We all experience damaged hair at one point or another, whether it is seen through forms of breakage, split ends, loss of shine, or an itchy scalp. We see damage to our hair caused by a variety of reasons, from excessively washing with harsh alcohols and soaps, exposure to dry and hot weather, the use of hot irons and hair dryers, swimming in chlorine pools, lack of moisture in the air, and even friction due to sleeping on cotton pillowcases and stress. With all of these causes, damaged hair is seemingly inevitable. But we have comprised a list of home remedies that will help fix your damaged hair the easy way, leaving it shining and healthy.
Olive Oil:
Packed with fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, olive oil helps to heal damaged hair by sealing moisture in the cuticle, and protects your hair from further damage. First, warm up about ½ a cup of olive oil (do not boil it) and then gently massage it into your hair, focusing on your scalp and hair shafts. Next, cover your tresses with a plastic bag, and then wrap your hair in a warm towel. Leave this in for at least 30 minutes, or keep it overnight. Lastly, shampoo and condition your hair once you are done with the olive oil. Follow this remedy weekly.
Use a Humidifier at Night:
Typically, heating and cooling keeps household air dry, especially in the winter. This does not help retain moisture in your hair. Try using a humidifier at night to put moisture back into the air, which will prevent your hair from becoming more dry and damaged.
Bananas:
Yes, bananas! Bananas are rich in potassium, fortifying vitamins, natural oils, and moisture content. They can help to soften your hair and improve its elasticity. It also soothes a dry, irritated scalp and clears away flakes and dead skin cells. Even more, it encourages faster hair growth.
You will need one ripe banana (two if you have long hair), two tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil, two tablespoons of honey, ½ cup of full-fat milk (you can also use yogurt), one tablespoon of butter (optional), one teaspoon of lime juice (optional), and one egg/yolk (optional).
Blend your ingredients in a blender until it is smooth and there are no visible banana chunks. Once it is blended, apply this banana mask beginning at the roots, working your war towards your ends. You want to make sure you cover the entirety of your face and hair. Put your hair into a bun (if it is long enough) and then wrap your hair in a towel. Leave the mask in for about 30 minutes, and then rinse your hair thoroughly and shampoo it as usual. If you would like, you can condition it, but it might already feel soft and conditioned from the mask. Let your hair air dry following the wash!
Eggs:
You can also use eggs as a natural hair remedy. The proteins, minerals, and essential fatty acids in egg yolks can nourish hair strands and create a shine, as well as cleanse your scalp. Whisk one egg and then massage it into your hair and scalp. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Then, rinse your hair with cool water and shampoo it as you usually would. This treatment will help to enhance the proteins in your hair and make it feel nourished.
If you have any questions, give us a call at Avalanche Salon and Spa at 610-489-2049!
