How to Use Molasses for Hair Care, Biscuits + Coffee

08/14/2011

Hair care doesn’t have to be a chore, nor does it have to be a hassle. Simply slow down. And enjoy it for what it is…

The love in this hair treat is molasses. Molasses is an awesome humectant (more so than honey) that is high in sulphur, iron and minerals, which makes it moisturizing and anti-fungal. Molasses also contains panthenol which easily penetrates and improves elasticity. It is even rumored to reverse and/or slow graying hair. While regular molasses is made from the the first or second boiling of cane sugar syrup, blackstrap is made from the third boiling of the syrup and has higher levels of iron.

Here’s one way I show myself and my strands some love. This is great prior to cleansing, and makes for a fab detangler.

Molasses Hair Conditioner

  • 1/2 cup of blackstrap molasses
  • 1/2 cup of your fave condish
  • 2 tbs of extra virgin olive oil

Mix ingredients well and massage into wet hair. Cover with a shower cap and allow to sit for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Enjoy your butter soft strands. While you pamper your strands, pair with one or more of the following for extended benefit.

Sweet Potato Biscuits

I make this Southern Living recipe for brunch on Thanksgiving Day. They are delish alone, or sopped in molasses.

Ingredients

  • 1 (1/4-ounce) envelope active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can sweet potatoes in syrup, drained and mashedSweet Potato Biscuits
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Melted butter

Preparation

  1. Combine yeast and 1/4 cup warm water in a glass measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes.
  2. Stir together sweet potatoes and butter, blending well. Stir in sugar and salt; add yeast mixture, stirring until smooth.
  3. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually stir into potato mixture, until well blended. Lightly knead until dough holds together.
  4. Shape dough into a ball; place in a buttered mixing bowl. Brush top with melted butter. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 2 1/2 hours or until doubled in bulk.
  5. Punch down dough, and turn out onto a floured surface. Roll dough to a 1/2-inch thickness; cut with a 2-inch round cutter, and place on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, 2 hours or until doubled in bulk.
  6. Bake at 400° for 12 minutes or until golden.

Southern Comforting Coffee

This is my twist on another southern recipe. It’s a good eye-opener for a weekend morning, or a good night cap (decaf suggested).
Ingredients
  • 1-1/2 cups of strong brewed coffee
  • 1 tsp molasses
  • 1 ounce of Southern Comfort
  • 1/8 cup of creme or top with whipped cream
Have you ever pampered your tresses with molasses? How did it work out for you?