Dry, damaged hair occurs when the hair shaft does not hold enough moisture. Excessive washing and blow drying, exposure to dry air, and using harsh shampoos are the primary causes of dry, damaged hair. Sometimes, a more serious underlying condition, such as thyroid disease or malnutrition may be the cause. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises you to consult your doctor if your hair does not improve with gentle treatment. Natural remedies will usually help as long as medical problems are not to blame and the original cause is avoided.
Avocado
Avocado fortifies the hair shafts with protein, which makes damaged hair stronger and moisturizes dry hair. In the book "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems," the editors of Reader's Digest recommend applying an avocado hair treatment to dry, damaged hair once or twice weekly.
Peel a ripe avocado and mix the flesh thoroughly with 2 tsp. olive, coconut or wheat germ oil. Apply the mixture to freshly washed hair, beginning at the roots and working through to the ends. Cover your scalp with a plastic shower cap or plastic bag and leave in place for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and shampoo if necessary to remove oily residue.
Coconut Oil
A study published in 2003 in the "Journal of Cosmetic Science" found that coconut oil reduced protein loss in damaged hair when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product. Researchers also found that the oil was able to penetrate the hair shaft, unlike most other oils that simply sit on the surface of the hair.
For dry and damaged hair, apply a liberal amount of pure coconut oil to your scalp before washing. In his book "Coconut Cures," Bruce Fife recommends using about 1 to 2 tsp. of oil. Work the oil into the roots and massage through to the ends, coating every strand thoroughly. Leave on for at least 15 minutes, but up to 60 minutes if possible. Wash and rinse as usual. Repeat three to five times weekly.
Honey
Pure honey restores lost moisture to dry and damaged hair and adds body and shine, according to Janice Cox in her book "Natural Beauty From the Garden." Wet your hair with warm water and apply about 1/2 cup pure honey to your scalp. Massage in and work through to the ends. It may seem sticky at first, but it easily washes out.
Cover with plastic wrap or a plastic shower cap and leave on for at least 20 minutes. Shampoo as usual and rinse with cool water. Repeat as often as once daily, if desired. Honey may lighten the hair with consistent use over a few months. Do not use more than once a week if you have dark hair and you want to avoid this side effect.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dry Hair
- PubMed.gov: Effect of Mineral Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Coconut Oil on Prevention of Hair Damage
- "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems"; Reader's Digest; 2004
- "Coconut Cures: Preventing and Treating Common Health Problems with Coconut"; Bruce Fife; 2005
- "Natural Beauty From the Garden"; Janice Cox; 1999
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