If your hair is dry, chemically treated or just a frizzy mess, you might be tempted to try expensive salon treatments to restore its health. However, you can make your hair healthy, shiny and strong again by following a basic regimen of good care, along with some special treatment to restore its luster. In fact, by learning to care for your hair at home, you can ensure its health long into the future, while avoiding expensive treatments.
Step 1
Trim off any badly damaged parts of your hair using sharp, clean scissors. If all your hair is damaged, cut off at least 1/4 inch to remove any split ends. Cutting off split ends stops them from traveling up your hair strands and causing frizz and breakage.
Step 2
Shampoo only once to three times a week with an all-natural shampoo designed for dry or damaged hair. Wash only your roots and scalp, not the ends of your hair. This helps your hair hang on to its natural oils, which will improve its overall health.
Step 3
Apply conditioner liberally from roots to ends every time you wash or wet your hair. If the weather outside is dry, add a tsp. of honey or molasses to your conditioner. These are natural humectants, which help your hair retain its moisture.
Step 4
Let the conditioner sit a few minutes, then rinse and towel dry your hair. If your hair is very damaged, apply a leave-in conditioning formula.
Step 5
Comb wet hair very gently with a wide-toothed comb to avoid breakage. Wrap your hair in a towel instead of rubbing it dry. If you can, wait until your hair is dry to comb or brush it.
Step 6
Heat olive or coconut oil once a week in the microwave or on a stovetop, until it is warm but not hot. Massage it into your hair and scalp, wrap your head in a towel and let it sit half an hour. Shampoo as normal.
Step 7
Avoid rough treatment of your delicate hair, including chemical treatments, blow-drying and other heat styling products. Protect it from harsh weather and keep your hair away from collars, backpack straps and other places it can get caught by tying it up with a gentle elastic or fastener.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are uncomfortable trimming your own hair, see a stylist for the initial hair cut. If you have naturally oily hair, customize this regimen to use lighter products and less added oils.
Things You'll Need
- Sharp scissors
- Natural shampoo for dry hair
- Moisturizing conditioner for dry hair
- Honey or molasses
- Leave-in conditioning treatment
- Towel
- Wide toothed comb
- Olive or coconut oil
- Microwave or stovetop
- Gentle elastic or fastener
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