Ingredients:
- A handful of dried bay leaves
- 1 cup of coconut oil or olive oil (as a base)
Instructions
Begin by selecting high-quality dried bay leaves. Fresh bay leaves can also be used but may require a longer infusion process.
Gently crush the bay leaves with your hands or a mortar and pestle to release their natural oils and aromatic compounds.
Pour your chosen base oil—coconut for deep conditioning or olive for added shine—into a clean glass jar or saucepan.
Add the crushed bay leaves to the oil and stir gently to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Warm the mixture on low heat for about fifteen to twenty minutes, ensuring it doesn’t boil, just enough to help the leaves infuse into the oil.
Allow the oil to cool completely before straining it into a clean container, removing all bits of leaves for a smooth finish.
Apply the oil to your scalp and hair, massaging it in with your fingertips, and leave it on for at least an hour or overnight before washing out.
How to Make
Creating bay leaves oil is a simple yet rewarding process that lets you take control of what goes into your hair care routine.
Start by choosing a base oil that suits your hair type—coconut oil works best for dry, damaged hair, while olive oil suits all types.
Gather a generous handful of dried bay leaves. These are readily available in most kitchens or can be purchased from herb shops.
Crush the bay leaves slightly to enhance the infusion process and allow the beneficial compounds to release into the oil.
Place the bay leaves in a saucepan or double boiler, then pour in the base oil, fully submerging the leaves.
Heat the mixture gently, keeping the flame low to avoid burning the oil or damaging the herbs.
Let the mixture simmer slowly for up to twenty minutes, then set it aside to cool while the leaves continue to infuse.
Once cooled, strain the oil into a dark glass bottle or clean container, and it’s ready to use whenever your scalp needs a nourishing boost.
Variations
You can add rosemary or peppermint leaves to the infusion for an extra growth-stimulating blend with a refreshing scent.