Ten Tips for Healthy Locks & Monni's Molasses Banana Bread

As we head toward summer, community herbalist Amber McLennan shares ten easy ways to support thick, healthy hair — from letting your natural colour shine through, to sleeping on silk, to the ritual pleasure of a good scalp oiling. Your hair is an expression of your internal vitality, and it loves a diet rich in minerals and nutrients.

Ten tips for healthy locks

One — Let your hair be its natural colour
It's much easier to maintain the condition of your hair when its colour and moisture haven't been manipulated. Over the year, your hair naturally changes shades with the seasons, and you can enjoy the highlights that come through from a summer well lived. If you're worried about greys, go for a rinse or a cut that allows you to adjust gradually. Grey hair is very cool and effortlessly chic.

Two — Trim your hair often
Even if you want long hair, it's worth getting a little trim every three to four months to keep the ends thick and healthy. Maintain hair health as you grow it, and ask your hairdresser to blunt cut it to avoid split ends forming.

Three — Minimally wash your hair
Less washing is better, as it allows your natural oils to rebalance your scalp. Try a dry shampoo, wearing a hat, or a braid to extend the days between washing so you don't strip your hair.

Four — It's an inside job
Your hair is an expression of your internal system, and we need adequate minerals to ensure healthy hair and a balanced scalp.

• Drink a blend of nettle and oatstraw tea — full of silica and vital nutrients to boost growth and the health of your ends. Try Amber's Gloria hair tea at Tea & Tonic.
• Load up on molasses — add it to tea, banana bread and porridge. See Monni's recipe below.
• Drink plenty of clean water, free from chemicals, and enjoy a diet rich in nutrients — think wholefoods, veggies, quality cheeses, organic meats, nuts and seeds, seaweeds, and avoid all refined sugars.
• Good health is largely determined by your gut and liver health, and this starts with chewing well. Support your system by eating fermented foods, enjoying food as a pleasurable source of fuel, taking time to rest and digest, and observing the natural cycles of receiving and letting go — both physically and spiritually. Your liver loves a chemical-free life, plenty of bitters, and time in nature.

Five — Brush your hair every day, and give your hair to the land or birds
Your hair is your psychic antennae, and it needs cleansing through brushing, washing and smoke saging. Gift your hair to the birds to make their nests, and to the land — you can bury or burn it at meaningful times for you.

Six — Go for natural
Use natural products and enjoy a natural look. Avoid sprays, fragrances, shampoos or conditioners that have a cost to the earth and to your hormones. We want a smooth-running endocrine system, and this means saying no to any disruptors, including chemicals and fragrances.

If you want to change your hair, braid, trim, try a new cut, or book in for a hair wash or hair ritual. You don't always need to be colouring it — there are lots of different ways to revamp or revision your look. You can always use adornments like jewels, scarves and flowers to refresh how you feel.

Seven — Oil it
The pleasure of having your head massaged and your hair pulled is one of the great visceral experiences of being human. Oil your scalp and hair with a lovely rosemary hair oil to stimulate growth, nourish a dry scalp, and calm your mind. Shop Nara Rosemary Hair Oil →

Eight — Find the best hairdresser you love
Find someone who loves your vibe and gets your hair, who's willing to take risks and be honest with you. Keep going until you find your match — it's a great relationship to have in your life.

Nine — Sleep on silk
Get a silk pillowcase to help keep your hair in good condition, or wrap it in a sleep cap. Use silk scrunchies so you're soft and gentle with it.

Ten — Treat it
Every now and then, enjoy the ritual of leaving a conditioning treatment in, doing a double wash, or leaving it salty from the sea. Mix up your routine to get the best from it.

Molasses banana bread

Molasses is one of the easiest ways to support your hair from the inside out — rich in iron, calcium and magnesium, the same minerals that nourish the scalp and strengthen your ends. This loaf is gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free, and just as good with your morning tea as it is as an afternoon treat.

Makes: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe medium bananas, mashed
• ⅓ cup blackstrap or regular molasses
• ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1¾ cups gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• ½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a loaf tin and line with baking paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Whisk in the molasses, coconut oil, eggs and vanilla until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold gently until just combined — don't overmix. Fold in the nuts, if using.
5. Pour batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for about 55 minutes, until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
6. Let the loaf cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Molasses, especially blackstrap, is rich in iron, calcium and magnesium — the same minerals Amber recommends for stronger, healthier hair. Store the loaf in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze slices individually. For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans. Check that your gluten-free flour blend already contains xanthan gum; if not, add ½ tsp.

With warmth,
Monni, Amber & Lisa

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