5 dry hair treatments you can make at home

Summer sun and chlorinated water can sap moisture from the healthiest locks. If you’re struggling with dry hair you know to ease up on the blow-dryer and straightening iron (for important Zoom calls only!). But did you know you can repair damaged hair with simple ingredients you already have in your fridge or pantry?

Photo Credit: iStock.com/ Halfpoint

First things first: wash your hair less often. Frequent hair washing strips your hair and scalp of natural oils, which is why experts recommend washing your hair every second day, or longer if you can. Wash in water that’s warm—not hot—to keep those natural oils in place.  Next, try one of these five simple homemade hair treatments and DIY hair masks.

Raw eggs are rich in natural moisturizers, like protein and fat, and enzymes that get rid of unwanted oil. Beat 2 large eggs. Apply to scalp and clean, damp hair. Rinse with cold water (you don’t want to cook the egg) after 20 minutes and shampoo as usual. Repeat once or twice per month, as needed.

When your hair is in crisis, it’s time for a DIY mayo hair mask. With the benefits of eggs and the added clarifying power of vinegar, you’ll see and feel softer hair and a cleaner scalp. In the shower, apply a quarter-sized amount of mayo and massage it from roots to ends, as you would with shampoo. Cover with a shower cap and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Apple cider vinegar can be used to remove excess oil, if necessary. Use as often as weekly.

Crack a cold one and you’ll see…stronger, shinier hair. Made from malt and hops, beer is full of hair-repairing protein and B vitamins that smooth the cuticle and help strands reflect light. To mix your own hair rinse, start with ¼ cup of flat, room-temperature beer. Add the same amount of water and a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for smell control. After your usual shampoo and conditioner, soak hair with the beer rinse and leave for a few minutes before washing out. For best results, repeat once or twice monthly.

Sure, you love them on toast and in a good guacamole, but when was the last time you used avocado in your hair? If you answered ‘never,’ you’re missing out on vitamins and healthy fats that work wonders on dry hair. Mash a ripe avocado and mix in one raw egg. Apply paste onto wet hair and let penetrate for 20 minutes before rinsing. Repeat monthly or weekly, according to your hair’s needs.

If your regular conditioner isn’t doing the trick, try an overnight treatment. Coconut oil is known for its deep moisturizing prowess on skin, and these healing properties work equally well on hair. Warm a tablespoon of oil in the microwave and massage into damp hair (damaged areas only). Put on a shower cap and protect your pillow with a towel. Shampoo oil out in the morning. Repeat as needed.

Moisturizing treatments can help repair the damage we do to our hair, but prevention is best. Air-dry as often as you can, and use heat tools sparingly. If you must blow-dry, use the lowest setting and choose a natural-bristle brush. Brush gently. Remove tangles at the ends first, before taking strokes from root to tip to spread the hair’s oils. Get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks (or cut your own hair at home) to remove any dry, split ends.