11 Most Common Hair Problems & Their Home Remedies

The one thing that is noticed most other than a person’s face is their hair and what condition it is in. It is essential that we take steps to maintain our hair’s health not only for the sake of appearance, but because having unkempt, unhealthy hair is taken as a sign of poor health and poor personal grooming. Careless changes in a person’s diet, weather changes, environmental differences and aggregate intake of oily and sodium-rich foods wreck havoc on your precious tresses.

The most common hair problems like grey hair, frizzy hair, dull hair, split ends, hair loss, dandruff, unwanted hair growth and flaky hair are commonly complained about. If you’ve fallen prey to any of the above, keep reading further for their causes and home-made remedies.

Our hair gets its natural colouring from a pigmentation known as melanin which is produced in the follicles of the hair by melanocyte cells. As we age, the aging process takes its toll on these melanocyte cells which stop producing melanin in the new hair resulting in hair which emerges as silver, grey or white. According to research, DNA damage and build-up of hydrogen peroxide in the follicles may be possible causes of this disruption in melanin production.

• Mix Amla in oil. You can choose from either coconut oil or sesame seed oil. Heat the mixture in a pan till the oil starts to boil. After a while when this mixture has cooled a bit, apply it to your hair and let it settle for 30-40 minutes. Then wash it off with cold water. It must be kept in mind that quantity of the solution must be proportional to the length of hair.
• Keep yourself well hydrated at all times and preferably stop smoking. This will result in improved blood circulation to your scalp and overall body which prevents and stops the grey hair problem.
• Consumption of more copper, iodine, protein and vitamin B12 along with your everyday diet is recommended for treating the problem of grey hair.

The primary cause for having frizzy hair is dehydration. Extensive research proves that it is a fact that 12%-15% of our hair is made up of water. In order to have silky and smooth hair the moisture needs to be balanced, which will allow the hair cuticles to be sealed with natural oils, which are known as sebum. In case of a drop in moisture, the hair would become dry and be vulnerable to damage. This ultimately leads to frizzy hair.

• Combine 1-2 teaspoons of honey in half-a-cup of milk to form a pasty mixture. Pour this mixture into your hair and then massage it onto your scalp. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes and then wash it off.
• Take a few drops of coconut oil and rub it in between the palms of your hand. Apply it along the length of your hair in a uniform manner. Do not use too much oil otherwise your hair might end up looking greasy.
• There are several shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for frizzy hair. Use the one recommended by your dermatologist.

The large concentration of pollution one faces in their daily life leads to encounters of our hair with dirt and dust. Shiny and smooth hair is always a mark of health and youthfulness, but dull hair has always been a hindrance in one’s appearance. Dull is generally caused due to roughening and widening of the cuticles in the hair. Dull is occurs due to not only dirt particles, but also by chemical damage, improper styling techniques and even excessive application of heat.

• Beat 2 medium sized eggs till they become foamy and thick. Add 2 tablespoons of almond oil and 1.5 cups of yogurt to the egg mixture and apply this to your hair and scalp. After applying, let it sit for about 30-40 minutes. Follow it up with a good wash using your regular shampoo and cold water to get the mixture as well as the smell of the eggs out of your hair. The result is shiny, glossy hair.
• Another alternative is to mix freshly squeezed juice of a lemon with a cup of warm water and apply it to your hair. Allow it remain for a few minutes and then wash. This will add fresh bounce and shine to your hair and rids the problem of dull hair.
• Massage your hair with warm oil. Preferably coconut, olive, almond or even castor oil. Dip a towel in mildly hot water, wring it and wrap it around your hair and keep it for 30 minutes. This will help the oil in penetrating the scalp. Wash it off with warm water for shiny hair.
• Each time you use a moisturizing shampoo, clear it off using cold water. This will cause the hair shaft to contract and give your hair a smooth and silky glow.
• You can also try using honey to add shine to your dry hair. Mix 3 tbsp of honey with 1 pint of water and rub it over your hair and scalp. Leave it for 20 minutes. A shower cap is recommended. Wash it thoroughly with cool water and blow dry with medium heat. Use this once a week to add shine and volume to your hair.

Blow-drying, straightening, highlighting, and even perming can leave your hair in dilapidated condition, making it brittle and broken with split ends.

• Take 1.5 cups of papaya and make sure to remove the skin and the seeds. Mash the papaya into a thick paste and add half a cup of yogurt. Apply it to your hair for 45-50 minutes and wash it off thoroughly to get rid of the problem of split ends.
• Always use cold water or water that is at the room temperature. Dry and frizzy hair when you walk out of the shower is an indication that the temperature of the water was intolerable for your hair.
• It is highly recommended to trim your hair every 8 to 12 weeks to rid your hair of split ends and keep them in a healthy condition.

There are numerous reasons which can cause hair fall such as a major surgery, hormonal problems, infections, pregnancy, iron deficiency, overactive or underactive thyroid, severe stress and even autoimmune diseases like lupus.

• Gently massage coconut milk over your hair and scalp. Keep the mixture on for about 1-2 hours and wash it off as usual.
• Boil slices of 3-4 lemons in water. Let it simmer for 15 minutes till half of the water has evaporated. Strain the liquid and add some drops of essential oil. Pour this into a spray bottle and keep it refrigerated. Now spray this on your hair as and when needed to add a quick touch of volume and glossiness and to prevent hair loss.
• It is also advisable to work out regularly as exercise increases the blood circulation through the body which aids in the stimulation of the scalp and helps in curbing the hair loss problem.
• Massage your scalp with warm oil in order to stimulate blood flow to your scalp. Sesame seed oil is best known for its natural ability to stop hair fall. Brush your hair before you sleep at night to remove the tangles from your hair and prevent hair loss.

While pollution is one big factor contributing to dandruff, but there are other various reasons as well for dandruff. The reasons can vary from fungal infection to poor lifestyle. Scaly particles that cling to the root of the hair can be caused by a poor diet, an infection, or even a sluggish metabolism.

• Take 1 tablespoon fenugreek seed powder (you can grind the seeds to make your own powder) and 3 tablespoons lemon juice mixed together. Apply it to your scalp and keep it for 20-25 minutes. Wash it off. Use this hair mask once in 10 days to get rid of dandruff.
• Mix a few tablespoons of fresh lemon juice with warm olive oil and massage it gently on the scalp. Allow it to remain for 15 minutes, then shampoo and shower.
• Consult with your doctor regarding the degree of your dandruff problem and use a prescription anti-dandruff shampoo if needed to get rid of stubborn dandruff.

The scalp produces natural oil, which assists in keeping the skin lubricated. It is produced by the sebaceous glands. Sometimes these glands work overtime and produce too much oil, leading to a greasy scalp. Greasy hair can look dull, limp and lifeless which makes it much more difficult to manage.

• To treat greasy hair, try washing with a gentle/mild shampoo that is specially formulated to control sebum.
• Take 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda and mix it well with a little water. The water should be just enough to form a thick semi-liquid like substance. Apply it to the damp hair and allow the paste to sit on for 10 minutes after which wash off with warm water. Don’t use this treatment more than once or twice in the same week.

Excessive styling and application of heat can lead to split ends, which are visible to the naked eyes when the protective outermost layer of hair (the cuticle) is damaged and peels back. This can also occur due to over-exposure to the sun, wind, and dry air, which ends up polluting your hair. Washing it too often or over-processing your hair is also harmful and might lead to unwanted pigmentation.

• Brush your hair gently with a soft, flexible hairbrush as regularly as you can. Don’t over-brush.
• It is best to avoid towel-drying. If you do dry your hair with a towel, rub it gently.
• It is also unadvisable to comb your hair when it is wet because combing wet hair can result in split ends and breakage.
• Start using a deep conditioner with keratin and cetyl alcohol. This will help in softening your hair and aid in retaining its moisture and managing the problem of heat damage to the hair.

Hair growth in unwanted places such as facial hair and body hair can be as much of a nightmare as hair loss.

• Turmeric is an ingredient that is often used by women in India to reduce body hair. Apply a paste of turmeric and water to your body after which you need to leave it on for 30 minutes. Then gently wash it off with water. Do not use soap. Repeat this method at least twice a month to see visible results.
• Mix one-half tablespoon of rose water to two tablespoons of green gram flour. You may add one tablespoon of lemon juice as well. Spread the paste on your face and leave it on for 20 to 25 minutes before scrubbing it off. Do this three to four times a week.
• Mix together two tablespoons of chickpea flour, one tablespoon of milk cream, one-half teaspoon of milk and three-quarter teaspoons of turmeric. Apply this thick paste on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes or until it dries. Scrub it off using a facial loofah pad or simply a soft cloth dipped in lukewarm water. Do this at least three or four times a week for about a month.

There is a difference between the issue of having dandruff and a flaky scalp. Flaky scalp are sometimes the reason for immense hair loss due to lack of moisture. It can also be sparked by cold weather, the application of soap, product build-up, strong detergents, diet and hard water.

• Simply use apple cider vinegar rinses. This method helps restore the pH on your scalp and gets rid of the problem of flaky scalp.
• Natural hair masks like a mixture of yogurt and honey works well to bring moisture and also hydrates your scalp as well as combat the problem of flaky scalp.
• Consuming vitamins and essential minerals are also great ways to treat the problem of flaky scalp.
• Allow yourself a light scalp massage using natural oils, such as jojoba oil or extra virgin olive oil every now and then to manage the flaky scalp problem.

Aside from sun damage, chlorine damage is also one of the most common hair problems during the summer time. In order to reduce the growth of viruses or bacteria, chlorine is added to the water, making hot tubs and swimming pools safe for the public. Even then, it is not just germs it kills, but it also damages your hair. This damage makes your hair look rough and dull. It also weakens the hair structure. Because of this, hair is unable to withstand stress without breaking.

• A swim cap helps best to protect your hair from the problem of Chlorine Damaged Hair.
• Wash your hair under tap water to saturate your hair before entering the pool to prevent damage from the chorine water.
• Have a weekly hair mask, which help seals the hair cuticle and repair the damage from the chlorine water.

• Lemon, when mixed with egg and honey, can be used as a hair pack. Mix 1 egg, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoon olive oil (or any hair oil of your choice) and a few drops of essential oil and apply on your hair. Follow up shampooing with lukewarm water. End with a cold water rinse.
• For dry, coarse or flaky scalp: Coconut oil, argan oil, avocado, olive or castor oil is recommended. Take two tablespoons of oil and apply this only to the scalp of your hair dividing into your hair into 2-inch sections, so that the whole scalp gets properly oiled. Now massage this well for a good 15 minutes. Take some more oil and apply to the hair strands till the very tip of the hair where you are most likely to have split ends. Wear a cap on the head and keep this for a few hours or better, overnight. Wash away the oil the next morning.
• For brittle hair, use egg whites to add moisture to your hair. Take half a cup of egg (just white or whole egg) and apply to clean but damp hair. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with cold water.