To get managed hair and a sleek look, we often treat the hair with heat.
The heat application leaves the hair dry, damaged and coarse. The styling methods such as heat styling, blow-drying and chemical treatment harm hair, it is therefore important to moisture hair to pamper them.
As the season changes the moisture level of hair also changes, which is why moisturizing hair regularly is necessary. For example, during the winter season, the hair may get dry due to the dry cold and outside and the indoor heaters.
What Causes Dry Hair?
There are various factors which can contribute to hair dryness such as:
- Less sebum production by the scalp, styling the hair using blow dryers, straighteners, curling iron, etc.
- Washing hair more than required
- Using harsh shampoos
- Not conditioning hair
- Exposing hair to a changing climate, chlorine, and saltwater
- Using poor quality comb and brushes
Natural Hair Moisturizers
There are:
Coconut Oil
Coconut is the most commonly used natural hair moisturizer. It prevents protein loss from the hair strands after every wash.(1) This helps the hair remain soft and supple.
Apply virgin coconut oil on the hair and scalp and gently massage it for a few minutes. Leave it for at least one hour and wash the hair with mild shampoo and conditioner.
Banana and Olive Oil
Both banana and olive oil exhibit moisturizing properties. Both, work together to hydrate hair and make them soft
Mash one banana in 1-2 tablespoon of virgin olive oil and apply the mixture to the wet hair and scalp. Leave it for few minutes and rinse with water.
Pumpkin Seed Oil And Honey
Honey has excellent moisturizing properties and is an ingredient in many types of hair conditioners.(2) Pumpkin seeds play a role in preventing hair fall.(3)
Mix one tablespoon of pumpkin seed oil, two tablespoon of honey and two tablespoons of coconut oil and blend them together. Apply the mixture to wet hair and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
For best results use this hair moisturizer for 1-2 times a week.
Shea Butter
Emollient properties of shea butter make it an excellent option to moisturize dry and damaged hair.(4)
Take one or two tablespoons of shea butter and warm it up. Apply it to the scalp and hair and leave it for 30-60 minutes
Wash the hair with a mild cleanser and follow it with a mild conditioner.
Aloe Vera and Lavender Oil
Aloe vera with its photoprotective effects helps in preventing hair damage caused by harsh sun rays.(5) Lavender oil promotes hair growth and leaves the hair smelling pleasant all day long.(6)
Add 2-3 drops of lavender oil to ¼ cup of aloe vera gel. Add one cup of water. Blend it into a mixture. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray it on scalp and hair whenever required.
Raw Egg and Olive Oil
The high fat and protein content of raw eggs make them a potential natural moisturizer. Olive oil contains oleuropein, a compound that is known for its hair promoting activities. This helps in treating dry and damaged hair.
Blend one raw egg with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Apply the mixture to the hair and scalp. Wrap the hair in a towel for 30-60 minutes.
Rinse the hair with a mild shampoo and apply a conditioner.
All the above are natural hair moisturizer free from any chemical which might damage hair. Also, try following the tips mentioned below to prevent the hair dryness:
- Eat a well-balanced diet so that the hair gets all the required nutrients.
- Condition hair after every wash
- Avoid styling hair if possible
- Limit chemical treatment on hair
- Do not comb wet hair
- Do not tie hair tightly
- Protect hair from the sun by wearing hats or scarves
- Never comb the hair with poor quality comb or brushes
These tips can be extremely helpful in preventing dryness and hair damage.