I have been using the no ‘poo method on Ava’s hair and it is working wonderfully.  Her hair is very easy to brush after a bath.  However, some mornings the tangles prevail and I find myself in a battle to brush her hair.  I have wanted to throw in the brush and cut all of Ava’s hair off due to the recent battles of the brush.

I have used store-bought detangler in the past but quit using it once I looked at the ingredients.  Here are a few:  peg-12 dimethicone, propylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, chtrimonium chloride, and amino-methyl propanol.  There is not a battle big enough that makes me want to spray that stuff  on my kid’s hair.

I began to research ingredients that would work well in a homemade detangler spray.  I learned about marshmallow root.  Marshmallow root has a slippery texture when you make it into an infusion..perfect for a detangler spray, right?  It softens hair, promotes hair growth, and it soothes itchy dry scalps.  This herb seemed perfect for the job and way better than all of those ingredients listed above!

On the way home from the zoo the other day we picked up some marshmallow root.  The kids were somewhat bummed that it did not smell like the marshmallows they use in their smores!

We got home and headed for the kitchen to make homemade herbal detangler spray.  The kids are really enjoying making our natural hygiene and cleaning products.  They feel like scientists!

Here is what you need:

2 1/2 cups distilled water, 1/2 cup dried marshmallow root,  1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon coconut oil  (you could add a drop or two of essential oils if you desire, we did not)

Here is what you do:

Combine the marshmallow root and water in a small pot.  Simmer over medium low heat for 30 minutes.  Remove pot from the heat and allow to cool.

Strain the herb through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.   Squeeze the strainer in order to extract all the liquid from the herb.  Add the vinegar and oil.

Pour into a spray bottle, shake well, and use as you would any store-bought detangler.

Here is Ava’s hair when I removed her pony tail after a day at the zoo and after when I used the spray and brushed it.  Her hair is very fine and tangly, this detangler spray eliminates the tears she used to shed during brushing.

To see more of my homemade natural products please click here.