Hello.  I've finally planned to grow back my long hair!  It used to be down my back, but I didn't take care of it, so last summer, I cut it to above shoulder length.  I tried convincing myself it was cute, but I miss long hair so much--so, I'm letting it grow again!  Anyway, I'm determined to take better care of my hair this time round, but I've read that the grocery store shampoo and conditioner ingredients are bad for your hair (I use Suave, which I've learned is bad)...so, I'm a college student, I simply can't buy 7.99 organic hair shampoo, and sometimes the natural recipes have ingredients that I can't get at the local supermarket which I walk to.

Are there good recipes for someone who's on a tighter budget and hasn't got a lot of resources beyond basic kitchen ingredients?  I'd greatly appreciate any help!  Thanks!!!  :)

Oh, by the way...I have fine hair of medium thickness.  It is straight with almost no wave, and I tend to have medium oiliness.  It is also completely natural, I don't put gel or coloring or anything in it.  I don't blow dry or anything...so, that's a basic run-down of my hair!

Hello and welcome!

Have you checked out the Hair Care Recipes section?  

Many people are able to use Suave and other inexpensive shampoos and conditioners without damaging their hair.  You may find that diluting the shampoo so that it is not as harsh helps.  Also, remember to shampoo only the scalp area hair - the length and ends typically don't need to be shampoo'd - rinsing and conditioning is all it really needs.

Ok, thanks! I did look at some of the recipes, and I may try them!  I haven't had any bad experiences with the Suave products.  Although diluting it with water does sound like a good idea, I don't want to put harsh things in my hair.

I also heard about putting oil in the ends of your hair.  My hair is only about 16 inches at this point, the ends are probably about 2 months old.  When is a good time to start putting oil through the ends?  One of my banes when I had long hair was split ends...ok, thanks for the help!  :)

I'd think that you could start oiling the ends once they get about shoulder length.  Typically you oil from the ears down.  

I'm sure you will do much better with your hair this time - knowledge is soooo powerful.  ;)

Welcome Willow!  This is a the best hair page in the world! :D

My hair is curly and therefore what you would call the length is variable.  But each actual hair is almost tailbone length, so it's quite long.  I melt shea butter in the microwave and blend in essential oils (mostly for scent, so you could use a perfume you like, or skip this entirely).  I then rub it in the ends of my hair.  I have had split end problems before and find it really helps.