Home Remedies for Babies With Dry Hair

Dry hair can be troublesome for babies with thick, curly or coarse hair. Additionally, weather changes and dry climates can cause hair dryness in babies with any hair type. Home remedies for babies with dry hair offer gentle alternatives to store-bought conditioners and hair treatments. Though these home remedies for dry hair do not contain chemicals or additives, care should be taken to avoid getting treatments into baby's eyes, nose or mouth.

Fruit Mash

According to "Alternative Cures," Bill Gottlieb: 2008, avocados help replenish moisture and protein in dry hair. Safe for babies who are not allergic to avocados or bananas, a simple hair conditioning mash is made by pureeing one overly ripe banana and one ripe avocado together until smooth and well blended. Apply the mash to the baby's hair by massaging into the scalp and hair until saturated. Let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is high in oils and fats, which offer beneficial conditioning properties. Heat 1/2 cup mayonnaise in a microwave until the mayonnaise becomes oily. Let cool, stir and apply liberally to your baby's hair. Allow the mayonnaise to sit for 15 minutes before shampooing.

Canola & Olive Oil

Canola and olive oils offer saturating qualities that deep condition the hair. Mix small amounts of olive and canola oils, then massage into baby's scalp and work down to the ends of the hair. Do not get the oil in baby's eyes or on her face. Pediatrician Dr. William Sears recommends shampooing the oils out immediately, as leaving the oils next to the skin too long risks the chance of rash.

Aloe Gel

Aloe vera gel is widely used to soothe skin ailments and is also high in conditioning properties. Aloe may be mixed directly with regular baby shampoo by adding 1 to 2 tbsp. of pure aloe gel to the bottle. Shake the bottle to mix completely, let settle, then shampoo and rinse as normal.

Shampoo Schedule

The scalp contains beneficial natural oils that condition the hair and help prevent dryness. Shampooing baby's hair too frequently can lead to scalp oils being stripped away, and dryness can result. The UW School of Medicine advises washing hair one to two times per week to help the scalp retain natural oils.