Dry and Damaged Hair No More!

For most people, especially women, their hair is the most important part of their physical appearance. They will take a lot of time and effort to ensure that their hair is looking great at all times. It comes as no surprise that even adages of bad times are associated with hair, because most of us have had those “bad hair days”!

So, when the hair becomes dry and damaged, most women and the appearance conscious men of today, tend to get worried. They want to know how they can handle their hair and make them not only manageable, but also healthy. While dry and damaged hair might be a cause of concern for anyone who is affected by them, there are actually several simple home remedies that can help handle the situation.

Here are some of the simplest home remedies, which can help you battle dry and damaged hair:

• Increase the intake of Omega3 – Over the past few years, there has been a lot of conversation about Omega3 fatty acids and how beneficial it is for the entire human body, including the hair. While the easiest method of including the fatty acid in your diet would be to eat fish that is rich in the same, there are several capsules, that reduce the effort altogether. You can choose from evening primrose oil, borage oil or flaxseed oil, as these are all rich in omega3 and will keep hair naturally hydrated and nourished.

• Butter up – You might love butter on your toast or pancakes, but did you know that the same butter could also help with dry hair? Homemade or unsalted butter would be the best option and all you need to do is massage a small amount into your dry hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap for 30 to 40 minutes and then wash it off with a mild shampoo and water that is not hot.

• Coconut oil or olive oil – take your pick – Whether it is coconut oil that is easy for you to source or olive oil, you can take your pick, because work really well at conditioning and hydrating hair. In order for it to work really well, all you have to do is warm the oil and massage it all over your hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic bag and warp it all up in a towel. While you relax or do your chores for the next 30 to 40 minutes, the oil will penetrate deep into the roots of the hair, nourishing them from within. After this, you can wash the oil off with your regular shampoo.

• Sandalwood oil is more than just the fragrance – Even though you might have also loved the sandalwood perfume or soap, you might not have known that the same wood is actually available in the form of an essential oil too. And even if you did know about the oil, you might have used it in your bath water, but what is interesting to note is that the same oil can be used to treat dry hair. Mix a few drops of sandalwood oil with your regular olive, coconut or jojoba oil and massage it into your hair, before your regular wash. Alternately, you could use sandalwood oil as a leave-in conditioner and use it to smoothen frizzy, flyaway hair.

• Other oils will work too – Although coconut and olive oil are the most popular when it comes to pampering the hair, there are other botanical oils, which should be considered too. For instance, jojoba and sweet almond oils are great for dry and damaged hair and are actually quite easily available. Botanical oils are best applied on slightly damp hair, which can then be covered with a warm towel for a few minutes.

• Give your hair some tea too – While you might enjoy your morning cup of tea, even your hair will enjoy a cup. In order to make your dry hair shine, brew a cup of tea with no sugar or milk. Strain out the tea leaves and allow the brew to cool down. The type of tea being used needs to be based on the hair colour – so someone with dark hair would be better off with black tea, while people with lighter hair would want to choose chamomile. The tea will not only improve the hair colour, but also hydrate it.

• Apples and avocados – Most people would be aware of the fact that eating fruits and vegetables are good for the body and hair, but the application of the same to the hair could also prove beneficial. Scoop out the flesh from a ripe avocado and mash it up, combining this with an egg. Apply this mask to hair that is slightly wet and allow the same to dry. After this, you can wash the mask off with a mild shampoo and warm or cold water. Avocados have high content of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids and these will transfer into your hair as well. Another simple to create hair mask is by combining one small spoonful of apple cider vinegar with two large spoonfuls of olive oil and the whites of three eggs. Apply the mask to the entire length of the hair and cover the hair with a shower cap. Once dry, you can wash it off with water and your regular shampoo.

• An egg wash for your hair – Eggs are known to be high in protein, and you can create a simple protein pack for your hair by mixing an egg with your regular shampoo. Apply it to your damaged hair and leave for just 5 to 10 minutes, before rinsing it off.

• Condition before you take a dip – If you are planning to swim at the pool or the beach, you need to make sure that you have protected your hair properly. Combine one-fourth cup of apple cider with three times the amount of water and cleanse your hair with it. Follow the same with your regular conditioner.