Dry, coarse hair occurs when the hair shaft cannot hold enough moisture, usually due to external factors. Washing your hair too frequently, using blow-dryers and other heated styling tools or spending too much time in a dry environment can sap moisture from your hair and reduce softness. The most effective remedies for dry hair include protein and deep-conditioning treatments that restore the hair's normal sheen and texture. Call your doctor if your hair does not improve with home treatments, however, as this may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Olive Oil
Olive oil deep conditions hair, and increases softness and strength. In her book “The Passionate Olive” Carol Firenze suggests making your own olive oil conditioner to treat dry, coarse hair. Combine 1/2 cup olive oil with 1 egg yolk and set aside. Shampoo your hair as usual and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Apply the olive oil mixture to your hair, beginning at the scalp and working the oil through to the ends. Leave on for about 5 minutes, shampoo your hair again to remove the oil and rinse with tepid water. Shampoo a third time to remove any remaining oily residue, if necessary. Repeat this treatment once a week until you achieve the desired results.
Honey or Molasses
Both honey and molasses can restore moisture, body, shine and softness to dry, coarse hair. Honey may lighten hair over time, however, so individuals with dark hair may wish to use molasses instead to avoid this side effect. Janice Cox, author of “Natural Beauty at Home,” recommends massaging 1/2 cup honey or molasses into your hair and leaving it on for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Wash and condition your hair as usual, and repeat the treatment once or twice weekly for the best results. After a few weeks, your hair will become noticeably softer, shinier and more manageable.
Avocado
Avocado moisturizes hair shafts and loads them with protein, which increases strength and softness, according to the Reader's Digest Association in the book “1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems.” Wash and peel a ripe avocado and mix with 1 tsp. wheat germ or olive oil. Apply the mixture directly to your hair just after washing and rinsing, beginning at the scalp and covering the hair to the ends. Place a plastic bag or shower cap over your scalp, leave the mixture on for 15 to 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Repeat once or twice weekly, as needed.
Raw Egg
Raw egg contains protein that strengthens, conditions and moisturizes your hair. In her book “Ageless Natural Beauty” author Sally Freeman recommends shampooing dry, coarse hair with a raw egg once or twice a week. Whip an egg until it becomes frothy and mix with 1/4 cup warm water. Apply the mixture to wet hair, and massage in as you would a normal shampoo. The egg will not produce a lather, but it will leave your hair soft and hydrated. Continue massaging for 1 to 2 minutes, and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Condition as usual and pat dry.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dry Hair
- “The Passionate Olive”; Carol Firenze; 2005
- “Natural Beauty at Home”; Janice Cox; 2002
- “1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems”; Reader's Digest; 2004
- “Ageless Natural Beauty”; Sally Freeman; 2002
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