When you strain your homemade greek style yogurt, or… after you make a really beautiful batch of queso fresco (fresh cheese), you are left with a yellow, watery whey. When you make yogurt and cheese weekly, that means you might have a gallon or two of whey.
What do you do with all that whey?
There are so many ways to use it up (see 20 ways to use whey!)- whether at home or for your personal care. One of my favorite ways to use it though is for my hair.
Good golly – what in the world does one do with whey in regards to their hair????
Believe it or not, it’s actually quite amazing.
Whey is the liquid that is produced when milk is curdled – after adding lemon juice or vinegar or through fermentation. It’s a byproduct of the traditional homemade yogurt or cheesemaking process and you can use it for both internal and external use when it comes to your skin and hair.
Isn’t that amazing?!
Liquid whey has protein, vitamins and minerals – you can drink it internally and if you do, it’s assimilated rather quickly by the body. Athletes often times use whey protein supplements before they work out to help them build muscle mass. Thankfully, that same protein that can help you build muscle mass can also help you find great hair and skin – as well as nails.
Who isn’t looking for more beautiful hair?!
Why is amazing for your hair! Not only does it nourish, it strengthens – and makes it incredibly soft. When I use whey in mine, it’s really soft and light. Because why is slightly acidic, it helps nourish your hair by keeping your pH in balance.
3 Ways to Use Whey for your Hair Care
Using whey for your hair care is relatively easy – there are actually several ways that you can incorporate it in your daily shower.
Shampoo: If your hair is like mine, and doesn’t need to be washed daily (and doesn’t get too oily), then you may want to try using it as a shampoo. Get your hair wet, and then dump 6-8 oz of whey over your head (keep your mouth and eyes closed unless you really want to drink a bit!) and as you stand outside of the water, massage it into your scalp. Then rinse with water.
Rinse: If your hair is really oily and you can’t avoid washing it daily with a proper shampoo, then wash your hair as you would normally. Rinse your hair to rid the shampoo completely. Wring out the excess water, and try to avoid standing under the shower head, and pour the whey over your head and massage in to your scalp. Leave on 5-10 minutes as you wash the rest of your body (or, maybe shave your legs) and then rinse with water.
Extra Conditioning: Shampoo your hair as you would normally, and rinse thoroughly. Then wring out the excess water. Pour the whey over your head and massage into your scalp, then comb the whey through your hair with a brush or comb until it’s evenly distributed from roots to ends. Allow your hair to dry completely. Once dry, briefly rinse with warm water, and towel dry.
Have you ever used whey on your hair? What is your favorite way to use up an abundance of whey?
Well I never used it but will now. How long does the whey stay good if I want to drink it? Love to look and feel better
Beverly, whey can last for up to six months in the fridge. I keep some in jars (tightly sealed on the top shelf), but if I ever have too much, I freeze some in ice cube trays, which is helpful if I’m running out of space.
I put some whey in a small spray bottle and keep it in my fridge. I use it as a hairspray and for me it has great hold.
That’s such a great idea!
I would think there would be a sour milk smell if you leave the whey in your hair without rinsing. Is this not an issue?
I don’t suggest not rinsing — I usually pour the whey in my hair, massage through my scalp and ends, and let it sit while I wash the rest of my body. Then rinse out (as noted) before I step out of the shower.
that’s my plan for 14 minutes from now. Thanks.
Would you recommend adding a few drops of essential oil?
You definitely can. I would recommend cedarwood, lavender or even rosemary – which are all great for hair care.