Natural Hair Treatment Tips

Natural Hair Treatment Tips
Photo Credit hair style image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com

The hair frames the face and can change your appearance drastically. Balancing the scalp and increasing blood circulation to the roots of the hair with natural, chemical-free treatments increases growth and makes hair strong and shiny. Moisturizing and cleansing the scalp and hair correctly can decrease dandruff, a dry and flaky scalp, greasy or dry hair and eczema. Natural hair treatments may also smooth frizzy hair and leave it soft and silky.

Strengthen Hair With Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a traditional treatment for strong, silky hair in Southeast Asia. This natural oil contains proteins, lauric acid and other nutrients and has antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Many shampoos and conditioners contain coconut oil and you can use it as a natural moisturizing treatment. Massage coconut oil into the scalp and the hair for an hour or more while it deep conditions, then shampoo.

Treat Dandruff With Aloe Vera

Just as aloe vera heals the skin, it may soothe inflammation and itchiness on the scalp. It also helps to balance an oily scalp and greasy hair by cleansing and adding moisture. The aloe vera plant has more than 75 nutrients including 12 vitamins and a number of minerals, such as calcium, zinc, potassium and magnesium. These compounds make aloe vera an excellent natural treatment for scalp problems, such as dandruff, eczema, sunburn and psoriasis. Aloe vera also contains a high percentage of water to hydrate the scalp and hair. To use this herbal gel as a natural hair treatment, rub aloe vera into the scalp and hair. Cover with a shower cap and wait for an hour or more before washing out.

Cleanse Hair With Baking Soda

Baking soda is also a clarifying treatment for the hair. This common kitchen ingredient cleanses the hair and the scalp of styling product residue and oil and dead skin buildup. The alkalinity of baking soda also balances the pH of the scalp to decrease dandruff. For clean and balanced hair, add baking soda to your regular shampoo or wash your hair with baking soda alone. Mix a handful of baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Massage the paste into the scalp and hair for several minutes before rinsing out. White vinegar can be used after shampooing as a conditioning treatment to cleanse the scalp and seal the hair cuticles. Use a spray bottle to apply evenly and rinse out for clean, shiny hair.

Moisturize With Olive Oil

A healthy cooking and salad oil, olive oil is also beneficial for the hair and scalp. Olive oil contains omega-3 fatty acids to moisturize the hair and decrease scalp inflammation. It is also rich in vitamins A, D, E and K to nourish the hair and scalp. Massage olive oil into the hair and scalp and cover with a shower cap. For dry or damaged hair, wrap a warm towel over this to give the hair and scalp a hot oil treatment. Leave for a few hours or overnight before washing out for soft, silky and manageable hair.

References

Article reviewed by Elizabeth Ahders Last updated on: Apr 8, 2010

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