One day you’re combing your hair as usual when you notice something. Your curls are not as soft as they used to be. You frown and ask yourself – “What’s wrong with my hair?”
The answer to this riddle is simple – you have dry hair. This is not a reason for panic. Dry hair happens to all of us from time to time. But if you don’t want this to be a common occurrence and to avoid future hair damage, you have to take action.
When you visit your local drug store, you’ll notice so many shampoos for dry hair. However, there is another option that you may pursue. You just have to take a look at your kitchen to discover some really amazing home remedies for dry hair. They are all-natural, safe, tested and more importantly, free of any potential irritating elements.
First, let’s see why your hair has lost its softness.
What causes dry hair?
I’m sure that the reason for dry hair will occur to you if you think about it. Yes, that’s right – it’s all about moisture. Enough moisture equals shiny and soft hair, while a lack of moisture leads to dry and damaged hair.
But what happens to the moisture? There are two options:
- Your hair needs the oil produces from the hair roots to keep it moist and soft. If your scalp doesn’t produce enough oil, your hair gets dry.
- Your hair doesn’t retain moisture and loses it throughout the day. The cuticle layer of your hair acts as a protector against sun and heat damage. Imagine it as roof shingles which are usually flat. When they get raised – moisture escapes and your hair gets frizzy and dry.
There could be several reasons behind dry hair:
- Overuse of curling irons or blow dryers.
- Overwashing with shampoo.
- Extreme temperature.
- Exposure to the sun and the wind.
- Chlorinated water.
- Inadequate diet.
- Anorexia Nervosa. Dry hair and dry skin might be the first signs of this serious condition.
- Menkes Syndrome. This is a genetic disorder that affects the ability of the cells to absorb copper. And copper is crucial for bones, skin and hair health.
- Thyroid disease. If you have hypothyroidism (slow working glad), then your body is not producing enough hormones to regulate your metabolism. An early sign of this illness could be dry hair.
- Hypoparathyroidism. In this case, your parathyroid gland doesn’t produce enough parathyroid hormone.
As you can see, there are many causes of dry hair, ranging from simple to complex ones. If you have dry hair and if there is no improvement after you start treatment, it’s important to consult a doctor to rule out a more serious condition.
So pay attention to your hair.
Symptoms of dry hair
What are the typical signs of dry hair? Well, if you are worried about your hair, watch out for the following things:
- Lack of flexibility and elasticity. Healthy hair stretches without breaking, while dry hair will snap easily
- A lot of split ends.
- Dry hair is coarse to the touch.
- Lack of shininess.
- Excessive shedding.
How to Treat Dry Hair?
Numerous shampoos exist with the sole purpose of providing extra moisture to your hair, and you might spend hours wondering which the best shampoo for dry hair is.
However, there are easy to prepare home remedies for dry hair that you can try before buying an expensive shampoo. Here, I’ve made up a list of the most effective home treatments that will provide you with the moisture you need. Read on and enjoy!
1. Eggs for strong hair
Whenever you hear the phrase – “hair problems”, you’ll probably hear the word “eggs”, too. And there is a simple reason for this – eggs are among the most popular, efficient and cheap remedies for any hair problem. But what makes eggs so special? Let’s see.
First, eggs are a vital source of protein. And your hair needs protein to grow healthy. Using egg masks strengthens the hair shafts and promotes hair growth.
Second, the egg yolk contains vitamin A, which stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (oil). More oil means more moisture and a low risk of dryness or breakage.
Third, eggs have a high fatty acid content which keeps the cuticle layer closed and smoothes frizzy hair.
There are numerous ways to use eggs as a home remedy for dry hair. You can use it independently or in combination with other moisturizing agents.
Required Ingredients:
- a bowl
- two eggs
- a spoon
- a lukewarm water
- a hair tie
- a mild shampoo
Process:
- Take two eggs and break them.
- Whisk the eggs with a spoon to make them frothy.
- Before applying the whisked eggs wet your hair.
- Then apply the mixture thoroughly.
- Tie your hair in a bun.
- Wait at least 30 minutes.
- Wash the egg mask with cool water.
- Use a mild shampoo as a final rinse.
- Repeat three times a week.
Alternatively, you can use another ingredient rich in protein – milk for better nourishment.
Required Ingredients:
- eggs
- full-fat milk
- a spoon
- a bowl
- a shower cap
- cold water
- shampoo
Process:
- Take two-three eggs.
- Break them in a bowl and whisk them with the spoon.
- Measure two tablespoons of full-fat milk and add them to the eggs.
- Mix well.
- Wet your hair and apply the mixture to your scalp.
- Put on the shower cap.
- After an hour has passed, wash off with cold water.
- Rinse with a mild shampoo.
- Repeat several times a week.
Notes: For a better application of any egg mask, always wet your hair beforehand. Remember, that if you use hot water to rinse your hair, you won’t be able to wash the eggs easily. And use a shower cap to avoid making a mess
2. Honey for moisture
Most of you probably use honey as a natural substitute for sugar. But that’s only one of the possible applications of this thick brown substance. It’s perfect for burns, skin problems, sore throat, and hair issues.
Honey is a natural humectant. This means that it attracts moisture to your hair and creates a protective layer to keep your scalp hydrated. Honey also acts as an emollient agent, and it makes your hair silky to the touch.
And since honey is rich in nutrients and vitamins, it provides nourishment and strengthens the hair shafts. The antioxidant properties, on the other hand, protect your beautiful curls from sun damage.
Required Ingredients:
- honey
- water
- a bowl
- a hair tie
- shampoo
Process:
- Measure a 1/4th cup of organic honey and pour it into the bowl.
- Measure 2-3 tablespoons of water.
- Add them to the honey.
- Stir with a spoon to thin the honey.
- Damp your hair.
- Apply the mixture thoroughly from root to tips.
- Leave the mask for 40 minutes.
- Wash with cool water.
- Rinse with shampoo. (optional)
- Repeat.
Alternatively, you can mix honey with apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar softens the hair and makes it easy to untangle.
Required Ingredients:
- honey
- apple cider vinegar
- a spoon
- a shower cap
Process:
- Take a 1/4th cup of honey.
- Measure 8-10 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
- Add them to the honey.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Apply the concoction to your scalp.
- Cover your head with the shower cap.
- After 30 minutes, rinse with a mild shampoo.
- Repeat up to four times a week.
Notes: Be careful when you use honey since it can lighten your hair color. It’s not a good idea to expose your hair to the sun immediately after using the honey mask on your scalp.
3. Bananas for extra nourishment
Everyone knows that bananas are an excellent source of nutrients and vitamins. But it’s not common knowledge that if you want to get rid of dry hair, a banana hair mask is everything you need. What makes bananas so effective for combating dryness? Let’s see:
- They contain minerals that moisturize the hair.
- The natural oils present in the bananas create a layer of protection and prevent moisture loss.
- Bananas are rich in vitamin A. Just like eggs they stimulate the sebaceous gland to produce natural hair oils.
For better results, specialists recommend mixing bananas with almonds. Almonds are an essential source of another vitamin for healthy growth – vitamin E. Moreover, they are rich in magnesium and will strengthen your curls.
Required Ingredients:
- cap
- water
- almonds
- bananas
- a fork
- a spoon
- a bowl
- a shower shampoo
Process:
- Measure half a cup of almonds and soak them overnight.
- Crush the almonds in the bowl until you have a smooth paste.
- Peel a banana and mash it.
- Add it to the crushed almonds.
- Stir with a spoon.
- Wet your hair and then apply the mixture.
- Use the shower cap to cover your head.
- Leave the concoction on for one hour.
- Rinse with water and shampoo.
Notes: The banana must be well-mashed. Otherwise, you’ll spend hours trying to wash the lumps out of your hair.
Here is one of the best conditioners for dry hair that you can prepare using bananas.
4. Olive oil to protect and nourish the scalp
When it comes to hair care, essential oils are something that we shouldn’t forget to mention. Among the many available oils, olive oil stands as one of the most efficient remedies for dry hair. It penetrates deep into the scalp and helps your hair to retain moisture. It also nourishes the scalps, makes your curls soft and silky, and promotes hair growth.
Due to its antioxidant properties, olive oil also protects the hair shafts from damage.
Required Ingredients:
- olive oil
- a bowl
- a shower cap
- conditioner and shampoo
- a microwave
Process:
- Pour some olive oil into the bowl. How much you should use, depends on the length of your hair.
- Warm the oil in the microwave for a few minutes.
- Then massage it into your scalp or wet your hair and comb it through.
- Put on the shower cap or wrap your hair in a warm towel.
- Wait 20 minutes before rinsing with shampoo and applying conditioner.
- Repeat weekly.
Alternatively, you can add eggs to the olive oil to improve its efficiency.
Required Ingredients:
- two eggs
- two teaspoons of olive oil
- two tablespoons of lemon juice
- a blow
- shampoo
Process:
- Whisk the eggs in the bowl.
- Add the olive oil and lemon juice.
- Mix well.
- Apply the concoction to your scalp.
- Massage for a few minutes
- Wait 15 minutes and wash off with shampoo.
- Repeat
Notes: You can also use coconut oil, jojoba oil or almond oil.
5. Beer repairs damaged hair
Beer is rich in vitamin B, and when used for hair care, it can have some amazing effects on your dry curls. It can make them shiny, soft and easy to untangle. Since it contains a multitude of minerals and nutrients, it’s an effective remedy for repairing damaged hair follicles.
Required Ingredients:
- beer
- a spray bottle
- a blow dryer
- water
Process:
- Get a spray bottle and fill it with beer.
- Wash your hair as usual.
- Then spray the beer onto your hair.
- Blow-dry your hair.
- Wait 10 minutes and wash the beer off with water.
- Repeat once a week.
Notes: Avoid this remedy if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tips for preventing dry hair
To protect your shiny curls from ever getting dry and dull, follow these essential tips for healthy hair:
- Don’t use curling irons without applying protective hair products and limit how often you use them.
- Don’t blow-dry your hair. Use a towel and gently pat your hair dry.
- Wear a hat to protect your hair from sun damage.
- Don’t wash your hair too often.
- Use sulfate-free and alcohol-free shampoos.
- Consume plenty of water to keep yourself and your scalp hydrated.
- Don’t use hair care products that are full of chemicals.
- Always use conditioner.
- Brush your hair regularly, but do it gently and carefully.
Hair care is important for everyone, so it’s worth your time to read all about these fascinating home remedies for dry hair. Don’t forget to share your point of view in the comments – tell us if you agree or disagree with the benefits of using these simple remedies.
And show this article to your friends and family so that they could try these remedies for themselves.
Catalina Johnson
A licensed hair practitioner, Catalina Johnson has worked in hair care for more than 25 years, spending the last decade focusing on trichology, which is the study of hair and scalp disorders.She is an accomplished author and educator as well, and she credits God for drawing her to the hair industry.
