I have seen a lot of ideas for homemade hair reconstructors and conditioners, but other than using Coconut Oil as my favorite hair moisturizer, I have never used home products to make homemade hair reconstructor…until now!
Thanks again to Pinterest, I couldn’t pass up the idea of making my own hair reconstructor.
The treatment made my natural curls more bouncy & took away frizz
Hair Reconstructor Vs. Hair Moisturizer
A hair reconstructor is different than a hair moisturizer. A moisturizer adds moisture back into the hair. It is great for dry hair. A reconstructor is like a strengthener. It helps heal damaged, weak hair.
There are several things that make hair need moisturizing treatments and reconstructing treatments. Some hair is just naturally dry and weak, but most of the damage is from:
- highlighting and coloring hair
- not getting regular trims
- outside elements like wind and sun
- heat damage from hair dryers and curling/flattening irons
- certain medications
My hair had damage from all of the above!
Damaged, bleached, weakened hair
We were at the pool a lot this summer, and although I didn’t get my hair in the water often, the heat of the sun was drying. I went way too long in between trims and added some blond highlights mid-summer.
I usually let my hair air dry, but I either have to add curl to my natural waves OR use a straightening iron to tame them. Once in a while, I will completely straighten my hair with a flat iron, which is a lot of heat on every strand.
Needless to say, I not only needed a moisture treatment but also something that would strengthen my poor, damaged hair.
On to the hair treatment:
I happened to have the ingredients on hand, as I have been making more and more of my beauty products homemade, but if you don’t, you can find all these ingredients at your local health food store.
Shiny, Bouncy, No Frizz Hair
It has been several days since I have done this and I am very happy with how it turned out. I immediately felt my hair was stronger and less brittle. I noticed a softness and shine that I didn’t have before using this hair reconstructor.
My curls were more bouncy and I had almost no frizz. I also noticed that when I wore it straight the next day that it was easier to straighten and the shine was incredible. I will be doing this again…regularly!
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Glycerin
- 1 Egg
- 2 tbsp Castor Oil
- Shampoo
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Mix the apple cider vinegar and the glycerin.
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Beat the egg well, you don’t want clumps stuck in your hair, and mix into the mixture.
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Mix in castor oil.
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Apply the mask throughout your hair, maybe even taking a comb and combing it though. You want the mask to reach every strand! (I used my hands to apply it, and there was NO WAY I was getting a comb through my naturally curly hair!)
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Pin your hair up, and put a shower cap on. Wrapping it in a towel will also help, but sometimes the towel awkwardly slips around, so if you need to skip it that’s ok.
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Leave the mask in for at least 20 minutes. I left mine in for almost an hour. 🙂
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Wash your hair with your normal shampoo.
{Pin it}
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Kay
December 31, 2016 at 12:50 amWould it change the results if I used coconut oil instead of castor oil? I can’t find any near me
AmyNewNostalgia
December 31, 2016 at 10:06 amI think it should be fine…I love coconut oil in my hair! The eggs will need to be room temperature so the oil will stay liquified.
Sandy
November 3, 2016 at 2:18 pmWill it help on chemically strengting hair
AmyNewNostalgia
November 5, 2016 at 10:54 amI’m sure it would help moisturize! Chemically straightening hair can be drying…so I’m sure this would help!
Nanci Edwards
August 13, 2016 at 11:04 amThanks for this post. I can’t wait to try it. I have used apple cider vinegar with water in the past and found it left my hair very shiny. I have a couple questions. 1. Do you know any other uses for the glycerin? 2. Would it change it at all to add a drop or two of essential oil for a nice fragrance (like lavender or Rosemary)?
Thanks
AmyNewNostalgia
August 15, 2016 at 1:34 pmNot sure about more uses for glycerin, but I’m sure it is used in other natural diy beauty recipes. I’d do a quick search on Pinterest. I think adding essential oil would be just fine, especially if only a few drops.
Anonymous
August 25, 2016 at 12:53 amCan i leave this mask in overnight?
AmyNewNostalgia
August 25, 2016 at 9:42 pmI don’t think it would hurt anything, but I don’t think it is necessary to leave it that long, either.
Genet Bogart
January 25, 2016 at 6:08 pmHello Amynewnostalgia.
I was born and raised in Ethiopia.( if you have every seen Ethiopian ladies hair, we have all kinds and textures of hair. but its healthy) we have centuries old secret to that. when i moved to the u.s, i noticed my hair was changing, the split ends were just scary, the texture was harsh and finding the best treatment was a night mare. i spent so much time and money to get my beautiful, shiny, strong and full body hair back,,until i remembered what my mother put on my hair every weekend.( i hated it at the time) so, i went back and talk to her. made from a raw cow milk and some of her secret ingredients( all organic and natural), this amazing treatment gave my hair everything that it used to have. NOW, i am making it at home and giving ladies the chance to try it.
Nathalie
September 13, 2015 at 9:20 pmDose this actually work and how long till I see results will it be instantly or take a few days Bc I want to try this and it seems good
Carrie
June 21, 2015 at 8:53 pmI’ve just switched to baking soda poo and ACCV conditioner, last two weeks. I noticed my hair looks greasier, but is not. The curls and feeling is great when fresh washed, but throughout the day, it takes on the greasy look with fuz. I love running my hands throughout my hair. Will this treatment help?
ANAMARIA ESPARZA
May 1, 2015 at 5:07 pmIs it safe to use apple cider vinegar on colored hair?
AmyNewNostalgia
May 2, 2015 at 10:47 amI’ve had fine luck with it on colored hair.
maureen
April 23, 2015 at 9:16 pmHow often do you have to apply it?
Cheryl
April 9, 2015 at 12:31 pmWhere do you but glycerine? Any tips?
AmyNewNostalgia
April 9, 2015 at 1:23 pmAny health food store would have it.
Anonymous
April 15, 2015 at 9:33 pmWhole foods.
Anonymous
December 30, 2015 at 6:17 pmGot mine at walmart
Anon
April 8, 2015 at 11:41 pmHey, just wondering if this would be ok to use on chemically straightened hair?
AmyNewNostalgia
April 9, 2015 at 12:19 pmIt should be just fine and add moisture.
Elizabeth
March 30, 2015 at 10:55 pmHow many times a week should we do this treatment?
marina
March 23, 2015 at 10:53 pmis it ok for oily hair with dry ends? (i have it short, so is all pretty close…)
AmyNewNostalgia
March 24, 2015 at 9:31 amYes, just concentrate on the ends.
marina
March 26, 2015 at 2:51 pmok
any substitute for vegetable glycerin? i don´t think we have that here…
Julie
March 14, 2015 at 12:04 amHi, did you shampoo and condition afterwards or just shampoo? Also I put my hair in a ponytail/bun and then wrapped plastic wrap around my hair. It kept it from dripping everywhere.
AmyNewNostalgia
March 14, 2015 at 12:41 pmI shampoo and condition afterwards. Great idea with the plastic wrap!
Martha
March 9, 2015 at 4:10 pmCan you use white vinegar instead of acv? I ran out yesterday…..
Jan Jones
February 18, 2015 at 2:29 amI can’t wait to try this! I bought conditioner today, thinking it was reconstruct or, but it is not. I googled it and happened upon this recipe. I can’t believe it, but I actually have all the ingredients, even the castor oil and glycerin. My daughter has really long hair and I am going to try it on her hair as well. Maybe we will have a spa day, lol!
ginny bailey
February 8, 2015 at 2:47 pmCan I please get the recipe. I have well water and my hair is very very dry and damaged. I’m in desperate need of help. Thanks in advance.
Lillian
July 2, 2015 at 3:39 amYou can also use coconut oil.I make my own hair restorative treatment by warming the oil and you put fresh rosemary sprig in leave for an hour than strain and keep in a bottle.This I use once a week,I will leave it in overnight as well.This will also encourage hair growth.The condition of your hair after washing this out is remarkable.Always try a test on the inside of your wrist to check for allergies.And use at your own discretion.I am not an expert,or health official,I like any other gal is looking for home made good products that work.You can also watch many You Tube Videos on this.You can even go as far as making your own coconut oil I do.And find it to be much better than the oil you purchase.I know there are no chemicals added.Good luck if you try this.All the best..
Tracey
January 27, 2015 at 8:36 pmI have loads of thick long hair. Should I just double the mixture?
I am also wondering how you apply it because I managed to get it everywhere using a bowl and brush I first time I used it 🙂
My hair was in much better condition btw so thank you for sharing!
AmyNewNostalgia
January 28, 2015 at 11:13 amYes, double it if it was not enough the first time. As far as the mess, it is messy. Could do it in the shower although I didn’t.
Gaby
January 23, 2015 at 12:40 pmCan this also help with making your hair thicker?
AmyNewNostalgia
January 23, 2015 at 1:00 pmIt may make it feel thicker as healthy hair feels thicker.
Kim
January 18, 2015 at 11:58 amIs this enough for waist length hair? Or should I double the recipe??
AmyNewNostalgia
January 18, 2015 at 8:04 pmIt all depends how thick your hair is. I had quite a bit left over. I think it would be enough, unless you have super, duper thick hair. 🙂
Mafer
January 10, 2015 at 10:50 pmawesome
Tereze
January 10, 2015 at 1:35 amThis is the second time I try this in a couple of weeks and I’m very happy with the results. My hair felt really soft and shiny after the first application. The only problem I’m experiencing is the dripping. The first time I applied it to freshly washed and damp hair, the second time to dry unwashed hair and thought I won’t experience much dripping but I still do. I was wondering if anyone has any tips for managing the dripping.
Julie
March 14, 2015 at 12:06 amI used plastic wrap (like for wrapping leftover food) and it kept it from dripping once I had all my hair wrapped.
Adrienne
January 9, 2015 at 4:28 pmHey Amy!
I’ve used your recipe and love it! I also want to add that I am African American so my hair texture is course. My hair is natural and this recipe made it soft and manageable. I was wondering if I have some leftover can I refrigerate it? And for how long?
Julie
January 7, 2015 at 11:09 amMy hair felt really dry after trying this -.-
WHAT DID I WRONG?
I think it’s maybe because of the egg? :/
AmyNewNostalgia
January 8, 2015 at 10:50 amI have no idea why it would not work. I wonder what condition your hair was in the first place? I’m sorry it didn’t work for you. 🙁 You might try just pure coconut oil on your ends, applying dry…letting it sit for 10-20 min, then shampoo it out then condition with regular conditioner.
Katie
January 11, 2015 at 12:36 pmSome people have protein sensitive hair. Protein will make their hair brittle.
Micha
January 5, 2015 at 12:20 amWhat can I use instead of glycerin
Shae
February 8, 2015 at 4:51 amIf you’re worried about glycerin due to pork restrictions, I would use vegetable glycerin.
Keilah
December 24, 2014 at 10:26 pmMy hair started experiencing patches missing in chunks out of nowhere. I began a loosely followed regimen of Dr. Miracle products, n that spot grew back in. Bow however for a few months already, the same thing began happening, only now in routine washing, brushing n things of that sort, my hair has been falling out at an alarming rate. Mind you, I have long dark almost black hair that is kind of my signature. I’ve returned 2 doing Dr. Miracle treatments, but my hair is still falling out. Will this help it to grow back because the 1 thing j know is excellent for the hair is apple cider vinegar for purifying n clarifying the follicles that could be weakened n clogged w/ dirt & oil that leaves your scalp open 2 w/e nutrients ur giving ur hair. But will it help 2 grow my hair
AmyNewNostalgia
December 26, 2014 at 1:23 amIt will help moisturize hair, but not help hair grow. If hair is falling out it is due to something that is happening in the body, so you will need to figure out what that is and fix it–whether a mineral deficiency or something else. Many medications have this as a side effect. I would consult your doc. Sorry to hear this is happening to you!
m c
December 27, 2014 at 11:10 amIt sounds like you have a throid problem
Tereze
January 10, 2015 at 1:31 amI’m not a medical expert but I’ve had similar issues in the past and after much reading I’ve figured out it was Thyroid related, so I suggest you get your thyroid checked with a holistic doctor not a conventional doctor.
Anonymous
February 28, 2015 at 10:51 amYou may have alopecia. See your doctor and if you do they will give you a cream to apply to the areas that are falling out.
Kourtney
December 24, 2014 at 12:15 pmwhen putting in the mask, should the hair be wet or dry?
Thank you!
amber
December 20, 2014 at 1:48 amCan I use olive oil or mustard oil instead?
AmyNewNostalgia
December 22, 2014 at 6:53 amI don’t think it would hurt to experiment with different oils…but I never have so I’m not sure if they would work as well.
ana
December 16, 2014 at 12:37 pmHi. I can use pure glycerin instead of vegetables?
AmyNewNostalgia
December 17, 2014 at 11:27 amI’ve only used vegetable glycerin…not animal.
Cyndi
December 13, 2014 at 12:19 pmThank you for put this out there. I LOVE my hair. I have long colored blond fluffy hair. I like the homemade beauty recipe. My hair is soooooo soft and shiny. Thank you.
Anonymous
December 12, 2014 at 9:21 amCan I use regular vinagart
AmyNewNostalgia
December 12, 2014 at 9:29 amI’m sure that would be fine.
shalini
November 25, 2014 at 9:06 amHello ..its very nice but can u plz give a reciepe which..is without using egg…
Andie
January 25, 2015 at 8:39 ama common substitute for an egg is mayonnaise since it’s mostly made of eggs! If you use mayonnaise you should be sure to use a very fragrant shampoo to get it out so you don’t smell like a sandwich lol
Deb.
November 24, 2014 at 9:50 amTried this yesterday, loved it! My hair has become hard to manage since it started going gray. It’s also quite long. After reading the comments & questions before I tried it, I decided to just shampoo after the treatment. My hair came out so soft & tangle free I’m shocked! I’ve never not used conditioner. Thank you for sharing this. I will be using it every week or two.
Sherie
November 22, 2014 at 10:18 pmCan you use coconut oil instead of castor oil???
Mariah Belle
November 21, 2014 at 6:39 pmI’ve just found this site via Pintrest so I know I’m a bit late to the party, but I have a bit of a question. I’ve been doing the “no-poo” hair care thing, only washing my hair with conditioner, for about two months, but I’ve noticed my hair is STILL dry. Do you think this would help, or would it leave my hair too oily? I’ve been battling dry hair for years and would love your input.
Mala
November 17, 2014 at 4:01 pmThank u so much for this recipe, I cannot express in words how amazing this is!! My hair is not curly but more wavy, WAS, super dry, frizzy and just out of control!! It has been almost 3 years I had stopped using heat in my hair and was doing regular hot oil massages , regular trims and I really didn’t get any results. I have tried it all from the cheapest products to the shampoo and conditioner Oprah Winfrey swears by! I tried ur recipe just once and I couldn’t believe how smooth shiny and frizz free my hair was and I just air dried it. The second time I used it my hair looked like I had just walked out of a salon! I m now using this recipe twice a week and leave in for at least 2 hours also another tip no more towel, I use a cotton pillow case to dry my hair. I know this post is long, sorry. If anyone has the kind of hair I did u have to try this don’t delay. I am still amazed 3 years of using no heat and regular hot oil massages did nothing ur recipe worked in 2 hours!!! Thank u!!
Camilla
November 9, 2014 at 7:28 pmHi, great tip! Do you use some leave-in after washing your hair? It’s beautiful!
Sandra
November 4, 2014 at 11:26 amAmazing stuff!! Thank you for this recipe!
Robin
October 8, 2014 at 10:26 amStupid question here…. do you apply it to wet or dry hair?
🙂
Mai
September 12, 2014 at 9:28 pmHi i just subscribed, i got here thru Pinterest. I will try this, but i was wondering if the vinegar don’t leave any smell, is so strong that it can beat the shampoo sometimes, ty!
AmyNewNostalgia
September 13, 2014 at 9:23 amNo, I never notice a vinegar smell. So glad you found New Nostalgia through Pinterest. I am a huge Pinterest fan!
Kerri
August 30, 2014 at 6:25 pmThank you so much for this wonderful recipe! I’ve been kinda obsessed with diy hair treatments as of lately. This is one of the first recipes I tried and THE ONLY one that produced such great results! 🙂
Emily
July 31, 2014 at 8:05 pmDo you think it would be okay to add a tiny bit of henna to the mixture?
Anonymous
December 13, 2014 at 9:29 amI’ve used henna before and have added coconut oil, egg and apple cider vinegar. I do not know how it would react with glycerin. Maybe do a little test strip on your hair?
Guest
July 25, 2014 at 7:30 pmWhere did you get your glycerin and what section the store and did you make this recipe if not do you know the name of it?
AmyNewNostalgia
July 29, 2014 at 11:33 amI got the glycerin at our local health food store but I am sure you could get it on Amazon. Plant based glycerin is what I use, not animal glycerin. Yes, I made the recipe, used it and loved it.
Helhi
July 17, 2014 at 11:11 pmCan I use a conditioner after the shampoo?
AmyNewNostalgia
July 18, 2014 at 10:41 amSure, but it might not be needed right away.
Marrissa Williams
July 17, 2014 at 2:47 pmCan oycan you use something other than glycerin ?
Marrissa Williams
July 17, 2014 at 2:45 pmCan you use something other than glycerin ?
AmyNewNostalgia
July 18, 2014 at 10:41 amGlycerin is a humectant and helps with smoothness. I think it is a key ingredient in this particular recipe.
carolyn
July 15, 2014 at 12:33 pmis there anything else you could use in place of the egg?
AmyNewNostalgia
July 16, 2014 at 10:39 amI suspect you could make a chia or flax egg substitute. I’ve seen chia put in diy hair reconstructor recipes.
carolyn
July 15, 2014 at 12:26 pmcould you use something else in place of the egg?
Anonymous
July 11, 2014 at 1:43 pmMust I use the Apple Cider Vinegar?
AmyNewNostalgia
July 14, 2014 at 10:07 amI know the Apple Cider Vinegar helps with ph which helps shut down the cuticle of the hair. So I would say yes, Apple cider vinegar is a must.
Anonymous
January 25, 2014 at 2:51 amwhat other oil could i use ?
AmyNewNostalgia
July 14, 2014 at 10:07 amyou could use coconut oil.
Anonymous
December 24, 2013 at 10:29 amshuld i wash with shampoo after this or only plain water
AmyNewNostalgia
July 14, 2014 at 10:06 amWash with shampoo.
Holly Christie Hall
November 16, 2013 at 6:54 pmShould my hair be wet or dry when I put it in?
AmyNewNostalgia
July 14, 2014 at 10:08 amput it in dry hair.
Anonymous
September 19, 2013 at 1:26 pmI am going to try this, thanks, Amy.
Beth Mcgwire
September 19, 2013 at 12:36 amAhh, so nice! I will try this. I don’t use shampoo any more but have been doing a baking soda rinse 1-2 times a week for over a year now. I love the way my hair and scalp feel but I do notice my hair seems a little dry from time to time. I have been using straight coconut oil but I think I will add this to my routine.
Minoo
September 18, 2013 at 4:53 pmI was wondering if I could add a few drops of rosemary oil to this? It seems to help so much with keeping hair strong and healthy…good for regrowth too
AmyNewNostalgia
July 14, 2014 at 10:08 amI’m sure it would be wonderful, and add a great scent.
CREATIVE MIND
September 18, 2013 at 11:27 amMustard oil**
CREATIVE MIND
September 18, 2013 at 11:13 amI have tried this & its the best,you can add a few drops of oil for some shine 🙂 i added and it works well
AmyNewNostalgia
July 14, 2014 at 10:09 amGreat tip!
Carmen Mobberly
September 17, 2013 at 9:39 pmHow often would you recommend doing this? It sounds wonderful. 🙂
AmyNewNostalgia
July 14, 2014 at 10:09 amI would say at least once a month, but if hair is quite dry and damaged you could do weekly.