There are many culprits that can cause dry hair - pollution, sun
exposure, stress, and even hair care products are some of them. However,
you don't need to worry because quick fixes for your thirsty tresses
are right at home and in your fridge or your pantry.
Mayonnaise
This
tasty condiment doesn't just work on sandwiches - it can totally pamper
and condition tired, parched hair. Mayonnaise is full of three
important ingredients that do wonders for the hair: protein, oil, and
L-cysteine.
Protein and oil are the building blocks of hair - the
protein rebuilds and strengthens hair structure while the oil coats the
follicles and moisturizes the strands. L-cysteine is a powerful
antioxidant and a major component of hair, and reintroduction of
L-cysteine to dry hair will give strength, hydration, and shine.
Obviously when it comes to hair treatments, mayonnaise works miracles!
To
make your very own DIY home remedy using mayonnaise, start by picking
out full-fat or real mayonnaise so that you get the true ingredients and
full benefits. Get half a cup and allow it to warm up to room
temperature.
Wet your hair with warm water so that the follicles
will open up and absorb the nutrients better. Slather on the half cup of
mayonnaise with a comb and ensure that all strands are coated. Put on a
shower cap or a warm, damp towel, and leave on for a minimum of fifteen
minutes. (If your hair is super dry, leave it on overnight!)
When
you've let your hair marinade in the mayonnaise for as long as you
need, rinse it off with warm water. If you're staying in, don't shampoo
for another 24 hours so that the oils remaining in your hair will
continue to condition and repair your locks. However, if you need to
head out the door, give your hair a quick lather with a mild shampoo.
Your hair should be smooth, shiny, and moisturized when you're done!
Coconut Oil
In
recent years, the health, cooking, and beauty industries have been
going nuts for coconuts! Among its many benefits is that it works great
as a hair conditioner. Studies have shown that among common oils used
for hair care (such as sunflower oil and mineral oil), coconut oil has
the ability to actually penetrate hair. This means that it nourishes
hair from the inside and its conditioning benefits won't be washed away
during your next shampoo!
To make a DIY home mask for dry hair
using coconut oil, grab some coconut oil from the Asian section of your
grocery. Coconut oil tends to solidify during colder temperatures, so
don't be surprised if it looks like it's glazed over.
There are two ways of using coconut oil as a hair mask: you can use it either before or after shampooing. Coconut oil works best with dry hair, so keep that in mind when you plan to use it.
Start
by getting a dime-sized amount of coconut oil and warming it gently in
the microwave. Be sure that it isn't too hot so that you don't burn your
scalp!
Now, if you're going to slather it on before shampooing,
have your shower cap and your hair drier ready. Comb it through your
hair, ensuring that you get it on every strand from roots to tips. Cover
your hair with a shower cap and leave the oil on for 30 minutes.
Afterward, remove the shower cap and expose your hair to gentle heat
from your hair drier for 5 - 15 minutes. This will help the oil
penetrate your hair, ensuring that you get a deep conditioning!
When you're done blow drying your hair, shampoo and condition as usual.
If
you plan to use this mask after your bath, make sure that your hair is
completely dry before putting it on. This time, prepare a smaller amount
that's also warmed so that the oil is in its liquid form. Comb it
through your hair with focus on the tips to prevent split ends.
When you're done, you'll have deeply conditioned and happy hair!
