According to Damaged Hair, an internet-based resource dedicated to hair health, the leading causes of damaged hair are chemical treatments like coloring and relaxing the hair, as well as sun damage and heat damage from styling products like curling irons and blow dryers. However, there are some natural remedies that can help you repair your damaged hair with easy-to-find ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen cabinet. These remedies have not been evaluated by the FDA for effectiveness or safety, so you may want to talk to your doctor before trying any of them.
Olive Oil and Beer
According to Jethro Kloss, author of "Back to Eden: The Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Foods, and Home Remedies Since 1939," a mixture of olive oil and beer can help give your hair back some of its essential moisture. To use olive oil and beer in your hair, make a mixture that is two parts olive oil and one part beer. In the bathtub or shower, slowly pour the mixture over your hair and scalp and gently massage the mixture in for five to seven minutes. Wrap a towel around your head and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse your hair with tepid water and shampoo with a gentle shampoo. Let your hair dry naturally without using a towel or hair dryer. According to Kloss, this treatment is particularly good for those with heat-damaged hair or hair that has been damaged by overuse of styling products. This treatment can be used daily unless it irritates your scalp.
Vitamin E Oil
According to Julie Gabriel, author of "The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup, and Fragrances", vitamin E oil can help restore hair's natural moisture if it has been damaged by heat and excess exposure to the sun. To use vitamin E oil on your hair, gently massage a small amount into the hair and scalp. Wrap a towel around your head and leave the vitamin E oil on for 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Shampoo your hair with a gentle shampoo before using a conditioner that is made for damaged hair. Let your hair dry naturally without blow drying. This treatment can be repeated daily as needed.
Coconut and Avocado Paste
According to Melanie A. Sachs, author of "Ayurvedic Beauty Care," coconut and avocado paste is regularly used in Ayurvedic beauty treatments for dry or damaged hair by adding essential moisture to the root of the hair follicle and scalp. Mix 1/2 cup fresh coconut fruit and 1/2 peeled avocado in a blender and puree until the mixture makes a smooth, uniform paste. Gently massage the mixture into the roots of your hair and onto your scalp. Wrap a towel around your hair to keep the mixture off of your skin and clothes and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse your hair with cool water before shampooing with a gentle shampoo. Let your hair dry naturally to prevent further damage. This treatment can be used once per day as long as needed if no irritation of the scalp occurs.
References
- "Back to Eden: The Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Foods, and Home Remedies Since 1939"; Jethro Kloss; 2004
- "The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup, and Fragrances"; Julie Gabriel; 2008
- "Ayurvedic Beauty Care"; Melanie A. Sachs; 1994
- Damaged Hair: Causes of Damaged Hair
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