Are you worried about your dull, brittle hair that has hardly any lustre or shine? Dry hair is not uncommon these days. Lifestyle habits to wrong hair products, there are many causes to dry hair. But the good news is, it is not hard to beat it. Home remedies for dry hair and scalp are plenty and are very effective in helping you get rid of dry hair permanently, and without burning a hole in your pocket. Dry hair must be addressed immediately as delay may damage your hair further. When natural oils are not sufficient in the scalp or for some reason, it results in dry hair and scalp. Dry scalp leads to a number of problems like dandruff, itchiness, hair loss and breakage etc. The best dry hair treatments are found in homemade remedies for dry hair.
What Causes Dry Hair?
The sebaceous glands, present under our skin and scalp, secrete a natural lubricant called sebum, which keeps the scalp moisturised and protects it from bacterial and viral infections. When sebum is inadequate secretion of sebum, the scalp and hair become dry. The best treatment for dry hair can be done at home with the ingredients found in our kitchen with various natural remedies for dry hair. Let us look at various factors that cause dry hair and scalp:
- Over-washing the hair strips the hair of natural oils and moisture.
- Using shampoo or conditioner unsuitable for your hair type.
- Excessive use of hair care products loaded with chemicals like dyes, bleaches, relaxers.
- Using too much heat styling tools like curlers, straighteners, hair dryers.
- Environmental factors like excessive sun exposure, low humidity atmosphere, exposure to too hot, too cold or windy climate, exposure to hard or chlorinated water.
- Wrong diet or nutritional deficiencies.
- Genetic factors.
- Certain medications like chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, anti-depressants etc.
- Certain health conditions like hypothyroidism, anorexia, Menkes syndrome.
- Dust, pollution and improper hair hygiene.
How to Get Rid of Dry Hair at Home?
There are many over the counter products available for hair treatment for dry hair. These products may contain chemicals and give side effects as well. Simple home remedies for dry scalp and dry hair are not only economical but give successful and safe results. Natural ingredients like Aloe Vera, honey, coconut oil, avocado, eggs etc.have found to be very beneficial due to their natural conditioning and nourishing properties. Let us discuss some dry hair treatment home remedies.
1. Essential Oils Therapy:
Hot oil treatment for dry hair with essential natural oils is the most effective treatment for dry hair. These oils have qualities of natural sebum produced naturally by the body. They have properties that help the oil penetrate the scalp and hair fibres very well and lock the moisture and lubricants. This therapy is one of the best home remedies for very dry hair. Essential oils are very good at nourishing the hair and also in preventing hair loss or breakage.
Ingredients: Two tablespoons each of almond oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil (increase the quantities as per requirement).
Preparation Time: 30 minutes.
Process of Preparation and Application:
- Mix all the oils in a pot or pan and start heating until they become warm.
- Take some of the above-mentioned oil mixtures in your palms and start massaging gently on the scalp. Make sure to cover the hair from root to the ends.
- Cover your hair with a towel and leave it on for at least an hour.
- Wash hair with a gentle shampoo.
Frequency of Application: Twice a week.
Precautions to Be Followed: Make sure the oil is just warm and not hot.
See More: Home Remedies For Oily Hair
2. Egg Mask for Dry Hair:
Egg hair mask for dry hair is a very good remedy as eggs are rich in protein and biotin that nourish the hair and strengthen the hair. They also improve the texture of the hair and aid in hair growth. Egg mask for dry hair is also a very good conditioner as eggs have properties that restore the moisture content in hair very effectively.
Ingredients: Three egg yolks, one tablespoon olive oil and three drops of vitamin E oil.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Process of Preparation and Application:
- Mix the egg yolks until they become fluffy.
- Add olive oil and vitamin E oil to the whisked eggs and mix thoroughly.
- Wash your hair and pat dry until it is just wet.
- Apply the egg mixture to the hair covering the scalp thoroughly. Make sure to include the entire hair fibres, from root to tip.
- Leave it that way for 10 minutes and wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
Frequency of Application: Once a week
3. Banana Hair Mask:
Bananas have a high content of potassium and folic acid and are very good for hair health; it is the best natural hair mask for dry hair. Potassium is one of the essential minerals for healthy hair growth, hair development and hair longevity. Banana hair mask for dry hair helps increase the elasticity and moisture content in the hair fibres, thereby repairing dry and damaged hair successfully.
Ingredients: One ripe banana and three tablespoons of coconut oil.
Preparation Time: 15minutes.
Process of Preparation and Application:
- Mash the ripe banana well, until it becomes a smooth paste.
- Add the coconut oil slowly to form a good mixture.
- Apply the above mixture to the hair thoroughly, massaging the scalp well.
- Leave it on for an hour and wash with warm water and shampoo.
Frequency of Application: Once a week
4. Coconut Oil Mask:
Coconut oil for dry hair is very nourishing and moisturising to the scalp and hair. The Coconut oil is, without question, one of the best home remedies for extremely dry hair as it penetrates the scalp and hair fibres better than most other oils making the hair shiny and silky. The cooling effect of coconut oil soothes the dry scalp.
Ingredients: Pure coconut oil, as per requirement.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
Process of Preparation and Application:
- Heat the required amount of coconut oil until it becomes warm.
- Take some oil in your palms and start massaging gently on the scalp. Make sure to cover the hair from root to the ends.
- Cover your hair with a towel and leave it on for at least an hour.
- Wash hair with a gentle shampoo.
Frequency of Application: Twice a week.
See More: Home Remedies For Frizzy Hair
5. Olive Oil Mask for Dry Hair:
Olive oil is an ancient beauty remedy, especially for hair issues. This Olive oil moisturises the hair and strengthens the hair and reduces scalp irritation. Olive oil for dry hair makes the hair soft and increases hair volume. The oleic acid and palmitic acid present in olive oil help in moisturising the hair and smoothening the outer cuticles of the hair. Olive oil is the best homemade hair mask for dry hair.
Ingredients: Pure olive oil, as per requirement.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
Process of Preparation and Application:
- Heat the required amount of olive oil until it becomes warm.
- Take some oil in your palms and start massaging gently on the scalp. Make sure to cover the hair from root to the ends.
- Cover your hair with a towel and leave it on for at least an hour.
- Wash hair with a gentle shampoo.
Frequency of Application: Twice a week.
6. Yogurt and Oil Mask:
Yoghurt is an age-old remedy in treating various hair problems; it is the best home remedy for dry hair. Its inherent moisturising and cooling properties soothe the scalp and hydrate the scalp and hair. Yoghurt hair mask for dry hair locks the moisture in the hair fibres very well and conditions them effectively. The anti-inflammatory properties of yoghurt keep the scalp clean and healthy. Yogurt is the best hair mask for dry hair which is proven to give effective results.
Ingredients: One-half cup of plain yogurt, two tablespoons of olive oil and eight drops of any essential oil.
Preparation Time: 15minutes.
Process of Preparation and Application:
- Mix yogurt, olive oil and any suitable essential oil into a smooth paste.
- Apply the above mixture to the hair thoroughly, massaging the scalp well. Make sure to cover the hair from root to the ends.
- Cover your hair well with a shower cap for 20-30 minutes.
- Wash hair with warm water.
Frequency of Application: Once a week.
7. Curd and Honey Mask:
If you are looking for a hair mask for dry hair that suits all hair types, then you should go for curd. Curd is one of the best natural conditioners to the hair. Curd hair mask for dry hair regulates the sebum production and balances the pH levels on the scalp. It provides necessary nutrition, and conditions with the hair and fixes brittle hair. The anti-fungal properties of curd keep the scalp healthy and clean.
Ingredients: Two tablespoons of plain curd and one tablespoon honey.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes.
Process of Preparation and Application:
- Mix curd and honey to form a smooth paste.
- Apply the above mixture to the hair thoroughly, massaging the scalp well. Make sure to cover the hair from root to the ends.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap for 20-30 minutes.
- Wash hair with a mild shampoo.
Frequency of Application: Once a week.
8. Aloe Vera Mask to Treat Dry Hair:
Aloe Vera is known to treat numerous hair issues successfully. This DIY hair mask for dry hair has a soothing and cooling effect on the scalp, helps to moisturise and condition the scalp and hair very effectively. Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties help in keeping the scalp and hair healthy. It repairs damaged and brittle hair making the hair soft and luscious.
Ingredients: Four tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel, two tablespoons of coconut oil and two tablespoons of yoghurt
Preparation Time: 20minutes.
Process of Preparation and Application:
- Mix Aloe Vera gel, coconut oil and yoghurt to form a smooth paste.
- Apply the above mixture to the hair thoroughly, massaging the scalp well. Make sure to cover the hair from root to the ends.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes at least.
- Wash hair with a mild shampoo and warm water.
Frequency of Application: Once a week.
Precautions to be Followed: When extracting fresh aloe vera gel from the aloe vera leaf, make sure to remove the outer green leaf thoroughly.
9. Avocado Mask to Remove Dry Hair:
Avocado is among the top natural remedies for dry scalp as it is rich in essential vitamins like vitamin E and vitamin A which help in hair repair and hair growth. It is also rich in minerals and natural oils that help in conditioning the scalp and hair very well. It is found to be very efficient in sealing the moisture content of the hair.
Ingredients: One ripe avocado and three tablespoons of coconut oil.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Process of Preparation and Application:
- Mash avocado to form a smooth paste and add the coconut oil and mix well.
- Apply the above mixture to the hair thoroughly, massaging the scalp well. Make sure to cover the hair from root to the ends.
- Allow it to remain for at least 30 minutes.
- Wash hair with warm water.
Frequency of Application: Once a week.
10. Clarified Butter or Ghee Pack:
Clarified butter or ghee has numerous medicinal properties and is used widely in ancient Indian medicine. Ghee is a very good hair mask for dry hair at home. It is the best deep hair conditioner that makes the hair smooth and shiny. The fatty acids and antioxidants present in ghee makes it easily absorbable into the hair and scalp and condition it and moisturise it, thereby making it the best choice for very dry hair treatment. Its high protein, vitamin and mineral content help nourish the hair and repair dry and damaged hair.
Ingredients: Pure clarified butter or ghee, as per requirement.
Preparation Time: 10minutes.
Process of Preparation and Application:
- Take pure ghee in a pot and heat it until it becomes warm.
- Apply this warm ghee to the hair thoroughly, massaging the scalp well. Make sure to cover the hair from root to the ends.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Wash hair with a mild shampoo.
Frequency of Application: Once a week.
See More: Split Ends Treatment
Tips to Care for Dry Scalp and Dry Hair:
Here are few additional tips and tricks for dry scalp and hair one can follow.
- Wash your hair less often and use sulfate-free or herbal hair shampoos if you are wondering how to get rid of dry scalp.
- Dry your hair with a cool air hairdryer than hot air one. The best method of drying the hair is towel drying but make sure you do not rub the hair vigorously and for a long time.
- Diet plays a very important role in your hair health. Make sure to include lots of saturated fats and plenty of liquids in your diet.
- Never wash your hair with hot water as it takes away the moisture and makes it dry and brittle. Always wash with cool water or lukewarm water.
- Avoid styling tools that apply heat to your hair like straighteners, curlers etc. Use natural styling methods as much as possible.
- Cover your hair with a cap or a scarf whenever you are in hot or windy outdoors. Also, make sure the environment you are in has sufficient humidity levels.
- Wear a head cap while swimming in chlorinated water and rinse your hair thoroughly after the swim
- Avoid tight buns or tight hairstyles. Keep your hair loose. When the scalp is strained, it tends to lose its natural oils and moisture.
- Take off all the hair accessories while sleeping
- If you are wondering how to get rid of dry hair ends, along with regular conditioning with natural oils, trim the hair regularly.
Dry hair is never easy as it damages the hair in many ways. Dandruff, hair loss, hair breakage, scalp irritation are some effects of dry hair, so dry scalp treatment should not be delayed. Simple home remedies for dry hair, healthy diet and lifestyle habits are enough to tackle dry hair problem and makes the hair healthy and well-nourished. If your hair and scalp are dry, despite the remedies and care, you must consult a health care provider to make sure it is not some underlying health issue that is causing your dry hair.
