Our hair can only stand so much abuse. Between beach days, blowouts, dying and styling, it’s no wonder that our crowning glory may have some seriously droopy days. Several other things can damage your hair as well, including over-washing or using a harsh shampoo that strips away your hair’s natural oils, harsh chemical-based styling products or treatments and using heated hair straighteners or curling irons.
But dry hair is a condition that can be treated, not a hair type. A deep-conditioning treatment once a week can go a long way to helping your hair cuticles get their groove back (i.e. lie flat so they hold in natural oils).
Avocado Deep Conditioner
Ingredients
1 ripe avocado
1 egg
Directions
Mash avocado (pit removed) and combine with beaten egg. Apply mixture to hair, focusing on the ends. Leave on for at least 20 minutes, then rinse. Rich in vitamins, essential fatty acids, and minerals, avocados will help restore luster to damaged hair. Raw eggs are rich in fats and proteins that are also naturally moisturizing. Repeat once a week for damaged hair and once a month for healthy hair.
Oil Hair-Conditioning Treatment
Ingredients
Small amount of jojoba, olive, argan or coconut oil
Directions
Warm oil to 100-105 degrees in a double boiler. Meanwhile, dampen hair. For longer or thicker hair, use 1-2 teaspoons of oil, and for fine or short hair, use 1/4 teaspoon. Massage oil into the scalp and work through hair strands, covering all hair completely. Cover hair with a shower cap or plastic bag and if circumstances permit, sit in the sun or by the woodstove (heat facilitates the conditioning process). Leave in the oil for an hour or two, and then shampoo with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and rinse well.
Natural Banana Conditioner
Ingredients
1 cup of hot water
1 ripe banana
½ cup dried chamomile or rosemary
1 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 Tbsp. honey
Directions
In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend well. Apply mixture to hair for 10 minutes or more, then rinse well. Banana, the star ingredient of this treatment, contains vitamins and minerals that help to nourish and moisturize the hair and scalp.