Dry Hair Treatment for Brittle, Damaged Hair

The best dry hair treatments restore and lock-in moisture. Hot oil treatments, essential oils and gentle cleansing products will naturally nurture the hair back to health. Dry hair occurs for a number (and usually a combination) of reasons. When the hair becomes coated with build-up from shampoos, conditioners and styling products (also known as product build-up) it cannot absorb moisture. The heat from blow-drying and using styling tools such as flat irons saps the vital moisture from your hair, and the frequent use of hair dyes, perms and relaxers also damage the hair and prevent moisture retention.

Luckily, there is a dry hair treatment for most any problem, from over-the-counter products to homemade remedies. Remember that no matter which treatment you choose, it will only be effective if you stop blow-drying, dying with chemical dyes and using harsh hair products. Allow your hair to naturally air dry, use natural hair dye instead of chemicals and use the mildest shampoos and conditioners (preferably natural or organic) that you can. Also avoid mousses, gels and hair sprays as often as possible. If you feel you must use them, however, keep it to a minimum. Also, use any of the following treatments for dry hair at least once per week for the best results.

Your local drug store or the health and beauty aisle of your local department store provide numerous over-the-counter treatments for dry hair. Listed below are some of the best products on the market to help you make a decision. In most cases, these treatments can be used as often as once per week, as needed.

• VO5 Hot Oil Moisturizing Treatment – An excellent treatment for dry damaged hair, this old-standby is probably available most every where. If you can find it, the version with Vitamin E works fantastic for restoring moisture to dry hair. If you can only find the regular package, it also does the job, particularly when used as part of an overall dry hair treatment regimen. Inexpensive and effective, VO5 really came through with this product and I've used it numerous times after my hair becomes dry from dying. A faster shower-version is also available for your convenience.

• Queen Helene Hot Oil Treatments – This company makes several variations of the hot oil hair treatment. I've personally used the olive oil and jojoba oil treatments. Both of them work beautifully, but I prefer the scent of the jojoba oil. It provides immediate, natural relief for dry, brittle and damaged hair. After using it, your hair will immediately feel softer and sleeker, and it will shine like crazy. Continued use will really repair your hair, but only if you avoid the bad habits that made your hair dry in the first place. You may not be able to find this locally, unless you have a well-stocked drug store or natural health store in your area. If you can't find a source, it's easily ordered online.
  

If you want to go the homemade route, you have plenty of inexpensive options. Many of the ingredients for these treatments are probably already in your refrigerator or pantry. Just because they're common items, doesn't mean they're ineffective. In fact, I use several of these regularly to keep my hair soft, shiny and moisturized. Just as with any other dry hair treatment, you'll need to be consistent to really make a difference in the health of your hair.

• Old-Fashioned Mayonnaise Hair Treatment – Massage mayonnaise into the hair liberally and cover with a plastic bag. Allow the mayo to remain for at least 30 minutes. Shampoo, rinse and follow with a shampoo if necessary. Repeat this treatment for dry damaged hair on a weekly basis until the desired results are achieved.

• Moisturizing Banana Hair Treatment – Mash together one small, ripe banana, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon sweet almond, olive, safflower or corn oil. Apply liberally to shampooed hair, cover with plastic and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

• Vinegar Rinse for Dry Hair – Combine 1 drop essential oil with 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Add a cup of boiling water and mix well, and then add this mixture to a bowl of water you'll use as your final hair rinse. Rinse your hair thoroughly using this water, immersing as much of your hair as possible and pouring over the areas that are not immersed. Repeat every time you wash your hair for the best results. Use an essential oil that benefits dry hair such as sandalwood, lavender or rosemary. If necessary, you can omit the essential oil altogether and the treatment will still help nourish the hair.

• Quick Olive Oil Treatment for Dry Hair – Beat together 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. If you don't have olive oil, you can use safflower oil, corn oil or wheat germ oil. To use, shampoo the hair as normal, apply the mixture evenly throughout the hair, wrap with plastic or a towel and allow to remain for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse.

• Deep Protein Conditioner for Dry, Damaged and Brittle Hair – Especially good for fragile hair, the gelatin in this dry hair treatment fortifies and strengthens. To make, combine 1 tablespoon plain gelatin with 1 cup purified water. Allow the mixture to gel slightly, but don't let it set all the way. Add 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar and if desired, 4 drops rosemary essential oil. Massage evenly into shampooed hair, leave on for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse. Repeat up to once per week, as necessary.

• Rosemary Oil Treatment – The rosemary in this treatment for dry hair repairs damage caused by wind, sun and water, and puts the luster back into your hair. The eggs and oil moisturize and condition. To make, combine 2 tablespoons avocado oil, 1 tablespoon castor oil, 2 teaspoons strong rosemary tea (Steep leaves in boiling water for at least 20 minutes), and 2 whole eggs in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. To use, massage evenly through the hair, wrap with a towel and allow the treatment to remain for at least 20 minutes before shampooing and rinsing as usual.

The damaged hair treatments above will repair your dry, lifeless locks, but you'll have to give up your bad hair habits first. Don't shampoo dry hair too often, as this strips the hair of the natural oils it needs to remain healthy and moisturized. Three times per week is plenty, though you may have to slowly transition to this point if you wash your hair daily. Here are several more tips for treating dry hair:

• Use natural shampoo and conditioner formulated for dry hair. Shampoo with aloe vera makes an excellent nourishing cleanser for dry hair.
  
• Allow the hair to air dry whenever possible.
• After shampooing, put a few drops of rosemary essential oil in your hand and rub it through your wet hair.
• Use a natural-bristle brush on your hair. These brushes distribute the hair's natural oils more easily.
• Trim your hair once every month to get rid of old, dry split-ends.
• Limit your exposure to the sun, wind and water, as these elements also dry out the hair and cause damage.
• Avoid harsh styling products and replace them with natural alternatives instead.

The following video explains another effective treatment for dry hair not mentioned above - coconut oil. I've used this method numerous times and it always leaves my hair soft, moisturized and healthy. I highly recommend it to anyone suffering from dry or brittle hair.