As a preteen, I used to love going into Bath & Body Works at the local mall during the holiday season to douse myself in a cloud of “vanilla bean noel” body spray after slathering my skin with “frosted coconut snowball” body lotion. These days, I’d get an instant headache just from walking by the store, but my love of festive, seasonal body care products hasn’t changed.
What has changed drastically, however, is the types of body care products I use. With the exception of EWG verified mascara and eyeliner, which I wear only occasionally, I make all of the products I use on my skin and hair. This saves a lot of money and allows me to control exactly what’s going into the things I’m putting onto my body.
But, being crunchy doesn’t have to make you a total Scrooge. It is possible to enjoy festive body care products without any artificial fragrances and other nefarious ingredients. This Spiced Pine Hair Rinse gets its scent and beneficial properties from pine needles and a blend of festive herbs, without any of the toxic additives found in conventional shampoos.
Apple cider vinegar cleanses the hair and scalp, removing excess oil and residue from hair products. It also helps to balance pH, which can help reduce frizz and tangles and boost the overall health and appearance of hair.
Pine (Pinus spp.) needles are rich in antioxidants and are helpful for toning the skin. Research has shown that pine has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and thus may be helpful for a variety of scalp conditions.
Oranges are rich in antioxidants & vitamins helping to improve the overall health of hair and scalp. They also help to balance an oily scalp. Cinnamon, cloves, and star anise elevate the aroma of this hair rinse and also lend cleansing properties.
Whip up a bottle of festive hair rinse this winter for naturally clean, healthy locks.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml of apple cider vinegar infused with pine needles, orange peel, cinnamon, clove & star anise
- 200 ml of water
Directions:
To make the infused vinegar —
Fill a jar 3/4 full with pine, orange peels, and spices. Pour apple cider vinegar over the herbs and let steep for about 4 weeks. If you’re using a jar with a metal lid, use wax paper to prevent corrosion. When the vinegar has finished infusing, strain it through a cheesecloth and set aside.
To make the vinegar hair rinse —
Combine infused vinegar and water in a bottle with a pour top. Cap and shake well.
To use: Give the bottle a few good shakes. Tip your head back and shut your eyes to avoid getting the vinegar in them. Pour the vinegar along your scalp. Rub it into your scalp a bit, and then rinse with cool water.
Use as a rinse after washing with a natural soap or shampoo, or on its own. You may need to do a bit of experimenting to see what works best for your hair.
