Dry, damaged hair has many causes. Some include over-processing, over-shampooing, swimming in chlorinated or salty ocean water, blow-drying and exposing your mane to wind and sun. If your hair is very dry, consider treating it weekly until the condition improves; at that point, switch to monthly treatments. You can buy conditioners and hair masks at a pharmacy or discount store, or you can mix up your own with products that you have on hand.
Food-Based Conditioners
Fatty foods often have the oils and nutrients that your dry and damaged hair needs for optimal health. "The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies" suggests using mayonnaise in your hair. Leave it in for about five minutes, then shampoo. Try a mixture of mashed ripe banana and avocado. This mixture contains the right blend of fats and nutrients. Egg yolk mixed with honey also smooths and shines dull, damaged locks. Apply these conditioners before washing. If you have a garbage disposal, rinsing out the bulk of the goo in the kitchen sink and running the disposal once your hair is safely out of the way is a good way to avoid clogged bathroom pipes.
Hot Oil Treatments
Slowly heat several tablespoons of olive, coconut, almond or any other vegetable-based oil on the stove top. If desired, add a tablespoon of thick hair conditioner as well. Once it is at a comfortably warm temperature, apply it to your damp hair, and wrap it in plastic wrap. You may want to wrap your head in a dryer-warmed towel as well to keep the oil warm for a longer period of time. Relax for a half hour or more, then shampoo out. According to All Sands, you may need to shampoo twice to remove all the oil. You can probably skip using conditioner after washing, but if your hair was very dry to begin with, condition as usual.
After-Shampoo Rinses
Granny Med recommends using apple cider vinegar to smooth the hair cuticles. Mix 1/3 cup of vinegar with a quart of water, and pour the mixture through your hair after shampooing. Dry and style as you usually do.
Another good product to use to rinse your dry, damaged hair is beer, says "The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies." Pour beer on your hair after washing, conditioning and towel-drying. Blow-dry and style after rinsing with the beer. Both of these rinses have a strong odor when you first apply them, but the smell will dissipate quickly.
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