Are the alternatives to professional hair care worth your time?

When it comes to caring for your hair there is no shortfall in available options. With an affluence of possibilities ranging from high street brands to professional and designer hair care the major issue is where to turn. However, much like the days of mothers passing down recipes it seems some unusual methods of alternative hair treatment are doing the rounds.



New home remedies are springing up almost daily, ‘guaranteed' to; improve shine, grow longer thicker hair and fix dry and damaged hair. These methods aim to prove that hair care doesn't have to cost the earth.



In order to get the level of shine to your hair that you have always wanted why not try vinegar, or even beer. Unfortunately for the latter of these two, neither is taken orally but in a hair rinse. Apparently the acidity of the vinegar and the proteins from the malt and hops found in beer act to repair the hair without taking out some of the essential oils hair creates naturally. Other alternatives have even included Sesame and Almond Oil.



In order to repair damage to the hair, try massaging mashed banana and a small amount of almond oil into your scalp and leaving for 20-30 minutes. In the event that there is an unforeseen banana shortage avocados are also a viable substitute.



For chemical damage to the hair from colouring try scrambling some eggs (no salt or pepper is required) and work it into the roots and allow to dry in before washing out. Supposedly the proteins of the yolk are very good for the hair.



There are a multitude of these alternative methods doing the round by word of mouth and the internet, detailing the best methods for every possible hair affliction, but how many actually work. With shampoos and conditioners advertising their use of a variety of oils these methods don't seem quite so unreasonable.



However with so many methods detailing how to get the perfect hair, surely they can't all (if any) provide the perfect methods. What works for some may not work for others and it is the tried and tested success of professional products that seems to underline their value. Quality names in hair care such as Nicky Clarke Hair and Aussie Conditioner are tried and tested and remain popular at reasonable prices.



While some home methods will remain popular it remains the prerogative of the consumer whether saving a few pounds is worth raiding the kitchen, or smelling of eggy-beer? Undeniably, something about some of these remedies seems a little off.