People have been using honey for thousands of years. The oldest known record of honey being harvested by people is painted on a cave in Spain. The cave art depicts a woman harvesting wild honey, and is believed to be between 7,000-15,000 years old.
Honey makes an excellent sweetener, but we haven’t been cultivating honey just used for its sweet, pleasurable taste. Honey has also been used for its cosmetic and healing properties for thousands of years.
The medicinal use of honey is mentioned in ancient texts including the Bible, Koran, and Torah, and is documented for its healing and cosmetic properties by the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
Honey was widely used for its cosmetic benefits by the Ancient Egyptians in makeup and anti-aging creams. There is even historical evidence that Queen Cleopatra regularly bathed in a mixture of honey and goats milk, as a moisturizing, anti-aging regimen.
And, when you look at what makes up honey, it’s no wonder that it has a history in medicine and cosmetology. Raw, unprocessed, honey contains a wide range of beneficial substances related to human health and nutrition.
You can find all eight of the B-complex vitamins, along with Vitamin A, C, D, E, and K in honey. Honey also has over 10 important minerals, including iodine, potassium, and calcium. But, thats not all. Honey also contains hormones, and is both an antibacterial agent and humectant. So, which of these benefits makes honey healthy for hair?
As a natural humectant, honey enhances your hair’s ability to hold in moisture, when applied to the surface of hair. This makes honey a great natural conditioner for dry and damaged hair. It can go so far as to help sooth the scalp and provides a protective, moisture rich barrier to hair shafts.
The amino acids and vitamin C found in honey, among nearly 80 other nutritious substances contained in honey, work together to help speed the growth of healthy tissues. This makes honey a good choice for promoting healthy, hair growth.
Because of its antibacterial properties, honey has the ability to prevent and soothe issues like dandruff or scalp infections. It also has the ability to cleanse and strengthen hair follicles, thereby diminishing clogged pores, reducing hair fall, and boosting hair growth.
With all these benefits, honey makes an excellent addition to your beauty routine. But, keep in mind, not all honey is made the same. When looking for honey to use, be sure that you are using 100% natural honey, as many stores sale honey products that have been diluted using a mixture of honey and syrup. Reports show that local farmer’s markets and natural food stores carry pure, raw and unfiltered honey, meaning the honey will contain all of its natural benefits. So, be sure to check the ingredients and manufacturing method associated with honey before you purchase honey.
Like most superfoods, honey, is beneficial for your hair through consumption as well as via topical use. To help you incorporate honey into your daily routine, we’ve included a recipe for a layered breakfast yogurt with honey, below. And, you can find a list of DIY hair mask ideas in our DIY Hair Care Blog.
Remember, a good motto is, “when you’re healthy, your hair is healthy”.
So BEE Kind to your hair.
Hairstyleology 