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Damaged or dry hair occurs due to various reasons. Dry hair lacks moisture and natural oil, which is needed to lend a soft texture and a natural sheen to it. Basically, the hair shaft fails to hold adequate moisture, which leads to brittle and dry hair.

Exposing hair to harsh shampoos, excessive washing of hair and blow drying are some of the primary reasons for dry hair. However, a serious underlying condition like malnutrition or thyroid disease may also be the cause. Natural home remedies are quite helpful in treating the problem without any side-effects provided that dry hair is not due to a medical problem.

Home Remedies for Dry Hair

Mayonnaise Hair Pack

The author of Herbal Treatments for Healthy Hair, Greta Breedlove has stated that mayonnaise acts as a deep conditioner and hence excellent for dry hair. To prepare this hair pack, you need a cup of mayonnaise. First, wet the hair with water and gently apply mayonnaise to the scalp and hair in a thick layer. Massage this into your scalp and the hair. Wrap with a shower cap and let the mayonnaise remain for about 30 minutes before you shampoo and rinse it. Repeat the process every week, as it keeps the hair hydrated.

Oil and Yogurt and Mask

The author of ‘Ecobeauty’, Janice Cox has mentioned that oil together with yogurt works together to repair damaged and brittle hair. This remedy is quite good for dry hair, which is caused due to heat styling tools. Combine plain yogurt (1/2 cup) and olive oil (2 tbsp) and any essential oil (6 drops) in a blender.

Apply this mixture to the shampooed hair. Cover the hair with a shower cap and allow it to remain for about 15-20 minutes. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water and repeat this process 2 to 3 times a week.

Coconut Oil

According to a research paper published in ‘Journal of Cosmetic Science’ in the year 2003, the coconut oil reduces the loss of proteins in damaged hair, when it is used as a post-wash and pre-wash grooming product. Also, researchers discovered that the coconut oil had the ability to penetrate the shaft of the hair, unlike the other oils, which simply remains on the surface.

Apply liberal amounts of coconut oil and massage well before washing. Bruce Fife, the author of ‘Coconut Cures’ has recommended using 1-2 tbsp of oil. Apply the oil to the hair roots and massage well through the ends, which helps in coating each strand thoroughly. You can leave it for at least fifteen minutes, but an hour would be more beneficial. Wash and rinse the hair as usual. This hair treatment must be repeated 3 to 5 times weekly.

Avocado

Avocado strengthens the hair shafts and moisturizes the dry hair. It provides proteins, which fortifies the damaged hair. It is recommended to apply the avocado pulp to the hair one or two times weekly to treat dry and damaged hair.

Peel a ripe fruit and combine the flesh of avocado with olive, wheat germ or coconut oil (2 tsp). Apply this mixture to washed hair, starting at the hair root and slowly working towards the ends. After applying, cover the scalp using a shower cap and allow it to soak for about 15-30 minutes. Rinse and shampoo the hair to remove excess oil residue.

Honey

Pure organic honey helps in restoring lost moisture to damaged and dry hair and adds shine and body according to Janice Cox, who has authored ‘Natural Beauty from the Garden’. Firstly, wet the hair with lukewarm water and then apply pure honey (1/2 cup) to the scalp. Massage it thoroughly on the scalp and gradually work through the rest of the hair.

Although it might seem sticky, you can easily wash it without any problem. Cover and leave for about 20 minutes. Shampoo and rinse with water. You can repeat this process once every day, if desired. Honey lightens the hair, if used consistently for a few months. Hence, it is recommended to use once a week, in case your hair is dark to prevent this side effect.

Egg

Separate the yolk and white of an egg. Whip the egg white thoroughly. Add water (1tbsp) to the yolk. Blend until it is creamy and then combine both white and the yolk. Wet the hair with lukewarm water and remove excess moisture. Apply the mix to the scalp and massage gently. Rinse with cool water.

Tropical Treat

Tropical treat is a deep conditioning mask, which will give you the best results. This homemade mask includes easily available ingredients in the kitchen. Blend banana (two) and avocado (one) until you get a creamy consistency. This exotic puree is applied to scalp area and gradually worked on the entire hair. Leave for about 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly using a gentle shampoo. Avocado and bananas have natural oil, which will moisturize and makes your hair lustrous.

Apple-cider Vinegar

Apple-cider vinegar is used to treat brittle and dry hair. Drench the hair with vinegar while in shower. Rinse it with water and apply a deep conditioner.

Aloe Vera

This is an excellent remedy to treat dry hair. The extract of this plant contains elements, which help in moisturizing the hair follicles. This makes the hair shiny and lustrous. Take Aloe juice (1 glass) in the morning every day to keep your internal system as well as your hair healthy. Plenty of products like Aloe Vera hair cream, shampoos and hair gels are now available in the market, which can be used to get rid of the problem of dry hair.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is known to provide healthy and shiny hair and hence it is used as a beauty ingredient for centuries. Olives are a rich source of vitamins and the oil obtained from them has a number of benefits. It will help in controlling the frizzy and brittle hair. You can heat about 1/4th cup of oil and apply it to the hair.

Cover with a warm towel or Saran wrap. Leave for about 5-10 minutes and shampoo it. By following this treatment regularly, you can get rid of the problem forever.