Dry hair may be difficult to manage, dull, lifeless and brittle. Dry hair requires special care, whether it is the result of styling, chemical treatments or your natural hair texture. Natural treatments and gentle hair care can add softness and shine to your hair without relying upon chemicals or expensive salon products. Bring luster and vitality back to your style with at-home deep conditioning recipes.
Significance
Dry hair treatments can be divided into two basic types. Moisturizing treatments, such as olive oil and coconut oil, rely upon fats or oils to add softness to the hair. Protein treatments, such as egg and yogurt, temporarily coat the hair shaft to create the appearance of healthier and shinier hair. Natural ingredients can create protein treatments, oil treatments or can be combined for an all purpose homemade hair mask for dry hair.
Types
The ingredients for natural hair conditioners may already be in your pantry or refrigerator. Mayonnaise is a classic choice for a natural dry hair treatment, suggests WomensHealthCareTopics.net. Use mayonnaise alone or combine with other nourishing ingredients, such as eggs, avocado and olive oil. You can also opt to work coconut oil or olive oil into your hair as a pre-shampoo treatment. Coconut oil, in particular, may help to reduce protein loss in healthy or damaged hair, according to A.S. Rele and R.B. Mohile in a 2003 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science.
Function
Blend desired ingredients to create your homemade hair treatment. Brush your hair well, then work the hair treatment into your hair. Use a wide tooth comb to disperse the oil or mayonnaise mixture evenly through the hair, focusing on the ends and the hair shaft. Wrap your head in plastic wrap or a plastic shower cap. Use a hair dryer or hot towel to add warmth if you opt for oil, but avoid adding heat if you are using mayonnaise or eggs. Wash the hair treatment out over the sink or tub using your usual shampoo and conditioner.
Considerations
Try replacing your usual styling creams or gels with a bit of coconut oil. Liquefy a very small amount of coconut oil between your palms and work into the ends of your hair to add shine and manageability to your dry hair, according to Candida-Cure-Recipes.com. Keep the oil well away from the roots of your hair and experiment to determine how much oil works on your locks. Dry, curly hair may tolerate more oil than dry and damaged straight hair.
Potential
While natural treatments for dry hair can keep your hair softer and healthier, preventative care is also essential. Avoid exposing your hair to sunlight, chemicals and harsh styling, recommends BeautifulWithBrains.com. Wash your hair less often to allow the natural oils to protect your hair, and use a commercial deep conditioner at least once a week. If you have curly hair, you may find that eliminating shampoo altogether is an appropriate choice to keep your hair softer and shinier.
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