Home Remedies for Dry / Damaged Hair
If your hair looks dry, dull, frizzy, even has split ends, breaks or damages easily, this could be due to a lack of oil production. To remedy this, regular deep treatments may be required to help soften and moisturize strands so they look shiny and healthy. The good news is that there are some simple home remedies that can help.
To create your own hair mask, make a selection of ingredients below and prepare before you step in the shower. Wash your hair as you normally would and squeeze out the excess water. Apply your home mask and distribute throughout your hair, paying careful attention to the ends, where moisture is most needed. Allow to set for 10-20 minutes and then rinse completely, unless indicated otherwise below.
Here are a few suggestions for easy at home masks. Mix and match depending on what you have available and what matches your specific needs.
One of nature's greatest moisturizers, avocados contain vitamins E, C & B and many other healthy nutrients. Depending how long or thick your hair is, and if you mix in anything else, use about a half of a ripe avocado to start. Mash it up with a fork to get all of the lumps out and apply to hair, allowing to set for about 20 minutes.
Rich in vitamins and natural oils, bananas are especially good for improving hair elasticity, which will help minimize split ends and breakage. Mash half of a banana, use on its own or with other ingredients. Freezing and thawing the banana before use can help to reduce lumps, which are difficult to wash out of hair. This is one treatment where a blender may come in handy.
Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for dry and damaged hair and skin, as it is nourishing and strengthening. It can be mixed in with other ingredients such as an avocado or banana, or can be used on its own. Work a small amount through hair and comb through to distribute. Allow to sit at least 20 minutes and then then out.
Not surprisingly, coconut oil is especially good for dry or damaged as well as other parts of your body including your face, hands, feet and cuticles. For your hair, apply sparingly, comb through and allow to sit for an hour, if not overnight. Use a gentle shampoo and then dry as usual.
Commonly used due to their high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and other micro-nutrients, eggs are good for strengthening the hair. They can be used alone or mixed into other ingredients, in particular olive oil for a super moisturizing hair mask. If you do not like the smell of eggs in your hair, try egg oil available in the market or online.
Mayonnaise, which is made up of eggs, vinegar and oil, can add shine and hydration to your hair. It can be used alone or mixed with an avocado for increased moisturizing.
Things to Note:
- If you're going to use an ingredient that requires mashing up, consider using a food processor to produce a more uniform and fluid consistency. Otherwise you could clog your drain with bits of banana or avocado.
- Be very careful with some of these ingredients, as they could make your shower very slippery.
- If you are allergic or sensitive to any of these ingredients, do not try this form of treatment. If in doubt, do a patch test in an inconspicuous place to see if you have any irritation or reaction.
