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Dry and Damaged Hair
Dry and damaged hair health is essential, not only on an aesthetic level but also because it largely determines our self-esteem. And dry and dull hair is one of the problems that we most frequently suffer from because, without knowing it, we do many things daily that “mistreat” our scalp. A hair’s life expectancy is seven years, growing at approximately 0.35 per day. During its development, it is susceptible to injury. And when the keratin that makes up the hair loses its elasticity and we do not produce enough oil to lubricate it, the problem of dry hair may appear.
But there is nothing to do? Of course, yes. Faced with the problem of dull hair, many natural remedies have proven to be effective in giving hair a youthful and healthy appearance. And in addition to these home remedies, their formation can also prevent, and even go to a pharmacy to obtain products that restore hair health.
Why do I have Dry and Damaged Hair?
Our hair is made up of keratin fibers, a substance that our body synthesizes and that when in good condition, give the hair that elastic look we crave so much. And in addition to this factor, hair health also depends on the amount of fat the scalp’s sebaceous glands produce. Through this fat, the hair is nourished and hydrated and therefore shines.
Therefore, healthy hair is one in which the keratin fibers are in good condition, and the sebaceous glands produce the right amount of oil. Conversely, dry hair is the one we have when there is a problem with one of these two factors. Or in both.
The Best Ways to Treat Dry and Damaged Hair
Before starting to list them, it is essential to remember that these remedies do not work in all people, nor do they work with the same effectiveness. Therefore, it is best to try several and stay with the one that gives you the best results. And if it doesn’t work, keep in mind that you can always go to a pharmacy, where the pharmacist will recommend more manufactured products that can help you.
Let’s look at natural remedies (which you can easily apply at home) to heal dry hair and restore its natural elasticity and shine. They all consist of masks that are used for the hair, and that can be easily made at home with different foods.
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a benefits product for moisturizing skin and is greasy. For this reason, applying it to the hair for a couple of hours and then rinsing it with plenty of water is a good strategy for treating dry hair. After several applications, we will see that the hair looks hydrated and shinier.
2. Aloe Vera
We know aloe vera for its anti-inflammatory properties, and it is widespread to apply it to the skin when we burn, or it is too dry. It is a powerful moisturizer, so we can use it on the hair so that it hydrates and looks brighter.
3. Olive Oil
As strange as it may seem, applying an olive oil mask to your hair for a couple of hours is an excellent way to regain its natural shine.
5. Banana Puree
Applying mashed banana puree to your hair is an excellent way to treat dry hair. And it is that thanks to its vegetable oils, vitamins and potassium, it helps to hydrate the hair, making it recover its shine. In addition, it improves hair health in general and even prevents the development of dandruff.
6. Avocado Oil
This mask consists of mashing several avocados, collecting the oil they release and applying it to the hair. These plant-based fats help hydrate your hair, so it doesn’t look dry and rough.
7. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is a plant native to Mexico that acts as a powerful moisturizer. In this case, it is obtained in pharmacies, but its application is straightforward. It simply has to be put on the hair for a couple of hours to hydrate.
8. Tea Tree Oil
It works similarly to coconut oil, and its results are very similar. A mask is applied for a couple of hours and then rinsed off. It can be easily found in the most excellent supermarkets.
9. Avocado, Honey and Egg
Now we get more creative because we will start combining products so that the effects of hydration and recovery of natural shine are much higher. In this case, we will prepare a mask by mixing one whole avocado (not just the oil), three tablespoons of honey and one raw egg yolk (not the white). We put this mixture on our hair for 30 minutes and then rinse with water.
10. Castor and Soybean Oil
These two oils are rich in vegetable fatty acids, and they help a lot to moisturize the hair. We mix them and heat them until the preparation is slightly warm. So, we apply it to the hair for about 20 minutes. Then we rinse with water.
11. Lemon, Egg and Olive Oil
This is the perfect remedy if your hair, in addition to being dry, tends to get tangled. We prepare this mask by mixing one tablespoon of lemon juice (thanks to the vitamin C it contains, the hair grows longer and makes it more robust), one raw egg yolk and one tablespoon of olive oil. We apply it on damp hair and, after 20 minutes, rinse.
Recommendations for the Safe Use of these Natural Remedies
The application of natural remedies to hair has become a controversial issue. While some consider it harmless and safe, others point out that it can increase the risk of scalp infections or strand problems.
In response, the ideal is to test before using the products. To do this, apply a minor product to a section of hair. Then, if there are no signs of adverse effects after letting it act, it can be used without problem.
Other Recommendations for Repair Dry and Damaged Hair
Regular use of the remedies above can have positive effects when repairing damaged hair. Even so, other care must be applied to support this process. This encompasses the following:
- Limit the use of irons, dryers, tweezers or any heating element as much as possible.
- Use suitable crops for your hair type (dry, combination or oily).
- Use sunscreen for your hair and hats to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
- Maintain a balanced diet abundant in vitamins, minerals and protein.
- Consume water and hydrating drinks.
- Avoid discolorations’ and the use of dyes and other aggressive chemicals.
- Avoid using hot water to wash your hair, as it opens your cuticle.
- Brush and untangle carefully.
How to Avoid Having Dry and Damaged Hair?
To avoid having dry hair and stop damaging your hair, it is essential to follow a hair care routine and put aside bad practices that endanger its softness and hydration. Better safe than sorry!
“Hair and beard are two things that are alive, that represent us as people and impact how we present ourselves to the rest.”
That is why it is so significant to take care of our hair and give it a style that makes us feel comfortable, which expresses our way of being and thinking. So, no matter if short haircuts are your thing or if you prefer long hair, we recommend applying the following tips to prevent it from becoming a bunch of dry hair.
1. Watch Out for the Heat! Do not Expose your Hair to High Temperatures
A widespread mistake that people with dry hair often make is using too hot water when washing their hair or using very high temperatures when drying and styling it with electronic devices. Be careful! The heat causes the pores in your scalp to open up and your hair to fall out, leaving your hair ugly and straw-like. Therefore, we recommend the following:
- Use lukewarm water for bathing your hair and cold water to rinse.
- Let your hair dry, obviously, or use the hair dryer in a low setting.
Avoid using curling irons or hair straighteners. If you do, always use a thermal hair protector and regulate the temperature to avoid damaging your hair.
2. You are What you Eat! Maintain a Balanced Diet
Believe it or not, diet is a decisive factor in the appearance of your hair and your skin, so if you want to stop having dry and curly hair, you will need to consume different types of nutrients, vitamins and healthy fats to give it to your hair what it needs to stay well and hydrated naturally.
The foods that cannot be missing from your healthy shopping list to have shiny, soft and healthy hair are the following:
- Agua
- Egg
- fruit rich in vitamin C
- Fish
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Avocado.
3. Your Dry and Damaged Hair is Unique! Use the Right Products
There are endless products to moisturize hair, and if you want to get rid of frizz and say goodbye to your dry hair, you should look for a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that is sulfate and alcohol-free and contains nourishing oils.
Also, dry hair tends to get tangled frequently, so using a moisturizing styling cream or some usual oil, such as coconut oil or almond oil, can make it easier and hydrate your hair. These products are specially designed to avoid damaging your hair and can help you repair it.
If you want to learn more about home remedies for dry hair, keep reading, and then we will talk about moisturizing hair masks and their power to repair damaged hair.
Conclusion
Repairing damaged hair requires, above all, patience. No chemical or natural product can offer an instant result, no matter how much it claims. And though they can offer some improvement at the moment, only their constant use and the implementation of various care will help achieve the desired objective. In addition, as the American Academy of Dermatology points out, damaged hair is brittle, prone to breakage, frizzy, and unhealthy. If so, it is best to consult a dermatologist to find the most appropriate treatment options according to the type of hair and the types of damage.