Natural Ways To Stop Dry Hair

Well-hydrated hair is an outward indication of health, notes the Nemours Foundation on its TeensHealth website. Dry hair is a cosmetic concern and occasionally a medical concern as well, sometimes reflecting conditions like malnutrition or an underactive thyroid. For most people, dry hair can be naturally remedied at home. However, stubborn cases or those accompanied by other symptoms should prompt a visit to your dermatologist.

Protect Your Hair from the Elements

Protecting your hair from drying elements is an important step to remedying dry hair. Wear a hat outside to shield your hair from ultraviolet radiation exposure or strong winds. Protect your hair from low humidity, as well. When atmospheric humidity is low and especially when you're running an indoor heating system, run humidifiers around the house. Use one in your bedroom overnight, too, with the room's doors and windows closed. If you swim, wear a protective cap, as both salt and chlorine in water can dry out your hair.

Skip the Heat

Styling your hair with heat is a key cause of dry hair. Forgo the use of blow-dryers, curling irons, electric curlers or straighteners and other heat-based styling implements. Use standard plastic or foam curlers.

Spread Your Natural Oil

Sebaceous glands at the base of every shaft of hair produce moisturizing oil called sebum. Massage your scalp to help spread it around. When you brush your hair, run the brush downward, against and from your scalp over the entirety of your hair shafts. Consider straightening your hair if it's curly, as the scalp's oil more easily coats straight hair, according to the Nemours Foundation. Limit how often you wash your hair, too, as hot water and shampoos can diminish the sebum on your scalp and hair.

Use a Natural Conditioner

Conditioners add oil to the hair to fight against dryness. While many conditioners are made from chemicals, there are natural alternatives. Some all-natural conditioners are sold in stores, particularly stores specializing in such products. You can also rub mayonnaise on your hair after shampooing and drying it, or try a combination of over-ripened avocado and banana mashed together, suggests The Doctors Book of Home Remedies. Leave a natural conditioner in for at least 5 minutes.

Eat Right

Certain nutrients are particularly beneficial to hair and scalp health. According to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, these include B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. While supplements are available for all of these, there's no substitute for acquiring nutrients directly from healthy foods that provide them. If you are interested in supplementing, be sure to consult your doctor first.