Orange Peel Powder for Hair: A Refresh Mask for Greasy, Limp Roots

The short answer: mix 2–3 tablespoons of orange peel powder with warm water into a smooth, spreadable paste, work it into greasy or limp-feeling roots and scalp, leave it 10 minutes and rinse very thoroughly. Use it up to once a week. It's a refresh, not a wash.

It's a small, fresh-smelling extra step for hair that feels heavy at the roots, not a replacement for shampoo or a cleansing powder. Mixing and rinsing take a few minutes either side of the ten the mask sits on.

Is an orange peel hair mask right for you?

It suits you if your roots feel greasy or your hair looks limp a day or two after washing, and you'd like an occasional herbal step that leaves it feeling fresher. It works best on the scalp and roots, where that heaviness sits, and it fits easily into a normal wash day: shampoo as usual, then use the mask, or use it on clean damp hair and rinse it out.

It's probably not for you if:

• your lengths are dry, porous or bleached. A peel-powder paste can feel rough on them, so keep it to the roots or leave it out;
• your scalp is broken, sunburned or irritated. Wait until it has settled;
• you want to replace shampoo, or you're hoping to affect hair growth. It does neither.

Patch test 24–48 hours before first use with the mixture you plan to use, on a small area of skin, and don't use it if you have a known orange or citrus allergy.

How do I use orange peel powder on hair?

Mix, apply to roots and scalp, wait 10 minutes, rinse until the water runs clear.

1. Mix 2–3 tablespoons of orange peel powder with warm water into a smooth, spreadable paste. Longer or thicker hair needs more.
2. Apply it mainly to greasy or limp-feeling roots and the scalp, not to dry ends.
3. Keep it away from your face and eyes.
4. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Don't let it dry hard.
5. Rinse very thoroughly with plenty of water until no grains are left, then condition the lengths if they need it.

A softer version

If plain orange peel feels drying, mix 2 tablespoons of orange peel powder with 1 tablespoon of Spierb Aloe Vera Powder and warm water into a runny-yoghurt paste, let it rest for 10 minutes, then use it on the roots for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

How often should I use an orange peel hair mask?

Up to once a week. It's for the weeks when your roots feel heavy, rather than every wash.

Use gentle fingertips on the scalp rather than nails, and don't scrub. If your scalp feels tight, itchy or irritated afterwards, stop using it.

What will my hair look and feel like afterwards?

Cleaner and fresher at the roots, with less of that limp, coated feel. How much you notice depends on your hair and how greasy it was to start with, and the effect is a cosmetic one that lasts until your hair next needs washing.

The lengths may feel a little rougher if you take the paste through them, which is why the mask stays on the roots and scalp. Condition afterwards if your hair usually needs it, and rinse for longer than you think: grains left behind are the most common complaint, and they brush out more easily once hair is dry.

It won't repair damaged hair, change its colour, clean hair the way a cleansing powder does, or affect how hair grows. For the face mask, which is a different routine, see how to use orange peel powder on your face. For more about the ingredient, see the orange peel powder page.

How to use it safely

Patch test first, keep it out of your eyes, and rinse it out completely.

• For external use only.
• Avoid the eyes and the area around them, the lips and the inside of the nose.
• Don't use it on broken, sunburned or irritated skin or scalp.
• Stop if it burns, keeps stinging, or causes swelling, a rash or worsening irritation.
• Don't add lemon juice, vinegar or essential oils.
• Pour gently so you don't breathe in the dry powder.
• Mix each mask fresh and throw away leftovers.
• Keep out of reach of children. Store sealed, cool and dry, and use a dry spoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is orange peel powder good for hair?

For one narrow job, yes: an occasional rinse-off refresh mask for greasy or limp-feeling roots and scalp. It isn't a shampoo, a conditioner or one of Spierb's main cleansing powders.

Can orange peels help with hair growth?

No. Its hair role is a fresh, clean feel on greasy roots, not growth.

Will orange peel powder change my hair colour?

No. It isn't a dye and it rinses out. Rinse until the water runs clear so no grains are left behind.

Can I use it if my hair is dry?

Dry or porous lengths can find a peel-powder paste rough. Keep it to the scalp and roots, use less on the lengths, add Aloe Vera Powder for a softer feel, and condition afterwards.