One of the key parts of a healthy natural hair regimen is moisture. Thus, one of the best ways to add moisture to natural hair is by using a good DIY leave-in conditioner.
This article talks about the benefits of leave-in conditioners, but because this is Hibiscus Roots, we’re going to be offering several recipes for DIY leave-in conditioners that you can make by yourself at home.
These recipes can also be made with relatively cheap ingredients that are accessible.
We’ll also talk about the benefits of DIY leave-in conditioners, how you should use them, and why you absolutely need them in your natural hair routine!
8 Easy DIY Leave-In Conditioner Recipes
Here are 8 recipes for a good DIY leave-in conditioner that’s easy to make and super moisturizing for your hair. Most of them can be stored in a fridge for up to 5 days.
M indicates a moisturizing leave-in conditioner, S indicates a strengthening leave-in and B indicates a balanced one.
1. Aloe Rose Spritz Leave-In Conditioner – M
What you will need:
- ½ cup Aloe vera juice (you can buy some on Amazon here)
- ¼ cup Rose water (shop on Amazon here)
- 1 tsp Glycerin (shop on Amazon here)
Instructions:
To make this leave-in conditioner, add all these ingredients to a spray bottle, shake and spray on hair and scalp.
2. Hibiscus Flaxseed Leave In Conditioner – B
What you will need
- 1 tbsp Hibiscus Flowers (shop on Amazon here)
- 2 tbsp Flaxseeds (shop on Amazon here)
- 1 tbsp Rosemary (shop on Amazon here)
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions
- Add 1 tbsp of flaxseeds, 1 tbsp of hibiscus leaves, and 1tbsp of rosemary to 1½ cup of boiling water until it cools down completely (about 1 hour).
- Strain the liquid out and pour the remaining liquid into a spray bottle.
- Add the peppermint and lavender oils into the spray bottle and shake before use.
3. Pure Aloe Vera Juice – M
What you will need
- ½ cup Pure Aloe Vera Juice (Buy on Amazon here)
Instructions
Pour the aloe vera juice into a spray bottle and then spray directly on your scalp and hair strands.
4. Flaxseed Water – B
What you will need
- 2 tbsp Flaxseeds (shop on Amazon here)
- 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 5 drops Lemon Essential Oil
Instructions
- Soak 1tbsp of flaxseeds in 1 cup of boiling water for 2-3 hours.
- Strain the flaxseeds out and pour the water into a spray bottle.
- Add your essential oils to the spray bottle.
5. Rosemary Aloe Spritz Leave In Conditioner – M
What you will need
- 1 tbsp Rosemary Tea/Leaves (shop on Amazon here)
- ½ cup Pure Aloe Vera Juice (buy here on Amazon)
- 1 tsp Olive Oil
- 5 drops Peppermint Oil
- 5 drops Tea Tree Oil
Instructions
- Add 1 tbsp of Rosemary tea/leaves to ½ cup of boiling water.
- Let the tea brew until it cools down.
- Strain the rosemary out and steep it into a spray bottle.
- Add ½ cup of pure aloe vera juice into the spray bottle.
- Add the olive oil, essential oils, and shake the bottle.
6. Marshmallow Root Leave In – M
What you will need
- 2 tbsp Marshmallow Root (shop on Amazon here)
- 1 tsp Avocado Oil
- 5 drops Peppermint Oil
Instructions
- Add the 2 tablespoons of marshmallow root to 1 cup of boiling water and stir.
- Let the mixture sit for 1 hour, then strain out the marshmallow root using a sieve.
- Add the brewed tea, as well as the oils into a spray bottle.
- Pour all the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake.
7. Cassia Avocado Leave In – S
What you will need
- 2 tbsp Henna or Cassia Powder (buy on Amazon here)
- 1 tsp Avocado Oil
- 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Instructions
- Add the 2 tablespoons of cassia or henna powder to 1 cup of boiling water.
- Stir the cassia and let it brew for 2-3 hours.
- Sieve the tea mixture into a spray bottle and add the oils.
- Shake and spray to hair and scalp
8. Fenugreek and Flaxseed Leave In Conditioner – S
What you will need
- 2 tbsp Fenugreek Seeds (buy on Amazon here)
- 2 tbsp Flaxseeds (shop on Amazon here)
- 1 tbsp Castor Oil (buy on Amazon here)
- 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 5 drops Lemon Essential Oil
Instructions
- Add the 2 tablespoons of flaxseed and fenugreek seeds to 1 cup of boiling water.
- Stir the seeds in the water and let the mixture sit for about 6 hours.
- Sieve the tea mixture into a spray bottle and add the oils.
Benefits of a Good DIY Leave In Conditioner
- DIY Leave in conditioners can be completely customised depending on your hair’s needs. Use moisturising ingredients for extra moisture and strengthening ingredients for extra strength.
- They can help seal the cuticle of the hair strand and keep the hair moisturised for longer.
- Some ayurvedic herbs in DIY leave in conditioners can help strengthen the hair strands.
- The consistent use of DIY leave in conditioners help keep the hair balanced in terms of moisture and strength.
- Using DIY leave-ins ensure that only the best all-natural, organic ingredients are used in your hair.
- The ingredients for DIY leave-in conditioners are relatively cheap.
When Should I Use a DIY Leave In Conditioner?
The best time to use a leave-in conditioner is to apply it right after shampooing and conditioning your hair. It has an even better effect if you apply it while you’re still in the shower, to soaking wet hair.
You can also use a DIY leave-in to remoisturize your hair once you feel it getting dry between wash days.
Another great way to use these DIY leave-in conditioners is as a refresher for your braids and protective styles. Spray your hair and scalp with these DIY leave-ins, massaging and pressing the product into your braids. After this, apply an oil like olive oil or avocado oil to your hair to seal the moisture in.
We have an entire article on how to care for your protective styles here.
