Dry and damaged hair is an extremely common problem and little carelessness seem to worsen it manifold. We all love beautiful, thick and healthy tresses and there must have been innumerable times when you saw someone’s beautiful hair and wished if you could also have the same! Dryness can be natural, caused due to climatic conditions or simply a result of hair damage.
Hair damage could be a consequence of excessive exposure to sun, pollution, hair treatments, hair colour and products, poor hygiene routine or simple negligence. In this feature we will discuss various treatments that can help you in containing the damage and restoring healthy and beautiful hair with the help of natural treatments.
Natural Treatments For Dry and Damaged Hair
Oiling
Oiling the hair is a very common and routine activity in many Asian countries. Massaging oil on your scalp can help in boosting the blood circulation in the head which clears away the follicular blockages and boosts the hair growth. Application of oil on the hair strands moisturizes the hair and reduces frizz.
Best way to oil your hair is to apply warm oil on the scalp and hair strands and leave them for at least an hour before washing your hair. Overnight oiling is also popular before a hair wash. Mustard oil, olive oil, coconut oil, Almond oil are preferred oils for before wash oiling. Wash your hair thoroughly with normal to lukewarm water. In the end take a few drops of coconut oil or baby oil and apply on the scalp and run your fingers through the hair.
Pour one mug of water on the hair and dry them up. This will eliminate the stickiness of the oil and yet provide the benefits of the oil. You should use a light and less sticky oil like coconut oil for after wash application. Always remember that applying heavy and sticky oil and leaving it in your hair will only attract a lot of dust which will get lodged in your scalp and hair worsening the quality of hair.
Steaming
If you thought steam therapy was only meant for your facial skin then this segment will enlighten you to its benefits for your hair. Steam basically opens the pores of your skin. This helps in effective cleaning of scalp and drains the blockages in the hair follicles. It also ensures that the benefit of oiling or any other hair products that you might be using get absorbed completely.
For steaming the hair, first step is to apply oil to your scalp and hair as steaming can dry your hair out if exposed to already dry hair. Heat water in the pan and immerse a thin towel in it. Squeeze with the help of tong and unwrap it completely so that excess steam which can burn the scalp escapes.
Wrap it around your head and let it rest for 5 minutes. Repeat this procedure for about 15 minutes. You may also use a humidifier for this purpose. Wash your hair as usual and you will find that your hair is much easier to manage after this treatment and much more shinier.
Top 5 Herbal Remedies For Dry And Damaged Hair
Top Home Remedies For Dry and Damaged Hair
Deep Cleansing
Most of us suffer from hair damage and dry hair due to follicular blockages and product build up. What happens is that whatever hair products that we use especially the oils and leave in conditioners tend to leave remnants which do not get washed away by usual cleaning and shampooing. This leads to product build up and gradually you begin to experience hair fall and damage as the blockages do not let the essential nutrients reach your hair through follicles.
It is almost like depriving a body of oxygen. This makes deep cleansing absolutely necessary. There are number of ways in which you can clean the scalp. Use of Apple cider vinegar is considered beneficial. Take half a bowl of vinegar and dilute it with another half of water. Apply this solution on your scalp and lightly massage it. Vinegar is a natural cleaner and will uproot the accumulations on the scalp. Baking soda is another popular remedy for treating the scalp and cleaning it.
Take 3-4 spoons of soda and add 1/4th bowl of water. Mix thoroughly until baking soda begins to foam. Apply it in a massaging action on your scalp. The escaping gas build up from soda clears the dirt in the scalp as well. Steam therapy is also a great way of cleansing your scalp. Application of lemon juice can help in clearing dandruff and leaves your scalp and hair smelling of cleanliness! However, lemon can also dry out your hair, so make sure you mix the melon juice with a few drops of oil and then massage the scalp.
Moisturizing
Like skin, hair also need regular moistening. Apart from oil there are many other natural ingredients that can help in this process. Aloe Vera is the first herb that comes to mind when it comes to moistening of skin and hair. Extract Aloe Vera gel from a sprig and apply it on your scalp and hair strands. It is specifically beneficial in cases of extensive damage due to sun exposure.
Aloe Vera will cool off your scalp and moisten it without causing unwanted stickiness. It is a very light gel and you can let it rest in your hair for about 2-3 hours. Wash off as usual. Egg is known as a natural hair conditioner. Beat an egg and apply it in your hair for shinier hair. You can also add egg and Aloe Vera to your regular conditioner to increase the potency of the conditioner.
Home Remedies For Dry And Damaged Hair
Natural Cures For Dry And Damaged Hair
Hair Routine
A proper hair routine at least ones in a week can help you in getting rid of your hair scares. Begin with oiling, steaming and follow it up with washing and conditioning. Limit steaming to ones in a month and deep clean at least thrice in a month if you are suffering from hair damage and hair fall.
Refrain from using hair colours and chemical treatments on your hair. Let your hair dry naturally, do not use dryer as it blows away the moisture in your hair as well. Do not over oil your hair especially after you have washed it as it only helps in lodging a lot of dust and pollutants in your scalp and hair follicles. Get your hair trimmed regularly to get rid of split ends and excessively dry hair. Hair ironing must be eliminated from your beauty routine completely as it dries out the hair and makes them flat. Cover your hair with a scarf when stepping out in harsh sun or wind.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.