Natural Beauty and Haircare Recipe Archive
Explore the Cooper Delivered recipe archive, filled with simple natural beauty, herbal haircare and low-waste self-care recipes inspired by plants, ritual and everyday living.
From scalp tonics and botanical hair rinses to practical garden-to-beauty ideas, these recipes are designed to help you reconnect with the ingredients you use and create more intentional routines at home.
Native Mint Scalp Tonic
Equipment
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 Strainer
- 1 Cotton pad or small bottle
Materials
- 1 handful fresh native mint leaves or 1 tablespoon dried
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Add native mint leaves to a small saucepan and cover with boiling water.
- Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then strain.
- Dab onto scalp with a cotton pad or pour into a small bottle for easy application.
Notes
- Refreshes and soothes the scalp.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For external use only.
Hibiscus Shine Mask
Equipment
- Blender or mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Shower cap (optional)
Materials
- 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus petals or 2 hibiscus tea bags
- 2 tablespoons coconut yoghurt or aloe vera gel
Instructions
- Blend dried hibiscus petals to a fine powder, or steep tea bags in a small amount of boiling water and cool.
- Mix hibiscus with coconut yoghurt or aloe vera gel to form a smooth paste.
- Apply to clean, damp hair and scalp.
- Cover with a shower cap (optional) and leave for 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Notes
- Enhances shine and softness, especially for dry or dull hair.
- Use weekly for best results.
- Store any leftover paste in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Chamomile Shine Rinse
Equipment
- 1 Heatproof bowl or jug
- 1 Strainer
- 1 Measuring cup
Materials
- 2 chamomile tea bags or 2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers
- 2 cups boiling water
Instructions
- Place the chamomile tea bags or dried flowers in a heatproof bowl or jug.
- Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the chamomile.
- Cover and steep for 15–20 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags or strain out the flowers. Allow the infusion to cool to room temperature.
- After shampooing, pour the chamomile rinse slowly over clean, wet hair.
- Gently massage into your scalp and work through to the ends.
- Do not rinse out. Let your hair air dry for a soft, natural shine.
Notes
- For extra shine, repeat this rinse once a week.
- Safe for children and sensitive scalps.
- Store any leftover rinse in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The Golden Glow Mask
A nourishing and hydrating mask made with avocado, honey, and yogurt to brighten and soften your skin naturally.
Yield: 1 Mask
Materials
- 1 Teaspoons Honey
- 2 Tablespoons Yogurt
- 1/2 ripe avocado
Instructions
- Mash the avocado in a bowl until smooth.
- Add honey and yogurt, mixing until well combined.
- Apply the mixture to clean skin, avoiding the eye area.
- Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Notes
For extra hydration, add a few drops of olive oil.
Store leftover mask in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but use it fresh for best results.
Lemon Myrtle Hair Mist
Equipment
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 Strainer
- 1 Spray bottle
Materials
- 5 –10 fresh lemon myrtle leaves or 1 teaspoon dried lemon myrtle
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Add lemon myrtle leaves to a small saucepan and cover with boiling water.
- Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then strain into a clean spray bottle.
- Spritz onto hair and scalp as needed for a fresh, uplifting scent.
Notes
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Patch test before first use, especially on sensitive skin.
- Avoid spraying directly into eyes
Eucalyptus Scalp Steam
Equipment
- 1 Heatproof bowl
- 1 Towel
- 1 Kettle or pot
Materials
- 1 handful fresh eucalyptus leaves or 3–5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 4 cups boiling water
Instructions
- Place eucalyptus leaves (or drops of oil) in a large heatproof bowl.
- Carefully pour boiling water over the leaves.
- Lean over the bowl, covering your head with a towel to trap the steam.
- Breathe deeply and allow the steam to envelop your scalp for 5 minutes.
- Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips as you steam.
Notes
- Ideal for refreshing scalp and clearing sinuses.
- Avoid direct contact of essential oil with skin; always dilute in water.
- Not recommended for young children or those with eucalyptus allergies.
May’s Ritual Recipe: Nourishing Aloe & Shea Hair Mask
Materials
2 tablespoons shea butter (softened)
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel (fresh from the plant or store-bought)
1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted, inspired by Indian hair rituals)
5 drops lavender essential oil (optional, for calming scent)
Instructions
Prepare the Shea Butter: If your shea butter is solid, gently warm it in your hands or a double boiler until soft and creamy.
Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the shea butter, aloe vera gel, and coconut oil. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add lavender essential oil for a soothing touch.
Apply to Hair: Section your hair and apply the mask generously from roots to ends, focusing on dry or damaged areas.
Massage Your Scalp: Gently massage the mask into your scalp to stimulate circulation and nourish the roots.
Let It Work: Cover your hair with a shower cap or warm towel and let the mask sit for 20–30 minutes.
Rinse and Cleanse: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow with your favorite shampoo bar (like the Detox Bar for a clean finish).
Notes
While applying the mask, take a moment to reflect on the strength of your ancestors. Imagine them standing with you, their wisdom and resilience flowing through you. Whisper to yourself:
“I am nourished, I am strong, I am connected.
“I am nourished, I am strong, I am connected.
Nettle Growth Tonic
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cup
- Strainer
- Cotton pad or bottle
Materials
- 1 cup fresh nettle leaves or 2 tablespoons dried
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Add nettle leaves to a saucepan with water.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, covered.
- Allow to cool, then strain.
- Massage the tonic into your scalp after washing, or dab on with a cotton pad.
Notes
- Use once a week for gentle scalp exfoliation.
- Patch test before first use.
- Not for use on broken or irritated skin.
Macadamia Hair Oil Treatment
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Towel (optional)
- Shower cap (optional)
Materials
- 1-2 teaspoons Macadamia oil
Instructions
- Pour macadamia oil into a small bowl and warm it between your hands.
- Apply evenly to the mid-lengths and ends of clean, damp hair.
- For a deeper treatment, massage into the scalp as well.
- Cover hair with a shower cap or towel (optional) and leave for 20–30 minutes.
- Wash out with your usual shampoo and style as normal.
Notes
- Ideal for dry, damaged, or colour-treated hair.
- Use weekly for best results.
- Lightweight oil, suitable for most hair types.
Rosemary Hair Rinse
Equipment
- Heatproof jug or bowl
- Strainer
- Measuring cup
Materials
- 1 handful fresh rosemary or 2 tablespoons dried
- 2 cups boiling water
Instructions
- Place rosemary in a heatproof jug or bowl.
- Pour boiling water over the rosemary.
- Cover and steep for 15–20 minutes.
- Strain and allow to cool to room temperature.
- After shampooing, pour the rosemary rinse over clean, damp hair.
- Massage into scalp and work through to the ends.
- Do not rinse out; let hair air dry naturally.
Notes
- Supports healthy hair growth and adds shine.
- Store leftover rinse in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Use weekly for best results.