It’s the last week of DIY Hair Care Month and I want to wrap it up with some easy tips for five common hair problems.  So without further ado… your list of five.

1. Deodorizing Hair Rinse

For those of us who grew up in the country, where skunks roam free, we know how to get smells out…tomato juice.  Even if you haven’t been sprayed by a skunk, you may feel like you need a bit more odor neutralizer power than your shampoo offers.  This quick tomato juice rinse will rid you of unwanted smells that tend to linger, like smoke from a campfire. This treatment is also safe for your pets.

Mix as much or as little as you need to cover your hair.

In a small bottle shake together, 1/2 c. tomato juice and 1 tbsp. distilled water.

To Use: Shampoo your hair as usual but before you use conditioner, pour the tomato juice rinse over your head and work it into your hair using your fingers.  Rinse and apply your favorite conditioner.

2. Oily Hair Rinse

This is a great treatment for removing excess oil and residue from your hair.

In a blender combine, 2/3 c. distilled water, 1 1/2 tsp. apple cider vinegar, 1 1/2 to 2 c. watercress.  Blend until all of the watercress has been throughly chopped and you have a green liquid, about 1 minute.  Strain the watercress bits out and pour the liquid into a bottle or bowl for use in the shower.  This rinse should be mixed right before you’re ready to shower and use it.  Sometimes I’ll pop it into the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up because the heat helps facilitate the cleansing process, just make sure it doesn’t get too hot and burn you!

To Use: Shampoo your hair as usual but before you use conditioner, pour the rinse over your head and work it into your hair using your fingers. Allow it to penetrate for 7-10 minutes, then rinse and apply your favorite conditioner.

3. Static Prevention

Static is a common problem, especially during the dry winter months.  To prevent static in your hair, use 3-5 drops (depending on the length of your hair) of jojoba oil.  Rub the oil between your hands, then apply it to your hair starting near the crown of your head and working downward.  Run your fingers through your hair  to slowly distribute the oil.  The moisturizing effects of the oil will help prevent static cling.

To remove static from your hair brush, rub the brush with a dryer sheet or rinse it in cold water.

4. Volumizing  Hair Rinse

This rinse will give you light, volumized hair and it’s so easy!

You’ll need a can or bottle of plain beer. Don’t choose anything with flavors or additives, just a cheap beer will do.

To Use: Allow the beer to go flat, then Shampoo your hair as usual but before you use conditioner, pour the rinse over your head and work it into your hair using your fingers. Allow it to penetrate for 5 minutes, then rinse and apply your favorite conditioner.

5. Softening Hair Rinse

Rosemary is one of my all-time favorite herbs for hair.  I like to make enough rinse to use a couple of times a week, since I don’t shampoo everyday.  This recipe makes about 3 treatments (depending on the length of your hair) and can easily be doubled to make a week’s worth of product.

In a pot on the stove, heat 3 1/2 c. distilled water to boiling.  Remove from the heat and add 1/2 c. dried or fresh rosemary to the hot water.  Cover the pot with a lid and allow the mixture to steep for 2 hours.  Strain the rosemary and store the rosemary infused water in your refrigerator.

To Use: Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.  Then pour about 1/2 c. of the rosemary rinse over your head and work it into your hair using your fingers. Do not rinse.

I have noticed that this can stain light colored towels, so you may want to stick with darker towels when you use this.

*   *   *

Have you ever given any of these a try?  Do you have any quick hair remedies?  Share in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!

images via: istockphoto — sweet photoshoppin’ skills that put them together…that was all me.