Sure, you may have picked a few colorful flowers to tuck behind your ear and liven up your ‘do. But did you know that these attractive plants can make your hair healthy and beautiful from the inside out? Check out these tips from CocoandCreme.com and learn how to make nature work for you.

Hibiscus. People in India have used this common flowering tree for centuries as a natural healing treatment. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, both the leaves and tree’s flowers are used for natural healing therapies and in cosmetic formulas. The flowers have soothing and healing properties that can help treat dandruff and hair loss and reduce scalp scaling, itching and redness. And the astringent properties of the treatment also decreases oil-gland secretions and excessive oiliness.
DIY: To make your at-home hibiscus treatment, steep the flowers and leaves in boiling water overnight. Strain the mixture and apply directly to your scalp as a final leave-in rinse.

Calendula. People may know this plant best as marigold flowers. This centuries-old hair treatment involves calendula or marigold flowers. Calendula contains high amounts of falconoids, plant-based antioxidants that protect against harmful free radicals. The flowers have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects and is recognized as a powerful, centuries-old all-over healer. What’s more, powdered calendula extracts can soothe scalp irritation.
DIY: To harness calendula’s powers, steep the flowers overnight, strain the mixture, and use as a final scalp rinse.

Tiare. This is Tahiti’s national flower, but when combined with coconut oil it becomes monoi oil. Apply monoi oil to smooth hair cuticles, add moisture and shine to the hair shaft, detangle tresses, or slather on for a mask treatment. After applying the monoi oil to hair, cover tresses with a plastic cap for about half an hour. Follow with a hair rinse and wash.
DIY: Soak 10 French Polynesian tiare flowers in one quart of virgin coconut oil for at least 10 days. Congrats! You’ve just made your own monoi oil!

Arnica. This daisy family member is also known as arnica montana. The plant is most often used to treat bruises, sprains and muscle aches. But put it to work for your hair. The flower is a scalp rejuvenator, follicle and growth stimulator, strand strengthener and can help treat hair loss and graying. In addition, arnica nourishes the scalp and helps control dandruff.
DIY: Infuse arnica in a carrier oil, such as olive or jojoba, for topical use only. (In herbal form arnica may cause problems if taken internally.) Use a concentration of 1 to 2 percent in hair preparations.

There are endless ways to enjoy nature’s bounty and make it work for you. Click here to learn more about how to use natural oils to support your hair’s health and boost its beauty.