To put it simply, dry hair is a kind of hair damage. It occurs when your hair fails to retain the moisture. It is a common problem among the people of all ages, including both men and women, but the risk of developing this condition increases as you age.
The outer layer of your hair protects the inner layers from any damage with the help of natural oils. If the outer layer lacks enough miniaturization, it breaks down and leads to the development of dry hair. Therefore, it is essential to keep your hair hydrated enough.
Dry hair makes your hair lack the sheen and, at the same time, makes your hair look dull, dry, and thin. Dry hair is the leading reason behind hair fall as it makes the strands fragile and brittle, causing them to break easily. If you are facing the problems of dry hair, then you should take care of it as soon as possible.
Nothing can beat the home remedies and natural treatments when it comes to treating dry hair.
Table of Contents
How to Treat Dry Hair Naturally?
Here are some effective natural ways which may help you in reducing your dry hair issues:
- Foods
- Supplements
- Essential Oils
- Home Remedies
- Herbs
CURE 1: Foods For Dry Hair
Foods can effectively help to treat in many health conditions, including dry hair. It is essential to know which foods can help you in dry hair and try to include them in your diet.
A healthy food habit supports your healing process by supplying all the essential nutrients. If you are facing the issues related to dry hair and hair damage, here are some foods which can be helpful for you.
1. Eggs:
How does it work?
Eggs are famous as a source of first-class protein along with biotin, and both of them are important for hair growth. Deficiency of protein can make your hair week and can lead to dry hair.
Protein is the main component of hair follicles, whereas biotin promotes keratin production in your hair, making your hair healthy and strong.
How to use?
Eggs can easily be a part of your daily diet. You can have one boiled egg in your breakfast, or you can also have it like an omelet. There are many breakfast and lunch recipes where you can use eggs.
How much to use?
Whereas eggs are healthy for you, try not to consume more than 1 or 2 eggs daily. Excessive eggs can create many health issues.
2. Berries:
How does it work?
It is an antioxidant and has a high Vitamin C content which makes make berries a healthy food option for dry hair. The Vitamin C present in berries boosts the production of collagen, and it is this collagen makes hair healthy, strong, and shiny. The antioxidants also help in preventing any damages in the hair.
How to use?
There are several ways of including berries in your daily routine. You can add berries in your breakfast cereal or oatmeal. Strawberry and blueberry smoothies or milkshakes are also great options. Moreover, you can consume them directly as your mid-day snacks.
How much to use?
A handful of strawberry or blueberry or a glass of your smoothie with your favorite berries would be enough. If you are considering berries for your mid-day snacks, then you can have a cup of mixed berries regularly.
3. Fatty Fish, Nuts, and Seeds:
How does it work?
Fatty fish, nuts, and seeds all are rich sources of -3 fatty acids. These healthy fatty acids are essential for the healthy growth of your hair. Along with that, nuts and seeds contain high amounts of Vitamin E, which is necessary not to let your hair get dry and fizzy(1).
How to use?
There are plenty of fatty fish recipes, and using them, you can increase your Omega-3 intake. You can include nuts like walnuts and seeds like flaxseeds or pumpkin seeds in your breakfast. They can also be considered as mid-day or evening snacks.
How much to use?
1-2 servings of cold water fatty fish daily will be enough if you want to increase your Omega-3 consumption. If you have seeds or nuts in your breakfast or snacks, then try to stick to having only a handful of them.
4. Spinach:
How does it work?
Nutrients like folate, iron, Vitamin A and Vitamin C make spinach a superfood for dry hair. Vitamin A and Vitamin C are crucial to maintaining the health of hair. Vitamin A helps in the production of sebum, which keeps the hair hydrated and prevent it from drying out. Iron, on the other hand, promotes strong and healthy hair.
How to use?
Spinach can be added to various dishes like salads, stews, soups, and curries. You can stir fry spinach with some garlic and olive oil, and it will be not only tasty but also healthy for your dry hairs.
How much to use?
If you are facing the problems of dry hair, then you should include 1-2 servings of spinach in your daily diet plan. This will help you gain healthy and shinning hair.
CURE 2: Supplements for Dry hair
Though foods are essential to supply required nutrients in your body, sometimes they are not enough. Sometimes it gets crucial to take the right supplements so that your body gets enough vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other nutrients, and the deficiency of them gets fulfilled. Supplements have many benefits when it comes to dealing with health issues like dry hair. Therefore, here are some supplements which you should consider if you have developed dry hair.
1. Vitamins for Dry Hair
How does it work?
Vitamin plays a crucial role in the healthy growth of hair cells. Along with that, it promotes the production of sebum, which keeps the scalp hydrated enough to prevent hairs from drying out. It also works effectively against issues like breakage.
How to use?
If you are facing Vitamin A deficiency in your body, you may consider taking Vitamin A supplements. There are also plenty of natural sources of Vitamin A. Sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, and pumpkins are some of those natural sources. Introducing these vegetables into your diet can also help you get required Vitamin A.
How much to use?
This depends on Vitamin A deficiency in your body and on your overall health. Consider talking to your doctor before start taking Vitamin A pills.
2. Biotin:
How does it work?
Biotin belongs to the B group of vitamins and is among those vitamins which have a significant role to play in preventing the hair damage. Lack of biotin may lead you to hair loss, and that is why biotin is used in hair loss treatments. It helps in strengthening the hair root and, thus, keeps your hair thick and healthy.
How to use?
Biotin can be taken via Vitamin B complex capsules available easily in the market. Some natural sources of biotin include salmon, almond, banana, whole grains, cheese, egg yolks, and nuts, etc.
How much to use?
Depending on the requirements of your body, 1-2 capsules of Vitamin B complex would be fine. However, always remember to consult an expert if you are thinking about taking any supplements.
3. Vitamin E:
How does it work?
Vitamin E highly reputed as an antioxidant and anti-aging agent. Its anti-aging properties prevent hair damage and help in your dry hair condition.
How to use?
You can directly take any Vitamin E capsules from the store. However, there are many vitamin E rich foods which might also help you. Some of them are almonds, avocados, and sunflower seeds.
How much to use?
If you are facing dry hair symptoms, then consider taking Vitamin E supplements. Consult your doctor and learn how much you should make. At the same time, you can eat a handful of almonds or sunflower seeds daily, and this will help in fulfilling your vitamin E requirements.
4. Iron:
How does it work?
Iron is a vital compound of hemoglobin and, thus, helps the blood to carry oxygen properly to the various parts of the body, including hairs. As such, iron helps in hair growth and prevents hairs from getting weak and brittle.
How to use?
There are several companies selling iron tablets in the market. You can include them in your routine along with iron-rich diets. Spinach, eggs, lentils, seafood, and red meat are well known for their high iron content.
How much to use?
Daily one tablet of iron would suffice the need of iron in your body. Still, it is better to ask a proper physician before taking any dose.
CURE 3: Essential Oils for Dry Hair
Essential oils have been using in the treatments of many critical health conditions since a long time now and across many cultures. They show many beneficial effects owing to their antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. Dry hair is a condition which can be controlled and treated by using essential oils. Here are some essential oils which can help you.
1. Chamomile Oil:
How does it work?
Chamomile oil is naturally loaded with antioxidants and healing properties. The antioxidant and cooling properties of chamomile oil make it an excellent remedy of dry hair.
Antioxidants prevent hair damage and promote thick and shiny hair. On the other hand, its calming effects soothe the scalp, improves the blood circulation in the scalp, and relieves the stress, which in turn boots the hair growth process.
How to use?
Before using chamomile oil, you have to dilute it by mixing with some carrier oil like almond oil or coconut oil. Add 2-3 tablespoons of chamomile oil with some coconut oil or almond oil and apply it generously on the scalp and hair.
You can keep it from one hour to overnight depending on your choice and then shampoo your hair with some mild shampoo. This remedy will make your hair thick, silky, and shiny beyond your imagination as well as relives all kind of anxiety and stress.
How much to use?
Apply this remedy on your hair at least twice to thrice a week if you have dry hair. You will get to see the results merely after three or four uses.
2. Rosemary Oil:
How does it work?
Rosemary oil has gained much popularity in treating hair related issues. Rosemary oil contains an abundant amount of antioxidants and carnosic acid, which are highly beneficial for repairing dry and damaged hair.
Rosemary oil, with all its antioxidant properties, improves the blood circulation in the scalp, and helps hair in healthy growth. It strengthens the hair root and, thus, prevents your hair from falling off quickly. It also helps the hair to retain enough moisture to avoid the signs of dry hair.
How to use?
Rosemary oil can directly be applied to your hair. Take some rosemary oil and apply it thoroughly from the roots to tips of your hair. Rinse it with shampoo after keeping it for minimum 15-20 minutes. You can also let it stay it overnight.
How much to use?
You can apply rosemary oil on your hair twice or thrice a week just like any other regular oil. You can also try rosemary oil with castor oil or almond oil. This will make it more beneficial.
3. Tea Tree Oil:
How does it work?
Tea tree oil is perhaps the oil which works for several health issues, including dry hair. Tea tree oil is well known as an effective antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal agent. This oil if mixed with coconut oil treats all the damages of your hair and scalp, making them healthy enough to promote hair growth. It also reduces hair loss to a very great extent.
How to use tea tree oil and coconut oil for dry hair ?
Depending on the concentration of your tea tree oil mix it with some carrier oil like coconut oil. Spread this oil mixture properly on the scalp, the roots and the tips of your hair. Wash it off using some mild shampoo after half an hour. This will cleanse your scalp and make your hair grow fast without falling off.
How much to use?
Tea tree oil is a very faithful remedy when it comes to dry hair condition or any other hair issues, including hair fall and hair damage. Try using tree tea oil at least twice a week to get desired results. You must ideally be careful while using tea tree oil as high concentration tea tree oil can irritate your scalp. Therefore, never forget to dilute it with some coconut oil before using.
4. Lavender Oil:
How does it work?
Lavender oil, with its antioxidant and soothing characteristics, makes a perfect remedy for dry hair. It cools your scalp down and boosts the blood circulation and cell growth in the scalp. Thus, it backs up hair growth and helps it from breaking down quickly.
How to use lavender oil and olive oil for dry hair ?
Mix 3-4 drops of lavender oil with some olive oil and apply that mixture on your scalp thoroughly. Massage your scalp using your fingers and let it stay for at least 20-30 minutes. Its calming effects will soon begin to work.
How much to use?
Lavender oil can be used twice to thrice a week, depending on your choice. Apart from healing dry hairs, it is a perfect remedy to reduce stress during summer owing to its cooling effects.
CURE 4: Home Remedies for Dry hair
Apart from medication, home remedies play a significant role in treating health issues. A condition like dry hair can effectively be managed and cured through home remedies(2). There are plenty of simple hair masks which you can make at your home, and they can give your shiny as well as attractive hair back along with promoting your hair growth. Some of those useful home remedies for dry hair have been discussed below.
1. Tea Wash:
How does it work?
Tea is naturally loaded with lots of antioxidants. All these antioxidants not only can promote hair growth but also bring back the lost shine of your hair. Teas like chamomile tea or lavender tea can soothe your scalp and regulate the blood circulation in your scalp.
How to use?
You can freshly brew some black tea, chamomile tea or lavender tea and rinse your hair with it after a regular shampoo. Black tea also helps in enhancing your hair color if you are a brunette.
How much to use?
Washing your hair twice a week with tea would be enough to let you get rid of your dry hair issues. Try this remedy, and you will witness an instant shine in your hair.
2. Hair Mask for Dry Hair at Home
Avocado Mask:
How does it work?
Avocados are rich in Vitamin E & A along with minerals like iron and fatty acids. Vitamin A & E combined with healthy fatty acids may nourish your damaged, dry hair. They, including iron, help in give your hair required growth, strength, volume, and shine.
How to use?
Take a ripe avocado, peel it, and make a paste out of it. Add an egg in this paste and mix it well. Apply this mask on your hair and keep it for at least 20 before wash it off with water. This mask provides you all the nourishment that you need for your dry hair.
How much to use?
Try to use this avocado mask at least twice a week if you want visible results. This mask will effectively help you deal with your dry and damaged hair.
Also Read: Easy Avocado Recipes That Babies and Toddlers Will Love
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Mask :
How does it work?
Apple cider vinegar has myriad of many health benefits, and it has also shown effects in reducing the effects of dry hair. It maintains the pH level of the scalp and promotes oil production. This eventually helps the dry hair to gain the lost moisture.
How to use?
Mix 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 3 egg whites well to make a paste. Apply this paste thoroughly on your dry hair and let it dry for 30 minutes. Rinse it off with a mild shampoo and see the changes.
How much to use?
If you are thinking of using the apple cider vinegar mask, then try to use it twice a week. This will make your hair look more shiny and hydrated.
4. Honey, Yogurt, and Egg Mask:
How does it work?
Eggs and yogurt are rich in protein which protects the dry hair from further damaging by giving them the strength they require. The fatty acids present in egg yolks make it even better by restoring the moisture and oil production in your scalp. Honey acts as a moisturizer for dry hair and makes this mask even more beneficial.
How to use?
Mix 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons yogurt and 1 tablespoon of honey into a smooth paste. Take this hair mask and spread it on your hair thoroughly. Let it dry for 30 minutes, and you are ready for a shampoo.
How much to use?
If you are facing severe dry hair problems and hair fall, then consider using this hair mask 2-3 times a week. This mask will help you in regaining all the lost moisture from your hair.
CURE 5: Herbs for Dry Hair
Just like essential oils, herbs are a part of treating health issues since time immemorial. Herbs have several beneficial properties and help in battling against diseases more than you can think of. There are many herbs which help in dry hair, and some of them are:
1. Aloe Vera for dry hair:
How does it work?
Aloe vera is very beneficial when it comes to treating issues related to dry hair. Aloe vera gel helps to maintain the pH level of the scalp and eventually boosts the oil production. At the same time, the cooling effect of aloe vera relieves the stress and promotes hair growth.
How to use?
Take some aloe vera gel and apply it generously on your scalp and hair. You can take any aloe vera gel available in the market or extract it freshly from the aloe vera plants. This will bring an instant calmness and make your hair healthy.
How much to use?
There is no harm using aloe vera gel on your dry hair regularly. Moreover, it will energize you instantly, especially during the summers.
2. Hibiscus:
How does it work?
Hibiscus is known as packed with several antioxidants which help you in many health issues, including dry hair. Hibiscus can bring the lost strength in your hair and make your hair look extra shiny and silky.
How to use?
Take some hibiscus petals and boil those in some water. Let the water cool down and wash your hair with that hibiscus infused water. This will let your hair get all the benefits of hibiscus.
How much to use?
You can wash your hair regularly using hibiscus infused water, and that depends totally on your choice. If you want your dry hair get back to normal with some extra shine, you can consider using this remedy.
3. Parsley:
How does it work?
Vitamins like A, C, K, iron, and flavonoids present in parsley make it an excellent option for treating dry hair. All those nutrients help your hair grow fast and moisturize your dry, brittle hair. They also provide extra sheen to your dry hair.
How to use?
You can introduce parsley in your salads, curries or even in soups. They add an extra flavor and texture to your dishes. You can also make exotic chutneys using parsley, and they are just lip smacking.
How much to use?
It’s totally on your taste and choice. You can use a handful of parsley in your dishes. Also, parsley chutneys are great with any starters or snacks.
4. Moringa:
How does it work?
Moringa is the source of thiocyanate which is famous forgive the hair required strength and prevent hair fall caused by dry hair. It also promotes hair growth and adds to the volume of hair.
How to use?
You can use moringa oil by applying it to your hair just like other regular oils. You can also infuse moringa in your tea and drink it to get all of its benefits.
How much to use?
Try to use moringa oil twice a week to get rid of dry hair. You can also drink moringa infused tea regularly to say goodbye to your dry hair issues.
FAQs:
1. What is Dry Hair?
Dry hair is a condition in which your hair looses the required moisture which keeps it healthy. The scalp fails to produce and retain enough oil, which eventually results in drying out your hair. Hair fall is a common thing in dry hair, and it makes your hair look dry, lifeless, frizzy, dull, thin, and weak.
Dry hair is widespread among people of all age groups and irrespective of men or women but the chances of developing dry hair increase with growing age.
2. What should be my diet for Dry Hair?
Diet or food habit is an essential factor while suffering from dry hair as your food habit can very much control and prevent the effects of dry hair. Incorporate protein in your diet by including eggs, fishes, and lentils. Protein is essential when it comes to healthy hair growth.
Also, take fresh fruits like berries, avocado, and tangy fruits as they are rich sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin C nourishes your hair and promotes hair health.
Another essential thing is Omega-3 fatty acids, and that is why increasing intake of oily fishes, nuts, and seeds is necessary for dry hair. These Omega-3 rich foods promote natural oil production in your scalp and strengthen your hair.
3. How do supplements work for Dry Hair?
One should consider taking supplements while facing the problems of dry hair. There are plenty of significances of vitamins for dry hair.
While having dry hair, you may take Vitamin A, C, E, or biotin as they not only promotes hair growth but also gives your hair the required shine and strength. Iron is another mineral which plays a significant role in maintaining healthy hair. Iron encourages blood circulation in the scalp and, thus, adds to the volume of your hair.
4. How can we use essential oils for Dry Hair?
Essential oils have several beneficial effects in dry hair. Oils like chamomile oil and rosemary are rich in antioxidant and healing properties. It can help your hair overcome the damages it has suffered. Both of them are excellent when it comes to improving blood circulation in the scalp.
Chamomile oil also soothes your scalp as well as mind and promotes hair growth. Use can apply these oils just like any regular oil or with some almond oil in your hair and see the difference after a few uses.
Tea tree oil and lavender oil are also useful in treating dry and damaged hair. You can use them by diluting using some coconut or olive oil.
5. What are some home remedies for Dry Hair?
When it comes to dry hair, nothing can help you more than home remedies. You can avocado or banana masks and apply that on your hair.
Both banana and avocado are rich in healthy fatty acids and vitamins. These masks can help you in growing healthy hair. There are many benefits of apple cider vinegar for dry hair. Its acidic nature can maintain the pH level of the scalp and promote oil production.
Another option is honey, egg, and yogurt mask, which also helps oil production in your scalp and bring enough moisture to your dry hair. To get the shine back in your hair, you can consider washing your hair with tea.
6. Do herbs help in Dry hair?
Herbs never disappoint you in any health issue, and they have several uses for dry hair too. Aloe vera gel is perfect for nourishing your hair. The cooling effect of aloe vera gel comes as a bonus with its impact on hair growth.
You can also infuse hibiscus, lavender or moringa in water and wash your hair with that water.
The antioxidants present in those herbs serve as a cure to dry hair. Also, you can try including parsley in your diet as parsley is linked with promoting hair growth.
While most of the people suffer from dry hair issues at least once in their lifetime, controlling it is not that tough. Medication does not have a significant role to play when it comes to dry hair. Still, it can be easily controlled and even prevented through several home remedies and natural cares.
As food habit is crucial, you should take care of it if you are dealing with dry hair. Also, you can use essential oils, herbs, and above mentioned all the hair masks as well as home remedies to keep your hair healthy.
Using these natural remedies for dry hair help your strands grow faster, thicker, and shinier.