While green tea comes from the same plant as black – camellia sinensis, it undergoes minimal processing, leaving it with more antioxidants and nutrients. It’s these antioxidants as well as presence of caffeine that help stimulate hair follicles and encourage growth. (Few lab studies also show its benefit in treating hair loss.)

Green tea is a good source of panthenol, which is often used in shampoos and conditioners to strengthen hair. It also contains a unique amino acids called theanine. This amino acid along with panthenol work to strengthen the hair shaft and help prevent split ends. Moreover, green tea has wonderful tonic and astringent qualities that seal in moisture and add shine and luster to hair. The natural vitamin C in green tea can protect your hair and scalp from sun damage. If you have scalp issues such as psoriasis or dandruff, green tea can bring relief from it.

Preparing Your Mixture

Ingredients

1 teaspoon organic green tea (or 1 tea bag)

2 cups water

Optional add-ins

1 clove (stimulates blood supply to the scalp)

1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (conditions and adds shine)

1 teaspoon licorice root powder (moisturizing and hair softening)

1 teaspoon argan oil

Instructions

Place the green tea and other herbs (clove, fennel seeds, licorice root) in a pot or jug and pour hot water over them. Let them steep, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes. Then strain the liquid (don’t throw away the spent green tea leaves, sprinkle them around your plants and see them bloom.)

(Tip: If your hair is on dry side, add a few drops of argan oil or any of your favourite oil to this tea.)

Applying Your Mixture

Use as a final rinse. Pour the green tea water into your hair. Work it into your scalp and hair and leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes. Then rinse off with cool water to lock in the shine.

Hair Wash Uses

This tea has cleansing qualities, so you can use it as a mild shampoo after a sweaty work out or whenever your hair needs some freshening up. And it even works great in hard water.

Recommend Buying Tip

Buy organic and milder tea which has undergone minimum processing. If you can, buy loose herbal teas instead of tea bags. This is because tea bags are bleached and can contain certain chemicals which may not be good for us.