Being a girl, we all wish for that ‘shampoo commercial hair’ at least at some point in our lives. You do agree, don’t you? I distinctly remember the Garnier girl tying her extra-long shiny hair to a car and pulling it. I also remember Bollywood actresses flipping their silky smooth and super glossy hair for various hair products. Since then, I have tried various shampoos hoping that my dry and frizzy, electric-shock like hair would become beautiful overnight. As I grew up, I realised that it is not going to work out and I started trying a few homemade remedies such as hair packs and masks to make my hair seem a little nicer and decent looking. Here are some of the most effective remedies I have come across that only require a trip to your kitchen rather than a salon.
Egg – White or Yellow
As we all know, eggs are a rich source of protein which is the best friend for hair. Protein not only makes hair smooth and shiny but also nourishes, strengthens and thickens your hair. However, most people are hesitant to use eggs as they fear to carry around a bad odour, and that is because they do not know how to use it. The raw egg will cause an odour, so mix it with other products that will eliminate the smell.
Another important point to note is to use only the egg yolk for dry hair, and its rich protein content will moisturise and nourish. Mix the yolk with coconut/ castor/ olive oil, bananas or honey which will help in preventing bad odour. Apply the pack once a month and let it stay for 15 – 20 minutes. Wash and rinse as usual.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil acts as a solution to most hair problems. It acts as a really good moisturiser as it penetrates deeper into the hair and scalp than any other product. Use coconut oil at least once a week by letting it soak for about 30 – 60 minutes before washing. You can also keep it overnight occasionally. Coconut oil and honey work together like magic. While coconut oil makes hair moist, honey helps to retain that moisture. Moreover, honey also adds a glow to hair.
Curd
Curd is rich in fatty acids that help you lose your frizzy hair. Mixing curd with honey and lemon or with honey and bananas are incredibly effective. Bananas are rich in natural elements like potassium, vitamins and carbs that lock in moisture.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Most people realise the magic of this vinegar to treat dandruff but do not usually know its benefits for dry hair as well. If your hair is extremely and exceptionally dry, please skip this method. ACV is packed with vitamins B and C, potassium and locks in the moisture. As vinegar is acidic, dilute it with water and apply otherwise you might end up damaging your scalp. ACV revitalises hair and adds a shine to it. It also cleans hair thoroughly and has good antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Lemon
Lemon is highly acidic and is not advisable to directly apply on dry hair as it will absorb the little moisture you have. You can mix lemon with curd, oil or just water to dilute it and then apply. This will cause dull hair to look shiny and lively. Applying lemon on the scalp is also one of the most effective ways to get rid of dandruff instantly.
What Else Can You Do?
Dry hair is a common and annoying problem for most women, and apart from hair treatments and remedies, there are other methods to enhance the quality of hair by changing your diet and habits. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and increase your protein intake. Fish and eggs work best. If you have to commute daily, it is better to cover your hair as the pollution on the roads is sure to cause dryness. Do not wash hair more than two times a week as you will remove the natural oil from your scalp and make it drier.
It is recommended to trim your hair at least once every two months, especially if you have split ends. Split ends are a contributing cause for not just dryness but damaged hair as well. Another prevalent reason for dry hair is prolonged exposure to air – conditioning. Surprising, right? So make sure you get out of your workplace during break and soak in some vitamin D. Eating oily fish and eggs will help reduce dryness. If you use a shampoo, then you must not skip your conditioner. The nourishing factor of a conditioner is required to combat the harsh chemicals of the shampoo.
- Keep in mind that not every pack might suit you or get you the results you want. So make sure to experiment and find your perfect solution.
- Avoid chemical treatments as much as possible and opt for natural remedies.