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The earth is conspiring to help your hair—seriously. Relying on a curated list of natural ingredients is among the best healthy hair tips anyone can practice.
“Beautifying herbs often offer benefits that go far beyond the external upsides,” says Adriana Ayales, clinical herbalist and founder of modern apothecary Anima Mundi Herbals. Ayales cites protective antioxidants as an example. The from-within beneficial effects are in contrast to chemically derived ingredients, which Ayales notes can do more harm than good. That includes synthetic fragrances and binders that can deplete the hair follicle and damage the scalp over time.
Natural remedies have been used for hair health for centuries, although the contemporary beauty scene is catching on, with many trading human-made products for simpler solutions to hair woes.
7 All-Natural Healthy Hair Tips
These simple ingredients and trending approaches can improve your hair health.
1. Rosemary
Rosemary oil has recently gained traction on TikTok as a remedy for hair growth—and the claims are at least partly proven. Ayales explains that rosemary oil can enhance scalp circulation, which explains the many claims of growth. This is less a magic trick and more of a result of the herb’s concentration of antioxidants along with its antibacterial and antifungal properties, each of which boosts scalp health and promotes unclogged follicles and hair growth.
Ayales suggests you “harness the power of rosemary essential oil by infusing it into shampoos or massaging it onto the scalp.” Opt for pure rosemary oil or a product containing it, such as Kitsch’s Rosemary Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil With Biotin.
2. Scalp Massage
Improving hair health can be as simple as incorporating regular scalp massage into your routine. Using your fingers or a tool like Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager to gently massage the scalp in circular motions helps loosen any buildup on the scalp while boosting circulation and improving skin health, resulting in thicker, shinier hair.
3. Coconut Oil
“Coconut oil is packed with fatty acids that deeply hydrate and strengthen your hair,” says Ayales. “It’s great for locking in moisture, reducing split ends, and adding shine.” Ayales adds that coconut oil can protect against damage and lend to scalp health, reducing dandruff and irritation.
Go straight to the source with a jar of oil, such as Thrive Market’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. Apply a small amount the ends of your hair for extra hydration or use as a weekly scalp mask. “Apply a little with a dropper, massage it into your scalp, wrap your hair in a scarf, and leave it overnight,” says Ayales. “Rinse in the morning for soft, shiny hair.”
4. Rice Water
Another ancient remedy turned viral trend, rice water has been used for centuries to strengthen hair and improve scalp health. The minerals, vitamins (E, B), and amino acids found in rice water make the simple DIY remedy one worth folding into your existing routine.
The method is simple: simply soak some rice and save the water for use as a rinse. If that sounds a little too grassroots for your taste, reach for Shu Uemura’s Izumi Tonic Strengthening Rice Water Treatment.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
“Apple cider vinegar is a powerhouse for hair health,” says Ayales. “It helps balance the scalp’s pH, removes excess product buildup, and clarifies the hair, giving it a clean, fresh start.” Ayales adds that ACV is rich in vitamins and minerals—including potassium, magnesium, and calcium—which strengthen the hair, prevent breakage, and enhance shine. “Additionally, it has natural antimicrobial properties, which can help soothe an itchy scalp and prevent dandruff,” Ayales says.
ACV is best used as a rinse applied once or twice weekly. “After shampooing, dilute 1-2 tablespoons of ACV with a cup of water and pour it over your scalp and hair, gently massaging it in,” says Ayales. Allow the vinegar to sit for a few minutes before rinsing for a mane and scalp free of buildup from excess shampoo, conditioner, and product. “It also helps close the hair cuticle, leaving hair smooth and less prone to tangles,” says Ayales.
6. Nettle
“Nettle, a common ‘weed’ found all over the world, contains high amounts of calcium, silica, and sulfur, which enables it to help boost collagen receptors,” says Ayales. The plant has been used for centuries to prevent hair loss, promote healthy, shiny strands, and nourish the scalp. You should probably eat some, too. “Nettle alone is like a multivitamin to the entire body as it’s rich in vitamins A, B1, B5, C, D, and E.” says Ayales.
As with ACV, a nettle rinse is your best bet. Steep dried or fresh nettle in boiling water for five to ten minutes and let cool before applying to scalp and hair. Once you’ve rinsed, cleans as usual.
7. Skip a Wash (But Not Too Many)
Feeling lazy? Defer your daily cleanse. Staving off a shampoo for a day or two allows the natural oils secreted by your scalp to coat, protect, and nourish your strands. That said, keeping clean has its merits: removing unnecessary buildup from the scalp frees up follicles, which can prevent breakage and lead to stronger hair overall.
