Many naturals are now on a quest to seek out and find more natural and holistic approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. People are going back to the basics, dusting off the old book of secret tricks that Grandma used to apply during their childhood days. The kitchen is fast becoming the new beauty supply store shelf and many trusted and tried natural ingredients are now being incorporated in the hair regimen. One such ingredient that has proven to yield amazing benefits is honey. Honey has many medicinal benefits and it equally boasts beauty benefits also.

Honey is a natural humectant, which is a substance that is used to keep things moist. Humectants such as honey, work by attracting and retaining moisture in the air by absorption. This immediately explains why naturals would fall instantly in love with it and hold it near and dear to their natural hair, incorporating it as much as possible in their hair care routine.

If you are natural, then chances are moisture always escapes and eludes your hair. Lack of moisture is just about the most common issue faced by naturals and there is a constant battle to overcome dryness. With this challenge, it is no wonder naturals are exploring different ways to use this substance.

There are different ways and different processes in which this amazing substance can be used on the hair. Below are a few uses honey for your hair:

Pre-Poo

A Pre-Poo is a pre shampoo treatment that is designed to introduce moisture to the hair. This is necessary for combating the potentially stripping effect of using shampoo. Pre-poo helps to maintain moisture, making it easier to detangle. Honey, being an excellent agent of moisture retention, is effective for its use in a pre-poo treatment. Combine equal parts Honey and Extra-Virgin Olive Oil and apply to the entire length of your hair. Cover with a steam cap and allow it to sit for 30 minutes to ensure maximum penetration. You will notice a significant difference in the way your hair feels at the end of your hair washing process.   

Scalp Treatment

Honey is also known for its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. This makes it an excellent product to use if you are experiencing any kind of scalp condition that induces flakes, dandruff or itchy scalp. Dilute 4 Tablespoons of

honey with 1 Tablespoon of water and apply to the affected areas. Allow it to sit on your hair for three hours then rinse and follow with your regular wash day routine. This treatment may be done up to two to three times a weekly.

Deep Conditioner   

Sometimes our over the counter conditioner doesn’t offer everything that we are looking for and we are left with no other choice but to tweak it a bit. The main thing that we look for in a conditioner is moisture. We want out conditioners to make our hair feel soft and manageable but unfortunately we don’t always get that result. Adding some honey to a below par conditioner can serve as a means of boosting its moisturizing power. Adding 2 Tablespoons of honey and 1 Tablespoon of your favorite oil to a basic conditioner will yield great benefits. The combination will add moisture and sheen that will give your hair a noticeably radiant luster.

Hair Lightener

Honey is a natural peroxide and, used with the right combination of substances, can result in beautifully colored hair.  Hydrogen Peroxide is formed in a slow-release manner by the enzyme glucose oxidase present in honey. It becomes active only when honey is diluted. It is said to be more effective when diluted with Distilled Water. Other natural ingredients such as cinnamon and cardamom are known to add more intensity to the color. Combine 4 Tbsp honey with 1 Tbsp each of cinnamon, cardamom, olive oil and coconut oil and one cup Distilled water. Apply to your hair and allow it to penetrate for 3 hours. The amount of lightening achieved will depend on how well your hair absorbs the honey or how porous it is.

Hair Rinse

A rinse made with honey and water will help keep the hair looking shiny and healthy. Combine 1 Tsp of honey with 4 cups of warm water. Pour the mixture on the hair as a rinse after the hair has been washed. Allow it to remain for 2-3 minutes then rinse thoroughly with plain water.

This effective moisturizing ingredient should be a staple in the cupboard of every natural. It is advisable to use only the raw unprocessed honey as those will provide more benefits for the hair. Sweetening your locks with this natural treasure will give you more shiny, healthy and luscious-looking hair.   

Candie's Natural Hairnamix was birthed a few months after Jamaican native Rossette "Candie" Allen began her natural hair journey in May 2010. She gears this column toward naturals, transitioning naturals, aspiring naturals and the naturally curious, sharing experiences, expertise and experiments while celebrating emancipation from chemical slavery.