What Is Dry Hair?
When hair does not have enough moisture to retain its shine and lustre, it is known as dry hair. This makes hair appear lifeless and dull. Hair is made up of three layers. Healthy hair has natural oils in the outer layer that protects the inner layers. This is known as sebum.
Without sebum, the outer layers of the hair strand may become damaged or the scalp may be dry that causes dry hair. Dry hair is a common issue faced by many men and women. Hair can get dehydrated just like the human body, that is, it doesn’t retain moisture. It may bring about frizziness or may make the hair fall flat.
What Causes Dry Hair?
Dry hair can be caused by external elements like humidity, how you take care of it or it may be an internal problem like a medical issue. Often straightening, smoothening and colouring procedures also lead to damaged and dry hair.
Other Causes Of Dry Hair Can Be
- Medical conditions like anorexia, thyroid or Menkes syndrome
- Hereditary Problems
- Dry, hot and humid climate
- Chlorinated water
- Malnutrition
- Excessive chemical use
- Excessive blow-drying hair
- Cuticle damage
- Spending lot of time in sun and wind
Home Remedies For Dry and Damaged Hair
There are multiple home remedies that can tackle dry hair. They are described as follows:
- Application of a mixture of 1 tablespoon of root juice, lemon juice and sesame oil strengthens and nourishes the hair. Keep this mixture on for half hour and then shampoo.
- Application of coconut oil and yogurt to the hair and scalp also addresses the issue. After application and retention for 1 or 2 hours, hair can be washed off with shampoo.
- Using henna can also improve hair health significantly. Take three spoons of henna powder and mix with brewed tea to make a thick paste. Add in some yogurt and leave it overnight. Apply the mixture in the morning lave on for one hour and then wash off.
- Egg yolks can moisturize hair and also condition it. Add two eggs to half a cup of olive oil and apply on the head. Cover with a shower cap and shampoo after one hour.
- Aloe Vera moisturizes hair well and brings back its shine. Drink some aloe vera juice to keep your body healthy. Along with this aloe vera gel or shampoo can be used to moisturize hair.
- Add curry leaves to coconut oil, heat the mixture and then cool it. Apply on hair and scalp for 15 minutes before rinsing off.
- Milk and bananas also add moisture to the hair. Prepare a hair mask using milk powder and milk or milk and eggs. Apply for one hour and rinse or use eggs and bananas, apply for one hour and rinse.
- Using butter is also a remedy; unusual but a remedy nonetheless. Use a small amount of butter to massage into the hair and then cover with a shower cap. Keep on for a half hour and then shampoo to remove excess butter.
- Freshly brewed tea also adds lustre to hair. Use tea to rinse hair after shampoo. Be careful to use tea that matches your hair colour, as tea enhances hair colour.
- Fenugreek seeds reduce the dryness in hair and condition it. Use 50 gm fenugreek seeds and soak them overnight. Crush them to make a fine paste. Add 4 tablespoons yogurt, some olive oil and honey. Apply on hair for one hour and wash off.
- Apple cider vinegar has many properties and one is to nourish hair. Mix 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 3 egg whites. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave on for half an hour while covering it with a shower cap. Rinse afterwards.
- An avocado mask also works wonder for dry hair. Puree the avocado fruit with some milk and coconut oil. Apply this mask for 15 minutes and shampoo your hair.
- Sandalwood oil mixed with jojoba or olive oil can condition and reduce brittle hair. Alternatively, a cream can be used instead of olive or jojoba oil for application.
- Using a rinse of apple cider vinegar and water, before and after swimming can help manage dry hair.
- Another alternative treatment includes using 1 tablespoon gelatin with 1 cup water. To this add 6 drops of any essential oil like lavender, jasmine or rosemary and include 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Apply this mixture on wet hair after shampoo and rinse.
Read more on 19 Home Remedies For Hair Growth and Long Luscious Hair
Honey Treatment For Dry and Damaged Hair
- Honey is a well-known moisturizing agent as it contains humectants properties and is often used to get soft skin
- The same honey can be used to treat dry and damaged hair that act as emollient that will transform hair into luscious locks
- Honey makes hair smooth, shiny and supple
- Enzymes and nutrients in honey nourish hair follicles and rejuvenate dry hair
- Antibacterial properties of honey clean oil build up on scalp, remove dandruff flakes, and also restore scalp pH balance
- Antioxidants in honey protect hair from pollution, sun damage
- Fructose and glucose in honey strengthen hair roots and prevent breakage
- Honey stimulates hair growth and accelerates re-growth of dormant hair follicles and prevent hair fall.
Honey itself can be used or additional ingredients can be added to the hair remedies. The following are the treatments recommended for dry and damaged hair: