Hair becomes dry when it does not have enough moisture and oil to maintain a healthy texture and sheen. Excessive washing, harsh soaps, excessive blow-drying and environmental dryness may cause dry hair. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, shampooing less frequently, using conditioners and avoiding harsh styling products may help reduce dryness. Several home remedies may help restore your hair's healthy luster with regular use.
Avocado
A conditioning treatment made with avocado optimizes the delivery of protein to the hair shaft, which strengthens and moisturizes it. Lack of protein often causes the hair to appear dry and brittle. In his book "Alternative Cures," Bill Gottlieb suggests peeling a ripe avocado and mashing together with 1 tsp. wheat germ oil and 1 tsp. jojoba oil. Double the recipe if you have very long hair. Apply the mixture to shampooed, towel-dried hair, massaging it into the scalp using small, circular motions with your fingertips. Spread the mixture from your scalp to the ends of the hair. Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap or plastic wrap, leave on for 15 to 30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Use once a week as needed to hydrate dry hair.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise, a popular home remedy for dry and brittle hair, also delivers protein to the hair shaft and helps seal in moisture. It works similarly to avocado, according to the Reader's Digest Association in the book "1,801 Home Remedies." Rub plain mayonnaise into clean hair, beginning at the scalp and working down to the ends. Cover your hair with plastic and leave the mayonnaise on for 45 minutes to an hour. Rinse thoroughly and wash your hair using a gentle shampoo. Repeat the treatment up to once a week as necessary.
Olive Oil
In her book "The Passionate Olive," Carol Firenze recommends using olive oil as a home remedy for dry hair. Olive oil increases your hair's strength and improves its overall flexibility. This treatment works especially well for hair damaged by excessive blow-drying or rolling with heated rollers. Warm 1/4 cup olive oil over low heat or in the microwave. Check to make sure it's not too hot, then apply directly to the hair and scalp. Work the oil into the hair from the scalp to the ends. Once you've completely saturated all strands, wrap your hair in a thick towel and leave on for at least 30 minutes. Remove the towel and shampoo twice to remove all the oily residue. Repeat up to twice a week as needed.
Raw Eggs
Raw eggs help moisturize dry hair by infusing it with protein, similar to avocado and mayonnaise. Add 1 tbsp. sea salt to one lightly beaten egg and massage into the hair and scalp. Allow the mixture to remain on your head for five to 10 minutes, and then rinse and shampoo. In her book "The Hair Bible," Susan Craig Scott recommends using two egg yolks instead of a lightly beaten whole egg for very dry or brittle hair, or an egg white beaten with the juice of a small lemon if your hair is oily but your scalp is dry.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dry Hair
- "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems"; Reader's Digest; 2004
- "The Passionate Olive: 101 Things to Do With Olive Oil"; Carol Firenze; 2005
- "The Hair Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Healthy, Beautiful Hair Forever"; Susan Craig Scott, Karen W. Bressler; 2003
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