What Are DIY Fixes For Dry Hair?

DIY Fixes That Have A Positive Impact On Your Dry Hair

  1. Use a deep conditioning treatment: Once a week, try using a deep conditioning treatment to help add moisture to your hair. You can use a store-bought product or make your own by mixing equal parts of honey, avocado, and coconut oil.
  2. Avoid hot water: This one is a must. Hot water can strip your hair of its natural oils, so try to rinse your hair with lukewarm or cold water instead.
  3. Use a humidifier: Dry air can contribute to dry hair, so using a humidifier in your home can help add moisture to the air and keep your hair hydrated.
  4. Avoid using heat styling tools: Easy to say but much harder to do. Heat styling tools, such as curling irons and hair dryers, can dry out your hair and make it more prone to breakage. If you must use these tools, be sure to use a heat-protectant product first.
  5. Use a leave-in conditioner: After you shower, try using a leave-in conditioner to help add moisture to your hair and protect it from damage.
  6. Avoid using harsh hair products: Look for hair products that are sulfate-free and avoid using products that contain alcohol, as these can strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture.
  7. Avoid washing your hair every day: Washing your hair every day can strip it of its natural oils, so try to wash it every other day or every two days instead. When you do wash it, be sure to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
  8. Drink plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water can help keep your hair hydrated from the inside out. Aim for at least 8-8 ounces of water per day.

Why Using A Deep Conditioning Treatment Is Great For Dry Hair?

A deep conditioning treatment is a type of hair mask that is designed to nourish and moisturize your hair. You should apply it to your hair after shampooing and left on for a longer period. I recommend leaving in for 15-30 minutes, before being rinsed out.

According to Meesh, Contributing Editor and Chief Product Analyst, “Deep conditioning treatments can help improve the health and moisture content of dry hair by penetrating the hair shaft and providing a boost of hydration. They may contain ingredients such as oils, butter, and proteins that can help to repair damaged hair and protect it from further damage.

Here is my recommendation on how to use it effectively. To use a deep conditioning treatment, first, wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and rinse it thoroughly.

Next, apply the treatment to your hair, making sure to coat each strand evenly. You can use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to distribute the product throughout your hair.

Once you have applied the treatment, cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap to help the product penetrate your hair and to keep it from drying out. Leave the treatment on for the recommended amount of time, then rinse it out thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water.

I believe it’s important to use a deep conditioning treatment regularly, typically once a week, at least, to help keep your hair healthy and hydrated.

Another great tip is to try using a leave-in conditioner or hair oil instead of a deep conditioning treatment to help seal in moisture and protect your hair from damage. You can try Coconut oil, Olive oil, and one of my favorites Argan oil.

What Are The Best DIY Deep Conditioning Treatments I Can Make At Home?

I highly recommend a banana mask to help moisturize and nourish dry hair. One ripe banana and one tablespoon honey are required to make a banana mask. In a mixing bowl, combine the banana and honey until they form a smooth paste. Apply the paste to your hair, paying special attention to the ends, and then wrap it in a towel or shower cap. Allow the mask to sit on your hair for at least 30 minutes, if not overnight, before shampooing and conditioning as usual.

I am sure you already know there are many DIY deep conditioning treatments that you can make at home using natural ingredients that can nourish and moisturize your hair.

Here are some of my proven favorites:

  1. Avocado and honey mask: Mash a ripe avocado and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing out.
  2. Coconut oil treatment: Warm up a small amount of coconut oil and apply it to your hair, focusing on the ends. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the treatment on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing out.
  3. Banana and olive oil mask: Mash a ripe banana and mix it with a tablespoon of olive oil. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing out.
  4. Egg and mayonnaise mask: Yep, that’s right eggs. Mix one egg and a quarter cup of mayonnaise. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing out.
  5. Apple cider vinegar rinse: Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup of water. After shampooing your hair, pour the mixture over your hair and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
  6. Castor oil is a nourishing oil that is high in fatty acids and other nutrients. It can help to moisturize and nourish hair while also improving elasticity and shine. To use castor oil for dry hair, apply a small amount to your hair, focusing on the ends, and then wrap it in a towel or shower cap. Allow the oil to sit in your hair for at least 30 minutes, if not overnight, before shampooing and conditioning as usual.
  7. Sandalwood oil: Sandalwood oil is an essential oil with a woody, sweet aroma. It can also help to hydrate and nourish the hair. To use sandalwood oil on dry hair, combine a few drops of the oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil, and apply the mixture to the ends of your hair.
  8. Borage oil: Borage oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids as well as other nutrients. It can help to moisturize and nourish hair while also improving elasticity and shine. To use borage oil for dry hair, apply a small amount to your hair, focusing on the ends, and then wrap it in a towel or shower cap. Allow the oil to sit in your hair for at least 30 minutes, if not overnight, before shampooing and conditioning as usual.
  9. Coconut oil hair mask: Because it is high in fatty acids and other nutrients that help moisturize and nourish the hair, coconut oil is a popular home remedy for dry hair. To use coconut oil as a hair mask, apply a generous amount to your hair, focusing on the ends, and then wrap it in a towel or shower cap. Allow the oil to sit in your hair for at least 30 minutes, if not overnight, before shampooing and conditioning as usual.
  10. Sunflower oil is a nourishing oil that can be used to moisturize and protect the hair. Apply a small amount of sunflower oil to your hair, concentrating on the ends, and then wrap your hair in a towel or shower cap to use it for dry hair. Allow the oil to sit in your hair for at least 30 minutes, if not overnight, before shampooing and conditioning as usual.
  11. Lavender oil is a nourishing oil that can be used to moisturize and nourish the hair. To use lavender oil on dry hair, combine a few drops with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or sunflower oil, and apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the ends. To help moisturize and nourish your hair, add a few drops of lavender oil to your shampoo or conditioner.
  12. Botanical oils: did you know there are numerous botanical oils that can be used to moisturize and protect the skin.
  13. Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to treat dry scalp and dandruff, as well as to nourish and moisturize hair. To use tea tree oil on dry hair, combine a few drops with a carrier oil, such as coconut or sweet almond oil, and apply the mixture to your hair and scalp.
  14. Sweet almond oil (two teaspoons)is a nourishing oil that can help to moisturize and protect the hair. Mix two teaspoons of sweet almond oil with a few drops of an essential oil, such as lavender or rosemary oil, and apply the mixture to your hair, paying special attention to the ends.
  15. 2 tsp aloe vera gel is a natural moisturizer that can help nourish and hydrate the hair. To make a hair mask, combine two teaspoons of aloe vera gel with a few tablespoons of water. Apply the mask to your hair, paying special attention to the ends, and then wrap it in a towel or shower cap. Allow the mask to sit on your hair for at least 30 minutes, if not overnight, before shampooing and conditioning as usual.

According to Stacey Bee Hair Research Analyst, “And remember it’s important to use these treatments sparingly and to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to help seal in the moisture and nourish your hair.

What Are The Best Ways To Avoid Using Heat Styling Tools?

There are ways I recommend you can avoid using heat styling tools:

  1. Air-dry your hair: Instead of using a blow dryer, allow your hair to air-dry naturally. This can take longer, and if you are in a rush may not work, but it is a healthy alternative to using heat on your hair.
  2. Use protective products: Before styling your hair, apply a heat-protective product, such as a serum or a spray, to help shield your hair from the heat.
  3. Use low heat settings: If you do need to use heat styling tools, use the lowest heat setting possible to reduce the amount of heat applied to your hair.
  4. Use heat-free styling methods: There are many heat-free styling methods you can try, such as braids, buns, and twists. You can also use rollers to create curls without heat.
  5. Limit your use of heat styling tools: Try to limit your use of heat styling tools as much as possible and give your hair a break from heat styling whenever you can.

Why Is Using A Humidifier Good For Hair And Are There Other Benefits?

Using a humidifier can be beneficial for your hair because it can help to add moisture to the air, which can in turn help to hydrate your hair and skin. When the air is dry, it can cause your hair to become dry and brittle, leading to breakage and split ends. A humidifier can help to add moisture back into the air, which can help to prevent dryness and damage to your hair.

There are also other potential benefits to using a humidifier, notice I said potential as your results will vary. They are as follows:

  1. Improved respiratory health: Dry air can irritate your respiratory system and make it harder to breathe. A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to alleviate dryness and irritation in your respiratory system.
  2. Better sleep: Dry air can make it harder to sleep, as it can cause dryness in your nasal passages and throat. A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to make it easier to breathe and sleep more comfortably.
  3. Improved skin health: Dry air can cause your skin to become dry and itchy. A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
  4. Reduced static electricity: Dry air can cause static electricity, which can make your hair frizz and flyaway. A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to reduce static electricity and keep your hair looking smooth and shiny.

What Are The Potential Drawbacks To Using A Humidifier?

There are drawbacks to using a humidifier you should be aware of. As stated above using a humidifier can have many benefits, but it is important to use it properly and maintain it regularly (cleaning is a must) (and using distilled water) to avoid any negative effects.

  1. Potential for mold and bacteria growth: If you do not clean your humidifier regularly, it can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, which can be harmful to your health. To prevent this, make sure to clean your humidifier according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use distilled water to fill it.
  2. Increased energy consumption: Using a humidifier can increase your energy consumption, as it requires electricity to operate.
  3. Possible over-humidification: If you use a humidifier in a room that already has a high humidity level, it can lead to over-humidification, which can create a breeding ground for dust mites and other allergens. To prevent this, use a hygrometer to measure the humidity level in your room and adjust the humidifier accordingly.
  4. Potential for staining: Some types of humidifiers, such as those that use a wick or filter, can cause staining on surfaces if they are not properly maintained. To prevent staining, make sure to clean your humidifier regularly and keep it away from surfaces that are prone to staining.

Which Heat Styling Tool Is The Worst For Hair?

All heat styling tools can be damaging to hair, as they apply high heat to the hair, which can cause it to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. 

However, some heat-styling tools are more damaging than others. I consider the tool that is considered the worst for hair to be the one that is used at the highest temperature and is applied to the hair for the longest period.

For example, the worst offenders are flat irons and straighteners which are very damaging to hair, as they apply high heat directly to the hair shaft and are often used for long periods. 

Next are curling irons and hot rollers which are also damaging, especially if they are used at high heat settings and are applied to the hair for an extended period.

My advice is to use heat styling tools carefully and sparingly and to use a heat protectant product to help shield your hair from the heat. 

And as I stated above but worth mentioning in closing again it’s a good idea to use the lowest heat setting possible and to limit your use of heat styling tools as much as possible to help minimize damage to your hair.

Definitions And Other Helpful Related Information

Unclogging hair follicles: Clogged hair follicles can cause dry hair, which can be caused by a buildup of sebum, styling products, and other substances. Use a clarifying shampoo or make your own scalp scrub by combining equal parts baking soda and water to unclog your hair follicles. Excess oil and debris can be removed by massaging the mixture into your scalp for a few minutes and then rinsing it out.

The hair cuticle is the outer layer of the hair shaft and is critical to the health and appearance of your hair. Damaged or raised hair cuticles can cause dry, frizzy, and unmanageable hair. You can help repair the hair cuticle by using a deep conditioning treatment or a hair mask designed to nourish and repair the hair cuticle.

Ashy blonde hair is defined as having a cool, greyish-blonde tone rather than a warm, golden tone. If your ashy blonde hair is feeling dry, try a purple shampoo or conditioner, which are designed to neutralize yellow and brassy tones in blonde hair. A deep conditioning treatment can also help to moisturize and nourish your hair.

Damp hair: It is not recommended to brush or style your hair when it is wet, as this can cause it to stretch and break. Instead, try gently detangling your hair with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers while it is still damp. You can also use a leave-in conditioner or a serum to protect your hair and add shine.

Wet hair: Similarly, you should avoid brushing or styling your hair while it is wet, as this can cause it to break or become damaged. If you need to style your hair while it’s wet, use a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed specifically for wet hair. You should also avoid using heat styling tools on wet hair, as this can cause damage and dryness.

Massage your scalp to improve blood circulation, stimulate hair growth, and reduce dryness and dandruff. Massage your hair by gently rubbing your scalp in circular motions with your fingertips. To help nourish your scalp and hair, you can also use an oil or a scalp scrub.

Tips for healthy hair: There are several things you can do to keep your hair healthy and prevent it from becoming dry and damaged:

  • Every time you wash your hair, use a conditioner.
  • Avoid using heat styling tools on a regular basis.
  • To help protect your hair from damage, use a leave-in conditioner or serum.
  • Avoid using harsh hair care products that contain alcohol or sulfates.
  • Brushing your hair too tightly can result in breakage.

Did you know harsh styling products, such as those containing alcohol or sulfates, can strip the hair of its natural oils, causing it to become dry and damaged. To avoid using harsh products, try natural or nourishing alternatives, such as leave-in conditioners or serums that are designed to moisturize and protect the hair.

A hot oil treatment made at home can help moisturize and nourish dry hair. To make your own hot oil treatment, combine a few tablespoons of nourishing oil, such as coconut oil, sunflower oil, or lavender oil, and heat it until warm. After that, apply the oil to your hair, focusing on the ends, and wrap it in a towel or shower cap. Allow the oil to sit in your hair for at least 30 minutes, if not overnight, before shampooing and conditioning as usual.

Using hot tools such as hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners can cause dry and damaged hair. Before styling your hair, use a heat protectant spray or serum to reduce the damage caused by hot tools. You can also try using the lowest possible heat setting and avoiding using hot tools too frequently.

Dead skin cells can build up on the scalp, resulting in a dry, flaky scalp and lifeless hair. You can use a scalp scrub or a brush designed specifically for the scalp to help remove dead skin cells and improve the health of your scalp. You can also use a scalp oil or serum to hydrate the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

Flyaway hair is caused by a number of factors, including dryness, damage, and static electricity. You can use a leave-in conditioner or a serum to help moisturize and smooth the hair to help tame flyaway hair. You can also gently smooth down flyaways with a brush or a wide-tooth comb.

Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3s and omega-6s, play an important role in the health and appearance of your hair. These fatty acids nourish and moisturize the hair while also improving elasticity and shine. Essential fatty acids can be obtained through foods such as fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, or through the use of oils rich in these fatty acids, such as borage oil or flaxseed oil, as a hair treatment.

An antioxidant, vitamin E can help to nourish and protect the hair. Vitamin E can be obtained from foods such as nuts and seeds, or from vitamin E-containing products such as hair oil or a hair mask.

I like Vitamin D because it is a nutrient that is essential for overall health, including hair health. Vitamin D can be obtained from foods such as fatty fish and eggs, as well as from sunlight. You can also use vitamin D-containing products, such as a hair oil or a hair mask.

Chamomile tea is a natural hair lightener that can also help to nourish and moisturize the hair. To use chamomile tea for dry hair, make a strong cup of chamomile tea and set it aside to cool. Once the tea has cooled, pour it over your hair, focusing on the ends, and wrap it in a towel or shower cap. Allow the tea to sit in your hair for at least 30 minutes, if not overnight, before shampooing and conditioning as usual.

Honey is a natural humectant, which means it helps to keep moisture in the body. To make a hair mask, combine two teaspoons of honey with a few tablespoons of water. Apply the mask to your hair, paying special attention to the ends, and then wrap it in a towel or shower cap. Allow the mask to sit on your hair for at least 30 minutes, if not overnight, before shampooing and conditioning as usual.

Chlorinated water can strip the hair of its natural oils, causing it to become dry and damaged. If you frequently swim in chlorinated water and have dry hair, try wearing a swim cap or using a deep conditioning treatment or leave-in conditioner after swimming to help moisturize and nourish your hair.

If you want to achieve instant sleekness and tame frizz in your dry hair, try using a hair oil or a serum. These products can smooth the hair, add shine, and protect it from damage.

Did you know you can use hand lotion to moisturize and nourish dry hair? To use hand lotion on dry hair, apply a small amount to your hands and then gently rub it into your hair, focusing on the ends. Use a small amount of lotion, as too much can weigh down the hair and make it greasy.

Lauric acid is a type of fatty acid found in coconut oil and other nourishing oils. It can help to moisturize and nourish hair while also improving elasticity and shine. You can use lauric acid for dry hair by using a hair oil or mask formulated with lauric acid or coconut oil.

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid that can help nourish and moisturize your hair. It can also help to improve hair elasticity and shine. To use GLA for dry hair, try a GLA-containing hair oil or mask, or borage oil, which is a natural source of GLA.

A certified trichologist is a professional who specializes in hair and scalp health. If you have persistent dryness or other problems with your hair, you should see a certified trichologist for personalized advice and treatment.

Tight ponytails: Because the hair is being pulled and stretched, tight ponytails can cause it to become dry and damaged. To avoid dryness and damage, use a gentle hair tie or band and avoid wearing tight ponytails too frequently.

Dry locks, also known as dreadlocks, are a hairstyle that allows the hair to mat and tangle into ropes. Because the hair is not washed as frequently as it is in other hairstyles, dry locks can be prone to dryness. Use a leave-in conditioner or a hair oil to keep dry locks moisturized and healthy, and avoid products containing alcohol or sulfates.

Frizzy hair is caused by a number of factors, including dryness, damage, and humidity. You can use a leave-in conditioner or a serum to help moisturize and smooth dry hair to help tame frizz. You could also use a hair oil.


References

Lee, Y., Kim, Y. D., Hyun, H. J., Pi, L. Q., Jin, X., & Lee, W. S. (2011). Hair shaft damage from heat and drying time of hair dryer. Annals of Dermatology, 23(4), 455-462. https://synapse.koreamed.org/articles/1045372

Draelos, Z. D. (2000). The biology of hair care. Dermatologic clinics, 18(4), 651-658. sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0733863505702163

Gray, J. (2001). Hair care and hair care products. Clinics in dermatology, 19(2), 227-236. https://www.cidjournal.com/article/S0738-081X(00)00133-4/fulltext

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-drying-her-hair-with-a-towel-6811006/