Dry hair doesn't contain enough oil and moisture to retain its normal, attractive sheen. Excessive styling, using heated styling tools and harsh chemicals, washing too often and exposing your hair to wind, sun and water can cause dry hair. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends shampooing about once or twice a week, using conditioners and avoiding blow dryers to care for dry hair at home. Several herbal remedies for dry hair may also restore moisture and luster when used regularly.
Rosemary Oil Treatment
A warm oil conditioner combined with rosemary can help replenish some of the hair's natural oils. In his book "Earl Mindell's New Herb Bible," Earl Mindell recommends making a dry hair treatment by combining 1 cup extra virgin olive oil with 1/2 cup dried rosemary and warming it over low heat. Remove the mixture from the heat, allow it to cool to room temperature, and then apply to the scalp, working through to the ends of the hair. Cover the hair with a shower cap followed by a warm towel to help the oil penetrate the hair shaft. Allow it to remain for 30 minutes before rinsing with tepid water. Shampoo if necessary to remove oily residue. Perform this treatment once a week to hydrate dry hair.
Essential Oil Protein Treatment
Protein treatments help fortify and strengthen dry and brittle hair. Bill Gottlieb, author of "Alternative Cures," recommends making a protein treatment for dry hair using gelatin, apple cider vinegar and essential oils. Combine 1 tbsp. plain gelatin with 1 cup water and allow the mixture to gel slightly. When the gelatin becomes partially set, add 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar and 6 drops essential oil. For best results, use essential oils that benefit dry hair such as sage, rosemary, lavender or jasmine. Mix this well and massage the mixture into your hair and scalp after shampooing. Allow it to remain for 15 minutes before rinsing. Performing this once a week can keep hair healthy and moisturized.
Vinegar Hair Rinse
According to Rosemary Gladstar in her book "Herbs for Natural Beauty," wine vinegar helps restore the natural pH balance of the scalp and revitalizes dull, dry hair. Combine 1 oz. wine vinegar with 6 oz. spring or distilled water, and stir in 10 to 15 drops essential oil. Use essential oils for dry hair such as lavender, sage, jasmine or rosemary. To use this, pour the mixture over your hair after shampooing and rinsing, massaging the liquid into the scalp. Rinse with warm water, followed by cold water if you handle it. This leaves hair glossy and shiny. Repeat three times a week as needed to restore luster to dry hair.
Avocado Hair Treatment
Avocado hair treatments optimize protein delivery to the hair shaft, which strengthens and moisturizes dry hair. In her book "Herbal Body Book," Jeanne Rose suggests making your own avocado shampoo for dry hair that lacks body. Combine 1/2 cup liquid castile soap, 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup mashed avocado in a blender. If you don't have access to castile soap, use mild, unscented baby shampoo instead. Blend the mixture on medium speed until smooth. To use, wet your hair thoroughly, apply the shampoo to the scalp, and work through to the ends of the hair. Add warm water gradually to work up a lather before rinsing clean. Repeat as often as desired to remedy dry hair.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dry Hair
- "Earl Mindell's New Herb Bible"; Earl Mindell; 2000
- "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- "Herbs for Natural Beauty"; Rosemary Gladstar; 1998
- "Herbal Body Book: The Herbal Way to Natural Beauty and Health for Men and Women"; Jeanne Rose; 2000
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