Who doesn’t want silky lustrous hair that turns heads everywhere?
Unfortunately, many suffer from dry hair, which is caused by the lack of moisture in the scalp and hair strands [1].
This occurs when the scalp does not make sufficient oil to keep the hair moisturized and lubricated, or that the hair allows for the moisture to escape.
The hair is covered with a “protective layer” known as the cuticle, which not only preserves lubrication but also shields it from damage.
When the cuticle is damaged, the hair becomes more prone to dryness.
Learn more inside:
- 12 best natural remedies for dry hair
- Methods of preparing and using these dry hair remedies
Contrary to popular belief, dry hair is not a hair type, which means it can be resolved with natural home remedies.
1. Avocado
Do you love snacking on avocados, or making guacamole dip?
Not only is the avocado fruit delicious and refreshing, it’s also packed with essential nutrients that are needed by the body.
Now imagine this:
Slather a cupful of mashed avocado on your hair.
As it turns out, avocados are also good for your hair.
In fact, you can use this fruit to control dry and frizzy.
Packed with vitamin A, vitamin E, protein, minerals and saturated fats, avocados are highly effective in treating damaged hair [3, 4].
The nutrients in avocado are said to “pull down irregular hair to eliminate frizz” [4].
This fruit also helps nourish and strengthen hair by adding moisture into the hair shafts.
Your skin can also benefit the same way from avocados by keeping it moisturized and supple, warding off aging signs, and protecting it from the harmful UV radiation coming from the sun.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil
- 1 teaspoon of wheat germ oil
Recommended Directions:
- Combine all ingredients.
- Mix until consistency is paste-like.
- After bathing, apply this mixture onto your hair.
- Massage your hair and scalp gently.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse your hair.
- Repeat the home remedy for dry hair once a week.
2. Honey
There’s a long list of health benefits associated with the use of honey:
It can help reduce the risk of cancer, keep heart disease at bay, treat ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems, fight fungal and bacterial infections, relieve cough and sore throat, regulate blood sugar levels, and disinfect wounds among many others.
It’s no surprise that it has been called many times as the “golden healer”.
Can you imagine putting a thick amount of sticky honey on your hair?
Some people might not believe this, but honey is beneficial for the hair as well.
Fact is, honey is a popular ingredient used in many cosmetic products including hair conditioners.
It is a natural moisturizer and potent antioxidant that rejuvenates the hair [5].
When used as a hair rinse, it can bring back the hair’s luster [5].
With its high nutritional value and antibacterial properties, honey is a great remedy not only for dry hair but also for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis [6].
Both of these conditions have been linked to hair dryness.
In this study that can be found in the European Journal of Medical Research, 30 patients with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis were required to apply 90 percent honey dissolved in warm water on their scalp for two to three minutes each day [6].
It was left on for three hours before rinsing with water [6].
The condition significantly improved after four weeks, with a marked reduction in scalp itching and scaling, hair loss and dry hair [6].
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1 cup of honey
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- Apply one-half cup of honey on hair after bathing.
- Massage gently.
- Wrap your head with a towel.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Follow this remedy twice a week.
- Dilute one cup of honey in one cup of water.
- Use this as hair rinse after shampooing your hair.
- Leave it on for three hours, then rinse with warm water.
- Use this dry hair home remedy every other day for one to two weeks.
3. Olive Oil
A great source of monounsaturated fats, olive oil is known for its ability to reduce heart disease, control blood sugar levels, and manage type 2 diabetes.
It’s also rich in nutrients and antioxidants that can keep the skin looking fresh and young.
The health and skin are not the only ones that can benefit from this versatile oil.
If you have dry hair, you can also use this to revive your hair’s sheen and strength.
The Huffington Post reports about olive oil’s healing properties, and how it can treat damage hair by nourishing with vitamin E and antioxidants.
Olive oil also resolves dry hair by sealing moisture into the cuticle.
Unlike other oils, olive oil penetrates into the hair strands without making hair look oily and heavy [7].
Treatment with olive oil has also been found effective in reducing split ends, a condition that’s common in people with dry hair [7].
What You’ll Need:
- 3 to 5 tablespoons of olive oil
Recommended Directions:
- Put olive oil in a pan over low heat for one to two minutes.
- Remove from heat, and let it cool a little.
- Apply warm olive oil on scalp and hair strands.
- Massage gently for 10 minutes.
- Cover hair with shower cap.
- Leave it on overnight.
- Use shampoo and conditioner the next day.
- Do this remedy once a week.
4. Egg
Do you love eating omelettes, scrambled eggs or sunny side ups?
Eggs are an excellent source of protein as well as B vitamins, vitamin D, iron, copper and zinc.
What many do not know is that eggs can also be used to bring back the hair’s shine.
Experts say that eggs can work wonders in restoring moisture in dry and damaged hair.
Rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, protein, and vitamins, egg yolks can efficiently nourish and strengthen hair shaft and strands [8].
A popular remedy for frizzy hair, eggs keep hair moisturized and get rid of excess oil.
What You’ll Need:
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Recommended Directions:
- Mix eggs, honey and olive oil.
- After bathing, apply mixture on scalp and damp hair.
- Wrap towel around your hair.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse hair with cool water.
- Repeat procedure once a week.
5. Banana
Bananas are popular tropical fruits that provide the body with essential nutrients and antioxidants.
A piece of banana supplies the body with 10 percent of its recommended daily allowance for dietary fiber.
It’s also rich in vitamin B6, which not only reduces the risk of diabetes but can also aid in weight loss by suppressing the appetite.
For those complaining of dry hair, bananas can also help.
A study published in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry found that bananas can effectively “promote hair recovery and rehabilitation” [9].
That’s because bananas are loaded with enough vitamins, minerals and natural oils to nourish and retain moisture in the hair.
Moreover, these fruits are ideal to use as treatment for hair damaged by harsh chemicals and sun exposure.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of almond oil
Recommended Directions:
- Mash banana with a fork.
- Combine banana, honey and almond oil.
- Apply mixture on your hair and scalp.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing.
- Do this once a week.
6. Almond Oil
You’ll never look at almond oil the same way again once you find out the many wonderful things it can do for your health.
It can reduce risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, keep the skin rejuvenated, and reduce cholesterol levels, among others.
In addition to all these, almond oil is another excellent remedy for dry hair.
Almond oil is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin E that restore shine in dull hair [9].
Its essential fatty acids meanwhile prevent breakage, fight split ends, and hold in moisture inside the hair strands.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/4 cup of almond oil
- 1 egg
Recommended Directions:
- Beat egg.
- Stir in almond oil.
- Continue beating until consistency becomes thick and smooth.
- Apply mixture on scalp and hair.
- Let it sit for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Wash your hair cool water.
- Do this remedy once a week.
7. Aloe Vera
For centuries, aloe vera has been used in China, Egypt, Greece and India for its benefits on health and beauty [10].
Egyptian queens like Cleopatra and Nefertiti use aloe vera in their daily beauty regimen [10].
This plant is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that make it suitable for treating dry and dull hair [11].
When you make use of aloe vera on your hair, not only would you be bringing back your hair’s luster, you’ll also reduce the likelihood of hair loss.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 half cup of aloe vera gel
- 2 teaspoons of castor oil
- 2 teaspoons of fenugreek powder
- 1 teaspoon of basil powder
Recommended Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix well.
- Put mixture on hair and scalp.
- Wear a shower cap.
- Wait for one to two hours before rinsing hair.
- Do this once a week.
8. Sesame Oil
Sesame is probably one of the “most potent and nutrient-dense foods” that has been used for 5,000 years [12].
It belongs to the list of healthy oils that can ward off numerous ailments, and keep the body in top condition.
Sesame oil also heals and rejuvenates damaged hair with its overload of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
It is a powerful way to boost hair strength, fight bacteria, and prevent hair loss [13].
What You’ll Need:
- 3 teaspoons of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
Recommended Directions:
- Mix ginger with sesame oil.
- Massage onto the scalp for 10 minutes.
- Cover hair with towel.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse and shampoo your hair.
- Repeat procedure once a week.
9. Beer
Here’s something that you might find hard to believe:
Beer is no longer just a popular party drink, it’s now a part of hair care routine.
An article published in the Fox News Magazine explains that beer’s vitamins and protein help develop fuller hair while alcohol cleanses and brings back luster [14].
The Daily Mail, meanwhile, reports that silica in beer not only restores sheen but also fortifies hair and boosts volume [15].
What You’ll Need:
- 2 teaspoons of unpasteurized beer
Recommended Directions:
- After shampooing your hair, apply beer on your hair.
- Let it dry naturally.
- Do this once or twice a week.
10. Vinegar
Vinegar doesn’t necessarily lock in moisture in the hair.
What it does is that it removes the residue from shampoo and other hair products, which cause dry hair [16].
Several articles also show that vinegar can help maintain proper pH balance in the scalp as well as relieves itchiness and dandruff [17, 18].
With its numerous benefits for the hair, it’s only right that you try this remedy and see if it works well for you.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup of vinegar
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- Mix water and vinegar.
- Rinse hair with this solution after shampooing.
- Wait for 10 minutes before washing it off.
- Do this once a week.
11. Hot Oil Massage
Hot oil therapy is one of the superb home remedies. This natural hair treatment makes use of all the beneficial hair oils to give you silky, smooth, and shiny hair. You can custom the hair oil of your choice for this moisturizing blend. Here’s a simple but effective hot oil blend for treating your dry hair problem.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoon of almond oil
- 2 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 tablespoon of jojoba oil
- 2 tablespoon of coconut oil
- Medium sized pot
- Towel
Recommended Directions:
- Pour all the oils in the pot and heat up the blend.
- Remove the heat when the oil is lukewarm.
- Massage the hot oil blend thoroughly on your hair and scalp.
- Now cover your hair with a towel and leave it for 30 minutes.
- Use shampoo to wash your hair.
- Repeat the dry hair home treatment once in a week to get back silky and smooth hair.
12. Mayonnaise Hair Pack
Mayonnaise is another home ingredient that you can safely use for dry hair treatment. Mayonnaise is rich in L-cysteine. This antioxidant compound contributes to strong, voluminous, and soft hair.
Follow the process below to easily give life to your dry and damaged hair.
What You’ll Need:
- ½ a cup of mayonnaise
- Shower cap
Recommended Directions:
Blend the mayonnaise thoroughly until it’s fluffy.
Rinse your hair with normal water and apply the mayonnaise on the wet hair.
Wear a shower cap to cover the hair for 30 minutes.
Wash off using shampoo.
Repeat the treatment once a week to heal damaged and dry hair.
Summary
According to WebMD, the top factors that damage hair are harsh chemicals from hair products and frequent use of blow dryers, curling irons and hair straighteners.
By using these simple, cheap and effective home remedies, you can restore your crowning glory’s beauty and sheen.
