Deep conditioning treatments can add up at the beauty salon. Fortunately, you probably already have the ingredients you need to make your own hair treatments. Depending on the ingredients you choose, you can make a conditioner suitable for healthy hair, dry hair or even severely damaged hair without leaving home.
Significance
Hair needs moisture to be healthy, but styling, chemical treatments and environmental exposure can sap your hair. Most home remedies work by adding moisture, typically with oils or other fatty ingredients. Very damaged hair may also require protein to support the damaged hair shaft, coating it and improving its appearance. You can make a treatment that is just moisturizing or one that moisturizes and reconstructs the hair.
Types
The simplest home hair treatment is oil, according to the weight-loss and fitness website Women Fitness. Apply olive oil, jojoba oil or coconut oil to damp hair. Mayonnaise is another popular choice, combining oil, vinegar and eggs in one all-purpose hair treatment. If you prefer an all-protein treatment, use eggs or egg yolks on your hair, suggests the health and beauty website Daily Glow. Other beneficial ingredients for your hair include honey and avocado.
Function
Work the treatment through your hair from the ends upward. Use a wide-tooth comb to disperse it evenly. Wrap your hair in plastic wrap and apply heat with a hair dryer or hot towel if you are using oil, avocado or honey. Avoid using heat if you have opted for a mayonnaise- or egg-based hair conditioner. Leave the treatment in place for at least 15 minutes, then wash out and condition normally, using cool water. Oil treatments can also be left in your hair overnight, according to Women Fitness.
Time Frame
Homemade hair treatments require that you set aside additional time for hair care, but how often you should make time depends on your hair. Plan to use a deep-conditioning treatment weekly or bi-weekly if you have very dry, chemically treated or damaged hair. Healthier hair may require deep conditioning treatments less frequently, according to the Long Healthy Hair Advisor website.
Warning
Even gentle and natural deep conditioning can lead to build-up. Thoroughly rinse your homemade hair treatments with cool water. Consider using an apple cider vinegar rinse, recommends the website Hairstyle. Combine 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar with 3 cups cool water and use this mixture as your final rinse after your homemade conditioning treatment.
Member Comments