Healthy hair: Try these toxic-free shampoos made from flowers and leaves

These non-toxic shampoos made from flowers have a number of benefits that range from curbing hair loss to slowing down premature greying

Shampoo is a basic necessity and an integral part of hair care. However, most people don't give much thought to the ingredients in it and are not even aware that shampoos we use every day are full of toxic ingredients. What you may not know is that any substance you apply on your skin will enter the body and are directly absorbed into your bloodstream.
 

The only effective remedy is natural hair care. Here are five most effective natural shampoos called 'thaali' from the households of Kerala.

Hibiscus shampoo: Hibiscus is famously used for hair treatments and is often called the "flower of hair care". The flower and leaves can be used alone or together to solve various hair issues ranging from hair fall to grey hair. The benefits of shampooing your hair made of hibiscus flowers and leaves is that it cleans and conditions your hair, and even delays the growth of grey hair. You can make fresh shampoo from the plant by dipping the flower and leaves in some water and grinding it with your hands. Apply the sticky liquid to your scalp and hair and wash off.

Kurunthotti (Bala): For hair fall and dandruff, it is recommended that one use the Kurunthotti (Bala) flower. Women in Kerala use the Bala leaves as shampoo regularly. You can also use this shampoo to improve the condition of your hair. The herb can be used as a whole because its root and stem have medicinal values. Crush the herbs by adding some water and filter the extract. You can refrigerate it for a week in an airtight container.
 

Thiruthali: Shampoos made of Thiruthali leaves nourishes hair and makes it healthy, soft, and smooth. The leaf juice is effective in dandruff and hair fall treatment as well. Grind the leaves with water and make a paste. Apply it as a hair mask and after 20 minutes rinse off with water. The mask will smoothen the hair shaft and soothe your scalp. It will also delay the natural greying of hair.

Vellila Thali: If you are dreaming of dark, healthy, long hair, here is the solution. This beautiful climber with its green and white flowers is an effective remedy for dryness of scalp. It also provides a cooling effect for the head and eyes. Grind the leaves into a paste and apply it to scalp and hair. The shampoo should be used within four to five hours.

Black pepper: The stem and leaves of black pepper are effective in solving various hair problems. Shampoo made from the black pepper is very effective in treating dandruff. It conditions your hair and makes it smooth and shiny. To make the shampoo, you will have to first soften the stem immersing it in hot water or exposing it to direct heat. Grind the softened stem and squeeze it, to release the juice, which will be the shampoo. Do not keep the liquid on your scalp for more than 20 minutes. Keep your eyes shut while applying this shampoo as it has some properties of pepper and will induce a burning sensation on the scalp and eyes.