A conditioner might not be needed on your hair if it's very short as the natural oils from your scalp will be able to work their way down the hair conditioning naturally. However if your hair is anything other than short you may need a conditioner. Even long oily hair may need the ends of the hair conditioned.

A homemade hair conditioner will flatten the cuticles of the hair making them smooth and shiny and therefore less likely to get knotted so even long thick hair is easier to comb. A conditioner will help split ends but not prevent them so make sure you get the ends of your hair cut at least every six weeks. By doing this you will make your hair look so much neater. Split ends can look horrid making the hair appear dry and uneven at the ends.

By making your own homemade hair conditioner you will know exactly what is in your product unlike the unknown chemicals that are added to products bought off the shelves.

It's wise to do a skin test before using anything new on your skin so if you are at all unsure take a little of the product and put it behind your ear. Leave the product without washing off for 24 hours. If in that 24 hours the area feels irritated then you know that it is not safe to use on your skin. Before using any conditioner you should shampoo your hair first.

Egg Hair Conditioner
This is an old fashioned home remedy which really works, although a little smelly.

• 2 eggs which have been beaten.

After shampooing your hair take the eggs and massage into your scalp and hair making sure the roots are covered. Leave the eggs on for half an hour then shampoo using warm water. Don't be tempted to use hot water to rinse the eggs out otherwise they may cook!

Beer Recipe
This is another old fashioned homemade hair conditioner which we still use today because it really works

• 1 cup of beer which has been warmed slightly.
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil

Mix the above together the best you can. Massage into your hair and scalp and leave for 30 minutes before washing out.

Olive Oil Homemade Conditioner Recipe

• Half a cup of olive oil
• Quarter cup of honey

Mix the honey and olive oil together before massaging into your hair and scalp. Comb it through before wrapping your hair in a towel. Leave for 30 minutes and before rinsing out with warm water.

Coconut Conditioner Recipe
This hair conditioner has the nicest smell of all and is my favourite. Take a book and relax while you wait for it to work. Dream you are on a tropical beach!

Massage half a cup of coconut oil into your hair and scalp and leave for at least 30 minutes or overnight if preferred. Rinse out with warm water.

Banana Homemade Hair Conditioner Recipe

• 1 banana
• 2tbls of runny honey

Mash the banana up before adding the honey. Massage the mixture into your hair covering from the scalp to the roots. Leave on for 30 minutes before washing off with warm water.

Avocado
Take an avocado and mash it to a pulp. Massage the pulp into your hair. Take a comb and comb through to the roots. Wrap a towel round your hair and relax for 30 minutes before washing off with warm water