Dry hair occurs when your hair does not
receive enough moisture. This reduces its sheen and can make your hair appear
frizzy, lifeless, and dull. Dry hair can affect men and women of any age.
Sheen and luster are two important signs of
healthy hair. Your hair consists of three layers. In healthy hair, the outer
layer thoroughly protects the inner layers. Natural oils in the outer layer
also reflect light, making your hair shiny. In cases of dry hair, the outer
layer breaks down, which causes the hair to appear dull and unhealthy.
Causes of
Dry Hair
There is no single cause of dry hair. Rather,
a variety of factors can lead to dry hair, including environmental conditions,
hair care habits, and your physical health. Environmental conditions that may
cause dry hair include:
- living in a dry, hot climate
- spending a lot of time in the sun
- frequently swimming in chlorinated water
Certain hair-care practices also contribute
to dry hair. These include washing your hair too often, using harsh shampoos
and conditioners, getting frequent chemical treatments, blow-drying your hair
daily, and using electric curling irons or straighteners.
In some cases, dry hair is the result of a
health problem that makes it difficult for your hair to retain moisture. The
following health conditions can dry out your hair.
Anorexia
nervosa
This is an eating disorder in which a person
undergoes self-starvation. People who suffer from this condition are typically
underweight and have an extreme fear of gaining weight. Anorexia nervosa can
cause malnutrition. Dry, brittle hair is one of the many side effects of
anorexia and malnutrition.
Hypoparathyroidism
This condition causes the parathyroid gland
in your neck to produce too little parathyroid hormone, which decreases the
level of calcium in your blood. Calcium is a key nutrient for healthy bones,
teeth, tissue, and hair.
Hypothyroidism
If you have this condition, your thyroid
glands do not produce enough thyroid hormones. Dry and brittle hair is an early
symptom of hypothyroidism.
Menkes
Kinky Hair Disease
People with this rare genetic condition have
cells that are unable to absorb enough copper. Low copper absorption affects
the health of their hair and can cause dryness.
Remedies
for Dry Hair
1.
Unboiled Milk
To heal dry
hair, pour some unboiled milk in a bowl. Soak a cotton ball in the milk and
apply it directly on hair and scalp. After one hour, wash your hair thoroughly.
2. Sesame
Oil
Sesame oil
is excellent nourishing oil. As it is rich in vitamins and minerals, it helps
in strengthening hair and increasing blood circulation in the scalp. Simply mix
one tablespoon each of root juice, lemon juice, and sesame oil. Apply this
mixture on the scalp and hair. Wrap your head with a hot towel. After half an hour,
rinse with shampoo.
3. Apple
Cider Vinegar
To treat dry
hair, apple cider vinegar is very effective. Instead of using expensive
shampoos for hair, a simple pack or massage of apple cider vinegar works
better. All you are required to do is to take out some apple cider vinegar in a
bowl. With the help of a cotton ball, apply it on the scalp and hair. Rinse
your hair after 5-10 minutes.
You can also
use diluted apple cider vinegar. Mix apple cider vinegar and warm water in
equal proportion. Apply it after shampooing your hair. It will work as a
conditioner and will help manage your hair properly.
4. Eggs
One of the
most used remedies for dry hair is egg yolk. Egg yolk works as a natural
moisturizer and conditioner for dry hair. Mix two eggs with half cup of olive
oil. Stir the mixture well and apply it directly on hair. Cover your head with
a shower cap. Rinse after one hour.
To
moisturize dry and rough hair, use egg whites. Separate white part of egg and
damp it on hair. Leave it for 20 minutes and then, wash it off.
You can also
add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or olive oil in 3 eggs. Stir it well, adding
one tablespoon honey. You can also put in a few drops of lemon juice in it.
Apply the mixture on hair and scalp and cover with a shower cap. Wash it off with
lukewarm water after 30 minutes.
Egg can also
be used with yogurt. Just beat two eggs in half cup of full-fat yogurt. Add 1½
tablespoons of almond oil. Stir it well until it turns creamy. Massage your
scalp and hair with this mixture. After massage, cover your head with a towel,
and wash it off with lukewarm water after half an hour.
Prepare a
mixture of three eggs, one tablespoon of olive oil, one tablespoon of vinegar,
and one tablespoon of coconut oil. Stir it well, adding a few drops of rosemary
essential oil. Apply this mixture on the head for 20 minutes and rinse it off
with regular shampoo.
5.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil
is considered to be a magical remedy for curing dry hair. For using coconut
oil, you just have to massage some coconut oil on your hair and scalp. With the
help of finger tips, massage your scalp. Leave it for the whole night. Rinse it
off in the morning.
You can also
use warm coconut oil.
6. Curry
Leaves
Curry leaves
are not just a good ingredient to add taste to your food, but also a useful
remedy for the treatment of hair. Curry leaves are enriched with calcium,
vitamins, phosphorous, and iron. Heat two tablespoons of coconut oil adding 5-6
curry leaves in it. Heat it for a few minutes and allow it to cool down. Apply
it on the scalp and hair. Wrap a warm towel on the head for 15 minutes. This
ayurvedic treatment will surely nourish your hair.
7. Yogurt
Yogurt is a
natural conditioner for dry hair. It can be applied as a mask on hair. The
moisturizing properties of yogurt help in curing dry hair. Add a teaspoon of
apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of honey in half cup of yogurt. Mix it and
apply it on hair and hair roots. After 15 minutes, rinse your hair with warm
water.
Add some
olive oil or mustard oil in yogurt and apply it on hair before shampooing your
hair.
You can also
apply plain yogurt on the scalp and leave it for 30 minutes. Wash your hair
with warm water.
Note- These
yogurt recipes should be used in the warm summer months as yogurt brings down
the body temperature.
8. Milk
Milk is a
natural blend of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats, which acts as a
nutrient for the body and helps in strengthening cells, including hair cells.
Add ¼ cup of goat milk powder in some water to create a smooth paste. Spread
this paste on hair while massaging with it. Wrap your head with a warm damp
towel. Wash your hair with a herbal shampoo after some time.
To get
smooth and shiny hair, separate egg yolk in a bowl and add a few drops of olive
oil in it. Add half teaspoon of sugar in it. Stir it well. Shampoo your hair
with lukewarm water. Then, apply milk on the head and let it rest for 5-10
minutes. After a stipulated time, wash your hair. Now, massage your hair with
the prepared yolk and olive oil mixture. Again, wash your hair with cold water
and dry them with hair dryer.
9.
Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek
seed is one of the natural remedies for dry hair. The conditioning properties
of fenugreek seeds help in managing dry hair. Soak 50 gm fenugreek seeds in
water for overnight. Next morning, crush them to make a fine paste. Add four
tablespoons of yogurt to it. Add a few drops of olive oil and some honey to it.
Mix all the ingredients well.
Apply this
paste on hair and scalp. Wrap it with a shower cap and leave it for 45 minutes.
Rinse off your hair with a mild shampoo. For effective results, practise this
method twice a week.
You can also
simply apply plain fenugreek paste on hair. It also provides effective results.
10.
Bananas
Banana is a
natural remedy for the treatment of dry hair. They are rich in potassium,
antioxidants, and vitamins, which makes them a beautifying fruit. For the
treatment of dry hair, you need to prepare a banana paste. Just blend two over
ripe bananas and add one tablespoon each of coconut oil, honey, and olive oil.
Apply this paste on hair for 15 minutes. Wash off your hair with warm water.
You can also
use bananas with egg. Grind two over ripe bananas and add 2 eggs. Beat the
mixture properly adding a few drops of honey to it. Apply this pack on hair and
scalp. After half an hour, rinse off with shampoo.
11. Olive
Oil
Olive oil is
the best treatment for dry hair. Olive oil can be used for massaging your head
or as a hair pack. All you need to do is to warm some olive oil. Apply it on
the scalp with your finger tips. Massage your hair for some time. Rinse your
hair with a shampoo to remove oil from hair.
To prepare
olive oil pack, you are required to blend one egg and a peeled cucumber. Add
four tablespoons of olive oil to it. Apply this smooth mixture on hair and wear
a shower cap on head. After 10 minutes, wash off your hair twice with a
shampoo.
You also
have an option to use olive oil with egg yolk. Just mix two tablespoons of
olive oil in two egg yolks. To dilute it, add this mixture in half cup of
water. Apply this paste directly on the head for 20 minutes. Wash your hair
with shampoo.
12. Honey
Honey is a
nourishing product for hair. Prepare a paste of two tablespoons of honey, one
tablespoon of buttermilk or yogurt, and one tablespoon of coconut oil. Stir it
well and warm it. Apply this mixture on your strands. Cover your hair with a
shower cap. Rinse off your hair after 20 minutes.
You can
prepare a honey hair mask by combining three tablespoons of olive oil and half
cup of honey. Apply it on hair and scalp. Wrap your head with a warm towel.
After 30 minutes, shampoo your hair.
13.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise
is rich in proteins and helps in making your hair soft, shiny, and healthy.
Take half cup of full fat mayonnaise. Apply it on your scalp and hair. Massage
gently. Then, cover your head with a plastic cap. Let it rest for half an hour.
Rinse off with lukewarm water.
You can also
add 1/3 cup of almond oil in ¼ cup of mayonnaise. Add 1-2 egg in it and stir
the mixture well. Apply it on hair. Wear a shower cap, if needed. Wash off your
hair with diluted vinegar.
Mayonnaise
oil can also be applied on hair. After 15 minutes, rinse your hair.
14.
Avocado
For the
treatment of dry hair, you can prepare hair mask of avocado. For this, puree
the inner part of avocado. Add ¼ cup of milk and 1 tbsp of olive or coconut oil
in the puree and stir it well. Apply this creamy avocado puree on hair and hair
roots. Wear a shower cap for 15 minutes. Wash off your hair with lukewarm
water.
Else, add a
few drops of peppermint essential oil in mashed avocado paste. Apply this paste
after shampooing your hair. Let it rest for fifteen minutes. Rinse off with
water.
You can also
use mayonnaise with avocado. Mash the pulp of avocado adding some mayonnaise in
it. Massage this paste directly on hair roots and hair. After 20 minutes,
shampoo your strands.
To get shiny
hair, heat some coconut oil for 10 seconds and massage your hair with it. Let
it rest for some time. Meanwhile, blend pulp of avocado and banana to form a
paste. Apply this paste on hair. After 10-15 minutes, rinse off with shampoo
and cold water.
You can also
prepare a paste of avocado and yogurt. To control dry hair, mix inner part of
avocado and some yogurt to make a smooth paste. Apply it directly on hair
as a hair mask. For best results, apply this pack twice a week.
15. Beer
Beer is
considered to be a good conditioner for hair. It is also known for promoting
hair growth and maintaining shine of hair. Being an excellent tonic, beer is
enriched with proteins and vitamin B. Firstly, wash your hair. Spray beer all
over your hair. You have to simply replace a conditioner with beer. Leave it
for some time. Use a blow dryer to remove the smell of beer.
Beer becomes
a nourishing conditioner, when added with egg and essential oil. Mix a few
drops of jojoba oil in 8 ounces dark beer and apply it on hair. After 15
minutes, wash hair with lukewarm water.
You can also
mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in two cups of beer. Use it as a
conditioner.
16.
Filtered Shower
The water,
you use for shampooing your hair, contains a large amount of chlorine, which
may destroy our hair and causes several problems, like hair loss, split ends,
dry hair, and itchy scalp. For maintaining shine and strength of hair, use
filtered shower. Filtered shower reduces the contents of sulphur and chlorine.
17.
Gelatine
Gelatine is
used to strengthen hair. For the treatment of dry hair, you need to heat a cup
of water. Add one packet of gelatine to it. Stir it well to form a thick gel.
Shampoo your hair and apply gelatine on hair and scalp. After some time, rinse
your hair with warm water.
Alternatively,
add gelatine to your regular shampoo and rinse your hair with it.
You can also
prepare a mixture of one tablespoon of gelatine, one teaspoon of apple cider
vinegar, and four drops of rosemary essential oil. Add all the ingredients in a
cup of filtered water. Massage this mixture on shampooed hair. After 15
minutes, wash your hair. To experience positive effects, practise this method
once a week.
18. Aloe
Vera
Aloe vera is
a natural moisturizer for skin and is a natural conditioner for hair. Apply
some aloe vera juice directly on hair. Wash it off after a few minutes.
Prepare a
mixture of four tablespoons of aloe vera gel, two tablespoons of coconut oil,
and three tablespoons of yogurt. Stir it properly and apply it on hair.
You can also
prepare a paste of aloe vera by adding two teaspoons of crushed hibiscus flower
paste and one teaspoon olive oil in half cup of aloe vera gel.
Another way
of preparing paste of aloe vera is to add two teaspoons of castor oil in half
cup of aloe vera gel. Add two teaspoons of fenugreek powder and one teaspoon of
basil powder to it. Mix all the ingredients well to form a thick paste. Before
going to sleep, apply this paste on hair as a mask and let it stay for
overnight. Next morning, wash hair with a mild shampoo.
19.
Essential Oil Treatment
Dry hair can
also be treated with essential oils. The essential oil nourishes hair and
maintains its strength, shine, and bounce. You simply have to massage your hair
and scalp with essential oils for some time. The essential oils, used for
treating dry hair, are sandalwood, rosemary, geranium, and lavender. Oil
massage can be done before shampooing your hair.
Else, add
one tbsp of honey with one tsp of jojoba oil. Add one teaspoon each of olive
oil, apple cider vinegar, and safflower. Add yolk of an egg. Along with these
ingredients, add four drops each of geranium, sandalwood, and neroli essential
oils. Massage your scalp with this mixture for 15 minutes. Rinse off with clean
water.
20.
Papaya Pack
Papaya is
enriched with essential nutrients, which are helpful in boosting hair growth.
To prepare papaya pack, you have to mix one cup of diced papaya and one cup of
diced banana in one cup of yogurt. Add one tablespoon each of honey and coconut
oil to it. Blend it to make a paste. Use this paste on your strands. Wear a
shower cap. After 30 minutes, wash your hair.
21. Lemon
Juice
Lemon is a
citrus fruit, which helps in maintaining healthy hair by alleviating several
hair problems, like dandruff, itchy scalp, and hair fall. For the treatment of
dry and dull hair, wash your hair and then, apply one tablespoon of lemon juice
on hair and dry your hair with a towel.
REMEMBER