ever wondered how women managed their hair in a time before heat styling products, hair extensions and good hair stylists? Well they did and back then, just like now, hair care was important to majority of women. Looking at photos from days gone by, the women had good-looking hair and it makes you wonder what tricks did they have up their sleeves to keep their hair looking that good. Well, most of us still hold on to hair care secrets passed on to us from our grandmothers and we have compiled a list of some of these effective tips.

Eat For Good Hair

Tales have been told of how great everyone’s grandma is always has something to do with hearty home meal cooking and endless tales of days gone by.  A number of people also reveal that their grandmothers’ had secret ingredients that they would add to just about any meal they cooked. These ingredients were often meant to boost health, for good skin and healthier hair. A number of people have stated that their grandmothers would always use items such as basil, coconut oil, sweet potatoes, fennel and aloe to meals they prepared for their ‘natural goodness,’

True to this, most of our grandmothers learnt from observation. The health and beauty regimens they came up with were often results of long-term consumption of certain items that they observed had positive effects. For most, they would observe that after eating certain things for a prolonged period of time their skin would become more radiant and hair shinier. Naturally, most would decide to regularly incorporate these items into their meals.

Garlic

One of the hair growth ingredients a number of grandmothers have passed on to generations is garlic. Garlic was used by most as an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and its ability to unclog hair follicles. Its ability to unclog hair follicles allows the scalp to ‘breathe’ and this in turn promotes hair growth. An easy homemade garlic hair mask can help you unclog your hair follicles and benefit from this age-old secret hair growth solution. Simply mince a garlic clove and add about 1/3 cup of jojoba/olive oil. Use a cotton ball to spread it evenly on your scalp and allow it to set for at least 20 minutes.

Avocado

Avocado is yet another age old hair care secret that has been passed down generations. The fruit was a favorite dessert for many and used to prepare food condiments such as the vastly popular guacamole. However, it was soon discovered to be a highly beneficial beauty product. Soon it was used to create both face and hair masks. Avocadoes are known to have the good kind of fat and when it comes to the oils they contain they are very good for the hair. The oils penetrate better through the hair follicles, offering nourishment and protection from the sun. The avocado hair mask could be the easiest homemade hair care product to use. Simply mash up some ripe avocadoes and evenly spread it out on your scalp. Let it set for as long as desired and rinse off, repeat the process as regularly as possible for healthier hair.

Carrot Juice

Carrots have been known to have a host of benefits including improving vision, promoting skin health, cleansing the body and slowing down aging. Carrots contain beta-carotene in high levels which act as antioxidants and help in slowing down cell aging. When it comes to the hair, carrots have been known to prevent premature graying. All it takes is drinking carrot juice daily for all the great benefits that come with it.

Household Oils

Our grandmothers do know a fair deal about the benefits of different oils, not only for cooking, but also when it comes to skin and hair care. Coconut oil is one of the oldest oils that have been passed on as a hair care secret through generations. One of its greatest benefits to the hair is adding more shine to the hair. Almond oil works in the same way.

Aloe Plant gel mixed with jojoba and coconut oil creates a homemade shampoo/conditioner. This homemade mix has been known to be a good treatment for hair loss. Aloe also plays a key role when it comes to eliminating dandruff.

Jamaican Black Castor oil has also been passed down generations as a hair growth secret. Simply apply a small amount to the scalp and roots then massage it in. It is beneficial to leave the treatment in your hair overnight and securely wrap your hair using a headscarf. Alternatively, going into a dryer for 15-30 minutes will do the trick.

Olive oil is yet another household oil known for its vast health and beauty benefits. To the hair, it is known to promote strengthening. Simply massage the oil into the hair and leave it overnight or for a couple of hours. When leaving it on for a couple of hours, it is important to cover the hair using a hot towel. After shampooing to remove the olive oil from the hair, adding vinegar to the final rinse provides added benefit. Repeat as often as you wash your hair, twice weekly being the recommended amount of times to perform an olive treatment.

Eggs

Eggs contain all the natural goodness you need for your hair. Our grandmothers have used eggs as a natural conditioner for ages. Beat 3 eggs and massage the mixture into the hair. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes and rinse it off using cool water. Mixing Olive Oil into the egg mixture provides the added benefit of managing dandruff.

Beer

One of the absurd hair secrets some grandmothers have passed on is the power of beer. Yes beer does have benefits to the hair when used as a setting lotion. It makes the hair shinier and fuller. Plus takes a few swigs of beer before bed does ensure a good night’s sleep some would argue.

Indian Gooseberry

An Indian hair care secret that has been passed down generations is to boil up some coconut oil and mix it with pieces of dried Indian gooseberry. Apply the mixture onto your scalp and massage it in. Let it set for at least 30 minutes. This treatment is said to help stop hair loss.

Our grandmothers knew what they were talking about when recommending most of these well kept hair secrets. Most hair care products are formulated incoporating some of these age old hair care aids. With the rise in the ‘hair home care trend,’ it might just pay off to put into use grandma’s hair care secrets.