Natural Remedies For Dry Hair

By Sher Warkentin in in Natural Products

Cold winter weather takes its toll on your body, especially your hair and scalp. Wind and constant indoor heating can dry out both hair and skin, while wearing hats can cause damage and breakage. During the winter it’s important to care for your hair to prevent damage and keep it healthy. Try these natural remedies for dry hair to enjoy healthier locks all season long.

Natural Shampoo

One of my favorite remedies for dry hair is using a natural shampoo. As a mom to young kids, I don’t have a lot of time to spend on myself, and this treatment doesn’t require anything other than swapping out products. Regular shampoo can strip your hair of its natural oils, which takes away its natural defense against the cold weather. Switching to a natural shampoo can keep your hair healthier by retaining moisture in your scalp and tresses to fight itching and dryness. It can take a bit of a learning curve to get used to using natural shampoo, as it doesn’t lather the same way as regular shampoo. To premeditate this concern, add some water to the shampoo. I premix them in a separate bottle to make it easier.

Honey

Honey is a natural humectant, which means that it can draw moisture to your hair and keep it there. Though it might sound a little sticky, a honey treatment is pretty simple. Mix ½ cup honey with ¼ cup olive oil. Wash your hair, and then massage the mixture into it when it’s still damp. Start at the scalp, working it into your roots and out from there. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it thoroughly with warm water. Use the treatment once a month or more often as needed.

Honey naturally draws moisture into your hair.

Avocado

Avocado is chock full of healthy nutrients and protein that are not only beneficial when eaten, but can also help to smooth out frizzy hair. Prevent damage with a natural avocado treatment. Mash up half an avocado, and work it into clean, damp hair. Let sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse clean with warm hair. Apply the treatment once a month or as needed.

Raw Egg

I still clearly remember watching my grandmother apply a raw egg to her hair and wondering why she would do such a thing. Now I know it’s because the protein in an egg can act as a natural moisturizer. This natural remedy has been used for generations because, as strange as it seems, it actually works wonders to strengthen your locks and prevent breakage for longer styles. Whisk a single egg and massage it into your hair and scalp. Let the egg sit for up to 20 minutes or as long as you can stand—it does get a little smelly. Rinse the egg out well using cold water, as warm water can actually cook the egg, leaving chunks stuck in your hair that are difficult to remove. Don’t use this treatment more than once a month, since it can actually have the opposite effect if applied too often and make you hair brittle.

Coconut oil is perfect as a leave-in conditioner.

Coconut Oil

While I don’t have much cold weather to deal with living in southern California, the winds do get pretty wild in winter, leaving my hair frizzy and full of static. Just a small dab of coconut oil helps smooth flyaway hair and minimize that fresh-out-of-the-dryer, static look. With just a small amount of coconut oil, use the tips of your fingers to work it into just the ends of your hair, the same way you would use a leave-in conditioner. Coconut oil can also be used to make a DIY natural shampoo that will condition and soften your hair.

Aside from these treatments, washing your hair less often during the winter months and getting regular trims keeps your hair healthier and minimizes damage. Try different methods for hair care in winter until you figure out what works best for you.

What natural remedies for dry hair have you tried and liked? Share your experiences with us on Twitter.

Image sources: Flickr | Flickr | Sher Warkentin

This article was brought to you by Tom’s of Maine. The views and opinions expressed by the author do not reflect the position of Tom’s of Maine.

Why It’s Good

The winter months are harsh on your hair, but you don't have to hide under your hat all season. There are many natural remedies for dry hair you can try that use just a few simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen. Your hair will look and feel healthy, and you can avoid expensive hair treatments that might contain unsafe ingredients.