You can go to the salon and you can buy all the best high-end products at the beauty supply shop, but sometimes nothing beats a home remedy for dry hair. In fact, you're often more likely to tackle the problem once and for all using a simple recipe whipped up in your own kitchen.
Basic Home Remedy for Dry Hair
Dry hair looks dull, is hard to style and can make you look older. You have to be careful with treating it, because too much treatment can actually make your hair drier. Your hair care professional may suggest hot oil treatments, which you can buy at any beauty supply shop, but you can also make your own oil treatments with olive or coconut oil.
Measure out three tablespoons of olive oil into a heat-resistant bowl and place the bowl in boiled water, thus heating it slowly. You can also heat it in the microwave. Either way, monitor it so that it won't burn your scalp on application. Divide your hair into sections and work the oil in gently, beginning at the scalp and massaging down through the ends. When your hair is thoroughly saturated, put a plastic cap over it and let it sit for half an hour before rinsing out with lukewarm water. That may sound too cold, but hot water is very drying and may strip too much oil away.
Edible Hair Treatments
Want a great home remedy for dry hair? A diet high in healthy fats shows up in your locks. You especially want to get enough gamma linoleic acid, as this omega-6 goes straight to your hair. You should also be sure to eat salmon and other cold-water fish. Flaxseeds boost hair shine and healthy skin as well. Add them into salads or use the oil in cooking.
A lot of fatty foods that moisturize from the outside make for excellent moisturizing hair "masks." Mayonnaise, something you probably go lightly on in your diet, is great for your hair. Massage a tablespoon of the high-fat stuff into your scalp, cover with a plastic cap for half an hour, then rinse out with lukewarm water.
Another good mask is made of a mashed avocado and banana. Mix them together thoroughly, massage deep into your locks, and let it sit for as much as an hour before rinsing.
When your hair is really dry and damaged, break out the eggs. Three eggs mixed with two tablespoons of olive or canola oil and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar make a strong pre-shampoo conditioning treatment. Apply for half an hour and then clean hair with a gentle shampoo. Your hair will be soft and shiny.
If you're not afraid of getting a little sticky, a tablespoon of honey mixed in with your shampoo will do wonders. Honey draws and traps moisture in your hair, but you do have to be careful to rinse thoroughly.
Liquid Home Remedies for Dry Hair
First and foremost, be sure you're drinking enough water. Not enough moisture on the inside will show up in your hair.
One great home remedy for dry hair is vinegar. Don't worry about smelling like a salad, apple cider vinegar will wash out without odor. Use about a teaspoonful on your hair after shampooing and your hair will be extra shiny. This is not recommended for color-treated hair.
Wheat germ oil is another good conditioner, especially in summer when the hair is taking a beating from the sun. Use a tablespoon of it after shampooing instead of your regular conditioner.
Maintaining Healthy Hair
If you're serious about keeping the dryness at bay, pay attention to your daily routine. Harsh shampoos will dry out your hair. Styling is also one of the worst things you can do for your hair. You don't have to throw away the blow dryer, but use a low setting and a diffuser, and try not to blow dry every day. Limit the use of other heat tools such as curling irons and straighteners as well. When choosing gels, look for those made for dry hair with moisturizers, especially fruit extracts and natural oils. A little care and a weekly treatment should keep your hair shiny and beautiful!
