5 DIY Hair Toners for Smooth and Shiny Hair

If you have dry, frizzy hair, you know how difficult it can be to achieve smooth and shiny hair with volume and bounce. If you’re tired of having to buy expensive shampoos and conditioners from the salon that do not give your hair the sleek look you want, here are five simple DIY toners you can use at home to get silky smooth hair in as little as two weeks!

1) Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for a variety of issues, including skin conditions, digestive problems, and even dandruff. But did you know that ACV can also be used as a hair toner? ACV is rich in acetic acid, which can help to remove buildup from the scalp and hair shaft. This can leave your locks looking shiny and smooth. Plus, the acidic nature of ACV can help to close the cuticle of the hair, leading to less frizz and flyaways. To use ACV as a hair toner, simply mix equal parts ACV and water in a bowl or bottle. Apply the mixture to your damp hair, focusing on the roots and scalp.
ACV is not your only option, however. Another popular natural hair toner is lemon juice. Lemon juice has a pH level that’s similar to ACV, which means it can help to close your cuticles and strengthen your hair. To use lemon juice as a hair toner, mix 2 teaspoons of lemon juice with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray onto damp hair and allow to air dry or blow dry. Note that lemon juice will lighten your hair slightly when used as a toner—which may be just what you’re going for.

2) Egg White

Egg whites are a classic beauty treatment that can be used as a hair toner. Just whisk together a few egg whites with some water and apply to your hair. Leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing out. Egg whites are high in protein and will help to smooth and strengthen your hair.
If you want to give your hair an at-home salon treatment, try egg whites. They have all sorts of uses as a beauty product, from nourishing and strengthening your hair to removing unwanted hair growth. Be aware that egg whites are high in protein, which can cause breakage if used incorrectly. To avoid it, use them no more than once a week or add some conditioner to your mixture.
If you have short hair, you can also use egg whites to boost volume. Use one egg white with enough water to cover your head (about a cup) and heat it until it forms a bubbly foam. Massage into your hair from roots to tips and leave in for 5 minutes before rinsing out with warm water.

3) Lemon Juice

 

Lemon juice is a great natural hair toner. It’s perfect for lightening up dark hair, and it can also help to smooth frizzy hair. To use lemon juice as a hair toner, simply mix equal parts lemon juice and water. Apply the mixture to your hair, and then rinse it out after about 15 minutes. You can do this once a week as part of your regular hair maintenance routine.
If you want to try a homemade hair toner that doesn’t involve lemon juice, consider beer. Dark beers can give your hair a lighter shade, but they won’t lighten up super dark hair like lemon juice. To use beer as a toner, apply it to wet hair after washing with shampoo. You can wrap your head in saran wrap or an old shower cap so that the mixture will sit on your hair for about 20 minutes. Then you can rinse out your beer toner and condition your hair like normal. You may need to repeat these steps more than once if you have dark colored locks, but be sure to moisturize as well when you’re done in order to make sure that there isn’t any dryness from frequent applications of beer.

4) Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice is a natural hair toner that can be used to help smooth and shiny hair. To use, mix one part aloe vera juice with two parts water in a spray bottle and spritz on damp hair. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing out. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture for extra scent. This treatment can be used once or twice a week as part of your regular hair maintenance routine.
If you have dandruff, try using aloe vera juice with one drop of tea tree oil. Use once or twice a week after shampooing, massaging it into your scalp for 2-3 minutes before rinsing out. This treatment should be followed by a weekly deep conditioning to help improve your scalp health. To make your own hair mask, mix equal parts coconut oil and plain yogurt in a small bowl until smooth. Once it’s cool enough to apply, massage gently into damp hair from roots to tips then cover with plastic wrap. Let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing out thoroughly with warm water followed by cold water to close off cuticles. Apply a small amount of conditioner if needed then style as usual.

5) Olive Oil

Rich in antioxidants, olive oil can help to repair damage caused by heat styling and coloring. Plus, it adds shine and softness to the hair. To use olive oil as a hair toner, mix 1/2 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup of water. Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual.
If you have dandruff, olive oil can also be used as a natural remedy. Try mixing 1/2 cup of olive oil with one tablespoon of sage, rosemary or mint leaves, depending on your preference. Rub it into your scalp and leave it on overnight. Wash your hair as usual in the morning to remove dead skin cells and dandruff-causing agents. Repeat once per week until your dandruff is gone.
For an easy way to treat split ends, just soak your hair in olive oil. Wrap a warm towel around your head to help open up your cuticles and allow the oil to penetrate even deeper into your hair. Leave it on overnight and wash it out with shampoo in the morning. Your split ends will be noticeably reduced after just one treatment.