Black Tea Rinse, I ♥ you

brand of tea that I used

Tuesday night I did my first tea rinse with Earl Gray Black Tea and I'm upset that I didn't try this before! I was honestly skeptical but my suspicions were happily unfounded! I had purchased the tea over the weekend but wasn't sure if I was going to go ahead with the black tea as it darkens hair with use - I love my brown, no darkening for me.

So instead, I wanted to try rosemary (rosemary is good for hair as well but does not darken you hair over time) but just my luck, I couldn't find any at the market, so I grabbed a box of black tea and went on my way.

I boiled maybe 4-5 cups of water to a roaring bowl, added 2 tea bags, and turned the burner down to low for about 10 minutes. I pour the tea into a hard larger pitcher and let the tea steep for about 15 minutes to cool down. My plan to let it cool down and steep the tea even longer, but I grew impatient and wanted to wash my hair and get it over with so threw in ice cubes :)

I washed my hair, did my black tea rinse right after and my hair felt so reinforced - best fitting word I can think of at the moment. I've never experienced my hair in that state before, it didn't even feel like my hair. My hair NEVER felt so strong, without making me worried that it's going to brittle once it's dry. I applied a moisture treatment, rinsed, hair felt great, and then applied my deep conditioner for 30 mins and rinsed out. When I stepped out the tub to check the hair catcher, there was noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hair. None. None. None. I will proudly admit, I did a happy dance after I checked the hair catcher. I was so shocked. I didn't expected the rinse to work so well. I roller set my hair and could count the shed hairs when I was through. Tea rinses are definitely a staple in my regimen.

Here's a bit of information I found on different teas:

Because the scalp supplies that hair with the protein and nutrients through a network of blood vessels, the most effective hair rinses act directly on the scalp than on the hair shafts themselves. One of the two types of rinses are chemical and natural. Natural rinses are more preferred because they act as stimulates, and help the circulation in the scalp rather than just coating the hair with a protective chemical film active.

Chamomile: This will bring our natural highlights in hair. You can also add natural lemon juice to heighten lightening effects in the sunlight.

Rosemary: This will bring out the warmth, richness and depth of dark colored hair. Rosemary is also been known to stimulate the scalp, prevent hair loss and help to regrow hair.

Nettle: This will help prevent and treat dandruff and stimulate circulation in the scalp. Excellent for use during winter.

Sage: Sage helps reduce the buildup of oil on the scalp and promotes healthier hair. Use this rinse after shampooing for three weeks.

 If you're dealing with shedding, try doing a tea rinse, but make sure you deep condition afterwards!