Dry Hair Natural Remedies

Dry hair can be caused by a number of things, including certain medical conditions such as thyroid diseases and malnutrition; environmental factors like overexposure to sun; and overuse of heat or styling products. Salon products and other store-bought remedies may be effective, but they can also be very costly. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies available to help get your hair back in shape and restore shine and luster.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a great, relatively inexpensive hair conditioner that provides essential proteins to nourish damaged hair, according to Organic Facts. You can find coconut oil in health food stores and online. Massage the oil into your hair and scalp, wrap your hair in a shower cap and let it sit for 20 minutes to an hour before washing out. You can also boil coconut oil and a few curry leaves together for two to three minutes to make a hot-oil treatment.

Remedies From Your Refrigerator

Your refrigerator is an excellent source of natural remedies for dry hair. Apply plain mayonnaise (not salad dressing) to hair evenly from root to tip, cover with a cap and let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse and wash as normal. Use a can of beer as a rinse in the shower to restore shine or add it to a spray bottle and use as a setting lotion. Use mashed bananas or avocados to make a hair mask. Apply evenly, leave on for about 15 minutes, then wash out over the sink to avoid clogging your shower drain.

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is not only good for your body, it is also good for your hair. In his book "The Hair Bible," Phillip Kingsley, a renowned trichologist (a scientist who specializes in hair), explains that hair requires a balanced diet of protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to maintain optimal health. Iron is the most important mineral, followed by B-complex vitamins. Protein is the building block for hair, but it requires the carbohydrates to complete the process.

Give Hair A Break

One of the easiest natural remedies for dry hair is to just let it go once in a while. Constant washing, blow drying, use of styling products and frequent dyeing can wreak havoc on hair. Give your hair a break by allowing it to air dry as often as possible. Resist the urge to shampoo every day, because this strips the hair of its natural protective oils. The National Institutes of Health recommends shampooing only once or twice a week.