Want sleek, glossy hair that sparkles—without resorting to harsh chemicals in pricey hair products? Try polishing your tresses with rosemary tea. “Hair looks dull and lifeless when the cuticles—the layered outer shell that protects it like a tree’s bark—are flared open, which occurs when hair gets damage from over-processing or the sun. Rosemary contains compounds that close these cuticles and smoothe out the strand so light reflects off it, making it appear shiny,” explains hair and scalp specialist David H. Kingsley, Ph.D. Using it is easy: Bring two tablespoons of fresh rosemary and two cups of water to a boil, simmer for three to five minutes, then let cool. Pour it into a spray bottle and spritz on your hair.

[photo: geishaboy500]

Contrary to popular belief, dandruff isn’t caused by a dry scalp. “It’s the result of a fungus that feeds on your scalp’s natural oils and leaves flakes behind,” explains hair and scalp specialist David H. Kingsley, Ph.D.. Luckily, dandruff-free hair is as easy as turning to eucalyptus oil. It contains natural antifungal properties that kill off the flake-causing fungus without harsh, smelly chemicals like other anti-dandruff remedies. And using it is easy: Add 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus oil to your shampoo bottle, shake well and shampoo as usual. You should notice an improvement in just a few days.

[photo: Kansas_City_Royalty]

“Just as it does with clothing, a dryer sheet neutralizes the static charge, keeping hair in check,” says David H. Kingsley, Ph.D., founder of hairandscalp.com. Tuck one in your purse so you can instantly douse a static charge anywhere you go!

[photo: Darrell Coomes]