We've discussed the amazing benefits of sweet potatoes for our bodies and hair. Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E while containing iron, zinc, copper, calcium, potassium, niacin and magnesium. This beauty food is a go-to for hair loss but as sweet as it is, it has some competition for being an asset to our tresses especially for hair loss and restoring graying hair.
See also: Getting rid of your gray with a pill?
So what can be just as beneficial, if not better for our hair than sweet potatoes? Regular potatoes! We simply call them white potatoes (because of the flesh), but that simple little potato that usually goes great with a juicy steak can also be beneficial to your hair.
White potatoes are loaded (pun intended) with phosphorus, iron, calcium, fibers, potassium, proteins and Vitamins A, B and C, resulting in stronger hair growth and lessened shedding or thinning. And as if that's not enough, the peels are great for staving off gray hair! Who knew such a simple vegetable could be so beneficial? While it may seem a bit unconventional to use potato as a hair treatment, you may want to read up on the benefits you'll reap from doing so.
Potato Rinse Benefits
Not only do potatoes taste good and remove dark circles from under your eyes, but they also have been known to promote hair growth and darken your gray hairs. Although it is not a permanent treatment, potato skins can add some much needed luster to your hair while also masking those grays. The starches in the vegetable act as a natural colorant, and have been used as a dye alternative for fabrics for centuries. With that being said, it has also shown to be very effective in darkening gray hair when used consistently.
Here's what you need to get started
Potato skins from about 6 potatoes (the more skins you use the stronger the solution will be)
A pot of boiling water (1 qt should be fine but you can adjust this according to your hair length and thickness)
Essential oil (optional)
Mesh strainer/ cheese cloth
Clean bowl
Add peels to the pot and allow them to boil for at least 25 minutes. Turn off the pot and let it steep for an additional 15 minutes. Using your strainer/cloth, strain the liquid into your clean bowl and discard the peels. Add a couple of drops of your favorite oil if you'd like, and let the rinse cool down to room temperature before using.
How to use
1. Shampoo, condition and detangle your hair as usual.
2. Part your hair into as many sections you need (4-6 depending on your thickness and length)
3. Pour enough rinse over the section so that it is completely coated. Be sure to work the rinse into your scalp as well for some good scalp stimulation.
4. Rinse out with cold water, or you can leave it in your hair and blot the hair dry with an old t-shirt or towel.
5. Style as usual
Depending on how many grays you have and how dark you want them to be, you'll have to repeat the rinse process a few times for good coverage.
Have you given this a try Naturals or would you?
Sabrina
www.seriouslynatural.org