Treatments for Dry Hair

Hair that is dry and feels like straw may have been damaged by the sun, wind, or from styling products that contain alcohol. Additionally, coloring, perming or relaxing your hair may cause damage, making your hair feel brittle and lifeless, says medical website, KidsHealth.org. Give your hair a moisture and shine boost by applying a homemade hair treatment to your tresses approximately once a week.

Banana Conditioner

In an article on beauty website, SheKnows.com, Kori Ellis suggests creating a homemade conditioner from moisturizing ingredients in your refrigerator. Whip up a conditioning treatment with 1/2 a banana, 1/4 of a cantaloupe, one tbsp. plain yogurt and one tbsp. olive oil. Place the ingredients in a blender and pulse until completely combined, then apply to hair that has already been washed but not conditioned. Place a shower cap over your head to prevent dripping, if necessary. Wait 30 minutes, then rinse out the conditioner with cool water and style as usual.

Rosemary Hot Oil Treatment

To add moisture to dry, lifeless hair, Kathi Keville, author of "Herbs for Health and Healing" suggests using a rosemary hot oil treatment. Make your own rosemary hot oil treatment at home by combining two drops ginger essential oil, six drops rosemary essential oil, six drops sandalwood oil, two oz. aloe vera gel and two oz. castor oil in a saucepan. Heat the ingredients until the oil thins slightly and becomes warm. If the oil is too hot, it will burn your hair and scalp. Test the oil before using it on your hair. Slather the oil over your dry hair, then wrap your head in an old towel. Leave the mixture on for one to two hours, then shampoo as you normally would.

Mayonnaise Conditioner

Coating the hair with mayonnaise will help add moisture and softness to the hair, because it contains oils and fats that hydrate the hair follicles. Shalini Vadhera, author of "Passport to Beauty" recommends applying approximately one cup of mayonnaise to dry hair, then working it through your hair with your fingers. Massage the mayonnaise into your scalp to evenly distribute it. Cover your hair with a shower cap, then let it sit for 15 minutes before shampooing, says Vadhera.