Revitalizing dry, damaged hair is frustrating. Many commercial products promise to condition and correct dry hair, although they can put a big dent in your wallet over time. Fortunately, simple and affordable home remedies can restore parched and damaged hair.
Hot Oil Treatments
Hair is especially prone to dryness and breakage during colder months of the year. According to the website Daily Glow, hot oil treatments help moisturize, smooth and soften dry hair. Oils that are commonly used for hot oil treatments include extra-virgin olive oil, cold-pressed coconut oil, and jojoba oil. Slowly warm 1/2 cup of oil in a bowl over a basin of hot water. The oil should be warm to the touch, but not hot. Apply a small amount of oil throughout slightly dampened hair, concentrating on the ends. Twist, braid, or bun the hair then cover with plastic cling wrap. Allow the oil to condition the hair for as long as desired, then rinse away with warm water. A few tbsp. of baking soda or apple cider vinegar can be used in place of shampoo to help remove excess oil, but the goal is to keep a bit of oil in the hair for moisturization. Avoid the use of harsh shampoos to remove the oil. For more scalp stimulation, essential oils such as lavender, mint or rosemary can be added to hot oil treatments.
Shea Butter
According to the American Shea Butter Institute, shea butter, a thick cream, is produced from the African shea seed. Rich in vitamin A, this cream protects and deeply conditions dry hair, and prevents dry, irritated scalp. Shea butter that's free of additives and colorants is most beneficial for dry hair. Shea butter can be found in bulk inexpensively on auction sites and in most health food stores. Shea butter should be applied to hair as needed throughout the day to deeply moisturize dry hair.
Hair Masks
According to the website of the International Long Hair Club, homemade hair masks are simple, affordable ways to give dry hair a moisture boost. Homemade hair masks can consist of bananas, mayonnaise, eggs, avocado, or bentonite clay. Mayonnaise is good for strengthening and smoothing dry hair, while avocado or bananas deeply moisturize and soften. To make an easy avocado hair mask, just thoroughly mash the flesh of a medium or large sized avocado. Spread the mashed avocado throughout the hair, focusing on the drier areas. Cover the hair with plastic cling wrap for even deeper moisturizing and leave the mixture in the hair for as long you'd like. Rinse the avocado mask from the hair with warm water, then apply a light leave-in conditioner or shea butter to help seal moisture in the hair strands.
Member Comments