What Home Remedies Can I Try for Thin, Dry Hair?

Dry hair often appears thin, dull, brittle and lackluster. It feels hard and straw-like to the touch instead of soft and silky. Dry hair craves moisture and may even need protein to improve texture and volume. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, dry hair can result from environmental dryness or exposure to dry air, blow-drying or using other heated styling tools, and washing too often. In most cases, you can remedy dry hair by avoiding the causes and using home remedies. If your hair does not improve after a few weeks, however, consult a qualified physician, as this may indicate a more serious condition.

Raw Egg

Raw egg contains protein that strengthens, conditions and moisturizes dry hair, and adds volume to thin hair. Sally Freeman, author of "Ageless Natural Beauty," suggests shampooing thin, dry hair with raw egg at least once a week. Crack an egg into a small bowl and whip until it begins to foam. Mix with a quarter cup warm water and 1 tbsp. of your normal shampoo. Apply to wet hair in the shower, massage into a foam, and then rinse as usual. Dry your hair in the sun or allow it to air dry after completing the treatment for best results. Refrigerate any leftover egg mixture and whip again before using, or make a new batch each time.

Avocado

The avocado fruit has a high vitamin and mineral content, and emollient properties that make it effective in moisturizing dry hair. It also delivers protein to the hair shaft, which increases the volume of thin hair. In her book, "Naturally Healthy Hair: Herbal Treatments and Daily Care for Fabulous Hair," Mary Beth Janssen recommends making a conditioner for dry, thin hair by combining the flesh of half a ripe avocado with 1 tsp. each wheat germ and jojoba oil. Work the mixture into shampooed hair and scalp, cover with a plastic shower cap and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing. Repeat once weekly as needed to nourish the hair.

Ripe Banana

Bananas moisturize and condition dry, brittle hair and help to add volume to thin hair, according to Stephanie Tourles in her book, "A Spa of Your Own: Recipes for Refreshing Skin, Hair and Body Treatments." Make your own banana hair treatment by mashing a large, very ripe banana, and then combining with 1 tbsp. each pure honey and heavy whipping cream. Apply the mixture to dry hair, beginning at the roots and working through to the ends. Cover your hair with a plastic bag or shower cap, and then wrap in a warm, hot towel. Leave the mixture on for at least an hour, and then shampoo and rinse as usual. Repeat once weekly.

Fatty Acids

When taken internally, fatty acids nourish the sebaceous, or oil-producing, glands in the scalp and moisturize hair from the inside out. Healthy, moisturized hair also has more volume, which reduces the thin, limp appearance. In his book, "Alternative Cures," Bill Gottlieb recommends consuming an oil high in fatty acids to remedy thin, dry hair. Oils such as flax seed, evening primrose and black currant seed contain high concentrations of these vital fatty acids. Take 1 tsp. of any of these oils daily for the best results. Always consult a doctor before taking any new supplement, however, especially if you take prescription medication.

References

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Dry Hair
• "Ageless Natural Beauty"; Sally Freeman; 2002
• "Naturally Healthy Hair: Herbal Treatments and Daily Care for Fabulous Hair"; Mary Beth Janssen; 1998
• "A Spa of Your Own: Recipes for Refreshing Skin, Hair and Body Treatments"; Stephanie Tourles; 2004
• "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008