There is an abundance of dry hair products sitting on our drugstore’s shelves. However, many websites tout the benefits of more natural treatments.
Can these home remedies really work on dry hair? Or maybe it is better to ask, how do they work?
First, hair is not made up of living cells. Hair is made up of protein called keratin and comprises three layers.
The inner layer of the hair shaft is called the medulla, next is the cortex and the outer layer is called the cuticle. The cuticle is made up of shingle-like overlapping scales and can become damaged, causing dry brittle hair.
The “living” part of hair is at the base of hair follicle. The bulb is down in the scalp skin.
Surrounding the bulb is the papillae with blood vessels that provide nourishment. Sebaceous glands are also present that provide oil in the form of sebum that conditions the scalp and hair.
Conditioning dry hair acts to replenish lost moisture and smooth damage to the cuticle layer. Natural treatments and those out of a bottle cannot actually heal the hair. However, they can coat the hair with replenishing oil and protein to improve its appearance and strengthen weaknesses in the hair shaft.
Here are some natural products you can try to improve dry hair appearance:
- Eggs:
“The yolk of an egg is, rich in fats and proteins, and is naturally moisturizing, while the white, which contains bacteria-eating enzymes, removes unwanted oils,” according to Janice Cox, author of Natural Beauty at Home.
To use: Mix up an entire egg and apply to clean damp hair. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse using cool water to prevent the egg from “cooking”. Re-shampoo your hair afterwards. This treatment can be done once a month.
- Honey:
"Honey is a natural humectant, which means it attracts and locks in moisture," Cox said.
To use: Massage approximately ½ cup honey with a tablespoon of olive oil into clean, damp hair. Let sit for 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. For very dry and damaged hair you can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of a protein-rich ingredient, like avocado or egg yolk, which will help replenish the keratin protein bonds. Treatment can be applied once a month.
- Avocados: The oil in avocados most closely resembles our skin’s own oil and contains protein, according to Cox.
To use: Mash up an avocado and massage into clean damp hair. Leave in for 15 minutes, then rinse out with water. A dollop of sour cream, mayo or egg yolk can be added to this mixture and applied to dry hair every two weeks.
- Mayonnaise:
The main ingredients are eggs and oil, which provide protein and moisture and vinegar, which adds shine.
To use: Apply about ½ cup of full fat mayonnaise to your hair avoiding your scalp if it tends to be oily. Massage in thoroughly and place a plastic bag or disposable shower cap and leave on for 15 minutes. For deeper penetration, wrap a warm towel from the dryer around your head. Rinse thoroughly.
- Oils:
Hot oil treatments are thought to be more penetrating to protect the hair shaft.
To use: Many oils will do for this treatment. Virgin coconut oil or olive oil are good choices, but even vegetable oil is fine. Heat ¼ cup of the oil until warm but not hot, on Low in the microwave.
Apply oil, section by section, to your hair. Then, cover with a plastic bag or disposable shower cap and leave on for 30 minutes. Wrap a warm towel around your hair for better results. Wash afterwards gently with shampoo. This treatment can be done once a week.
Any of the above natural treatments are inexpensive and easy to do. Let us know which one worked for you.
Sources:
Hair Loss: The Science of Hair.
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/science-hair
Hair Breakage 101: Protein and Moisture. The science of black hair.
http://blackhairscience.com/hair_breakage.html
8 Homemade Hair Treatments. Woman’s Day.com.
http://www.womansday.com/style-beauty/beauty-tips-products/8-homemade-ha...
Deep Conditioners for Hair: The Top Three Homemade Treatments.
http://oldenbuzzdotcom.hubpages.com/hub/Deep-Conditioners-for-Hair-The-T...
Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele are at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles/
Edited by Jody Smith