Dry hair may result from excessive washing, using harsh chemicals found in many inexpensive styling products, exposure to heat from blow drying or using a flat iron, or environmental factors such as dry air. Regardless of the cause, deep conditioning treatments can help replace lost moisture and repair damage. However, consult a physician if your hair does not improve with gentle treatments, or if dryness is accompanied by hair loss or other unexplained symptoms.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil helps hold moisture in the hair. It also contains fatty acids that help seal hair cuticles and give each strand internal weight. The book "Curl Talk" recommends treating dry hair with a sunflower oil deep conditioning treatment. Massage enough sunflower oil into the hair and scalp to thoroughly saturate every strand, cover with plastic wrap or a shower cap, and leave on for 20 minutes. Shampoo and condition as usual to remove the oil and any residue. Repeat the treatment once a week to keep dry hair hydrated.
Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup helps restore moisture to dry, damaged hair, and provides extra body and shine when used regularly. The book "Nature's Weeds, Nature's Medicine" suggests making your own maple deep conditioning treatment for dry hair by combining 2 tbsp. pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp. lard and ½ tsp. honey. Warm in a small saucepan over low heat until melted and mixed thoroughly. Allow the mixture to cool to a temperature comfortable enough for application to the scalp. Massage well into the scalp and through the hair, leave on for 20 to 30 minutes, then shampoo and rinse as usual. Repeat once a week for the best results.
Sesame Oil
A natural hair conditioner used for hundreds of years, sesame oil deep-conditions the hair and helps lock in moisture. The book "Natural Prescriptions for Women" recommends combining sesame oil with essential oils to make a deep conditioning treatment for dry hair. Add 6 drops each lavender, bay and sandalwood essential oils--available at health stores--to 6 oz. of warmed sesame oil. Part your hair into 1-inch sections and apply the oil treatment to the scalp. Work through to the ends of the hair, wrap in towel and leave on for about 15 minutes. Shampoo twice to remove the oil. Repeat as often as once a week to help revitalize dry hair.
Rosemary Conditioner
A deep conditioner made from moisturizing oils and rosemary enriches dry hair, repairs damaged hair, and increases shine and luster. The book "Natural Beauty From the Garden" suggests whisking together 2 tbsp. of avocado oil, 1 tbsp. of castor oil, 2 eggs and 2 tbsp of strong rosemary tea until you reach a light, airy consistency. To make rosemary tea, steep 2 tbsp. fresh rosemary in 1 cup boiling water for 15 minutes and strain. Massage the homemade conditioner into your scalp and through your hair using your fingertips. Wrap your hair in a towel and allow the mixture to remain for about 20 minutes before shampooing and rinsing as usual. Repeat once a week as needed to improve the texture and appearance of dry hair.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dry Hair
- "Curl Talk"; Ouidad; 2002
- "Nature's Weeds, Native Medicine"; Marie Miczak; 1999
- "Natural Prescriptions for Women"; Susan Berg, The Editors of Prevention Health Books; 2000
- "Natural Beauty From the Garden"; Janice Cox; 1999
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