Many of us take great pride in our hair, men and women alike. We want it to feel healthy and of course- look healthy! Our hair is often how we express ourselves. It shows our personality. But it can be a hassle to take care of.
There are many hair foes that can plague you:
- Dry Hair
- Dull Hair
- Frizzy Hair
- Damaged Hair
- Color Treated Hair Weighing you Down
The list goes on, and we all know that going to the salon gets pricey fast! So what if we can tackle these at home, AND with many ingredients you likely already have?
Sounds amazing right?
So let’s get started!
Here are 5 ways you can tackle that mane-naturally!
Coconut Oil
No doubt you are familiar with this versatile oil. It seems the wonders of this oil just never cease.
It works to stimulate hair growth getting deep into its follicles. Coconut oil works to add shine and softness to the hair, while repairing damage and preventing hair breakage and split ends, contributing to hair length.
Coconut oil can be used in a few different ways for our hair:
You can apply it BEFORE washing your hair- which helps reduce the damage caused by wet hair.
Many don’t do know- but our hair is actually most vulnerable when it is wet. Why? Well- this is due to the subtle and structural changes that can occur when the hair absorbs water.
When we wet our hair: the thick, central cortex soaks up the water and swells, causing a structural change in the cuticle itself. The hair cuticle is actually made up of flat, overlapping scales that are attached towards the root end of your hair and point towards the tip. These scales are pushed outward so they stick up when the cortex of our hair absorbs the water and wells up- making wet hair more sustainable to damage especially when brushing.
It can also be applied AFTER washing your hair. Coating it after you have washed it will help make it softer and smoother, reducing the friction that is caused by styling, which makes your hair less susceptible to breakage.
It is always important to remember not to use TOO much. You don’t want to weigh your hair down with too much oil and grease. Use just a small amount and begin by rubbing the coconut oil through your hair, from the midsection to the ends- it will go a long way.
Avocado and Egg (with Olive Oil)
Bear with us- this one may sound unappealing.
Avocados are great for our bodies- so why not our hair? Avocados are rich in vitamins, essential fatty acids, and minerals which can add shine and make your hair look shinier and healthier. While eggs are rich in protein- helping to strengthen the hair and protect against split ends and heat damage.
To apply, mash ½ an avocado and whisk the egg yolk. Then mix the 2 together and ensure it is lump free-if there are small lumps, you might have difficulty washing the avocado out entirely.
Wet your hair in the shower. Then apply the hair mask mixture starting from your scalp and working all the way down to your hair ends, leaving on for 10 minutes.
Rinse, shampoo, and condition as usual. (Avoid using very warm water as it can cook the egg in the hair mask and you could be stuck with some tiny egg bits in your hair)
Viola! Beautiful, shinier hair at the crack of an egg 😉
Butter
Yes you read that right, butter! This tasty ingredient can be used as a hair mask to create a glossier shine for brittle hair. And it is super simple! Leave it at room temperature then apply a small amount to dry hair, from root to tip, massaging through. Leave it on for about 30 minutes under a shower cap, shampoo and rinse thoroughly to ensure all the butter is out (trace amounts may leave your hair feeling slightly greasy).
Yogurt
Yogurt will leave your hair super shiny and loaded with maximum moisture with it’s naturally rich healthy fats and proteins.
If you have shopped for yogurt, you know it comes in many flavors etc, but the best option for hair is to choose a high protein, plain, and low sugar type.
Take ¼ cup plain yogurt and stir until smooth, then apply it to your freshly washed hair, massaging in the roots and scalp. Put on a shower cap, and let it sit for around 30 minutes. Then rinse and shampoo until clean.
Now, not all home remedies for your hair need to have special ingredients. There are some simple tricks that are great for healthier hair.
Such as:
Letting your hair down: Wearing your hair down naturally as much as possible is best for your hair to breathe. If you find you need to wear it up for work or other activities, try to let it down for a few hours after to give it a break.
Fellas- this goes for you too. Give your hair a rest from that ball cap and let it breathe!
Allowing moisture to your hair: Our houses can get very dry, especially in the winter. Our hair is always taking a beating in the winter with the cold, dry air. But, adding a humidifier to your home can help bring back some moisture that your hair craves.
Proper nutrition: This is key for our bodies not just internally, but also physically- even our hair. Omega 3’s specifically are crucial for healthy hair. Omega 3’s have been shown to help nourish the hair and support its growth-while also reducing the inflammation sometimes associated with hair loss.
B12 is also an important nutrient for our hair. B12 promotes healthy hair growth by assisting in the production of oxygen-rich red blood cells, which help feed our hair follicles.
Try one of these home hair care DIY’s today, your hair is going to love you when you do!
Resources:
https://drspar.com/top-3-supplements-for-hair-growth/
https://helloglow.co/homemade-hair-treatments/
