5 Everyday Things That Clean Your Hair

Think you need to rely on expensive shampoos and conditioners to get your hair looking clean? Think again. Whether you’re in a pinch or looking to try something new, these everyday hair care products are sure to give you a surprise. Who knew peanut butter could actually remove gum from you hair?

1. Fabric Softener

Liquid fabric softener diluted in water and applied after shampooing can untangle and condition fine, flyaway hair, as well as curly, coarse hair. Experiment with the amount of conditioner to match it to the texture of your hair, using a weaker solution for fine hair and a stronger solution for coarse, curly hair. Comb through your hair and rinse.

2. Oatmeal

Do you sometimes need to skip washing your hair in order to get to work on time? Keep a batch of dry shampoo on hand in an airtight container specifically for those occasions when your alarm clock “malfunctions.” Put 1 cup oatmeal in the blender and grind it into a fine powder. Add 1 cup baking soda, and mix well. Rub a bit of the mixture into your hair. Give it a minute or two to soak up the oils, then brush or shake it out of your hair (preferably over a towel or bag to avoid getting it all over). This dry shampoo mixture is also ideal for cleaning the hair of bedridden people who are unable to get into a shower or bathtub. Plus, it’s equally effective for deodorizing that big ol’ bath-hating mutt of yours.

3. Olive Oil

Is your hair as dry and brittle as sagebrush in the desert? Put the moisture back into it by heating 1/2 cup olive oil (don’t boil it), and then liberally applying it to your hair. Cover your hair with a plastic grocery bag, then wrap it in a towel. Let it set for 45 minutes, then shampoo and thoroughly rinse.

4. Peanut Butter

There it is. The piece of chewing gum you gave to your child not ten minutes ago is now a wadded mess in his hair. Apply some peanut butter and rub the gum until it comes out. Your child’s hair may smell like peanut butter until you shampoo it, but it’s better than cutting the gum out.

5. Salt

The abrasiveness of ordinary table salt works great for scrubbing out dandruff before you shampoo. Grab a saltshaker and shake some salt onto your dry scalp. Then work it through your hair, giving your scalp a massage. You’ll find you’ve worked out the dry, flaky skin and are ready for a shampoo.

Want more handy uses for your everyday objects?

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