Natural Remedies to Repair Damaged Hair

Adios #dyed #fried #bleached #tangled #frizzy #oily

Ever gone to the drug store for 1 thing and walked out with an $87 bill? And then arrived home to realize you already own a similar shade of that nail polish you insisted on buying? One quick stroll down the hair aisle and the shopping basket somehow fills with all the oils, mousses, and sprays that we believe we absolutely need to solve our (hair) problems. Shopaholic tendencies aside, the amount of money we spend on beauty products can add up quickly, and in using all these products we inadvertently expose our bodies to a long list of chemicals.

But there’s good news: the same natural ingredients that are so beneficial to our bodies are deliciously nutritious for our hair. You likely have some of these ingredients on hand, and if not, a quick trip to the grocery store won’t set you back much. Here we’ve compiled some of the best natural remedies for damaged hair that you can DIY at home…

Avocado, Olive Oil and Honey Hydrating Mask

This delicious concoction might make you feel like an alien while you’re sitting around with green goops on your head, but it will leave your hair oh-so-soft and shiny. The healthy fats and oils in avocado help repair dry, brittle hair, while the olive oil is extremely hydrating and helps protect hair from heat damage. Organic honey attracts and traps in moisture, and is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients to feed hair follicles. Its vitamins nourish the scalp and strengthen hair.

Ingredients

• 1 very ripe avocado
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp organic honey
• 

 

Directions

1. If you have a food processor or mixing stand, blend the avocado, olive oil and honey. If not, do your best to mash and blend the ingredients by hand with a fork until the avocado reaches a whipped, fluffy consistency
2. Spread mask throughout wet hair, giving some extra love to the ends
3. Gather your hair in a clip or bun on top of your head and wrap in plastic (or shower cap)
4. Heat using a hair dryer for 12-15 minutes (or if you have the luxury of a sunny day, sit outside for 30 minutes!)
5. Remove wrap, rinse out mask, and then wash and condition hair as normal

Frequency: Every 2 weeks

*For severely sun-damaged hair, mix honey with 1-2 tbsp of protein-rich egg yolk, to help restore the keratin protein bonds that UV rays destroy*

Coconut Oil Mask
Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, making it a wonderful moisturizer for both skin and hair. If your hair is a little on the greasy side, simply avoid the roots and massage the oil into the ends of hair.

Directions

Heat the oil in a small bowl, submerged in warm water (microwaving the oil or heating it in a pan can damage its beneficial properties)

1. Heat up 2 cups of water and pour into a bowl
2. Put a few tablespoons of coconut oil into a small bowl
3. Submerge the small bowl of oil in the warm water, to gently heat until it is liquid and room temperature
4. nassage through hair
5. Wrap hair in plastic and leave for 20 minutes
6. Rinse and wash hair as normal

Frequency: once a week

*If you’re heading to the beach, protect your hair from the harsh rays and salt water by pre-conditioning with a few dollops of coconut oil, it’s a natural sunscreen and will help prevent tangles!*

Baking Soda Buildup Blaster

Baking soda is famous for its ability to eat away at any product buildup, as the sodium bicarbonate breaks down anything acidic. Whether it’s hairspray, chlorine, or air pollution, this is an excellent way to strip the hair of the unhealthy residue it accumulates between washes.

Directions

1. Mix 1-2 Tbsp baking soda with water, adding water little by little until a thick paste forms
2. Massage into damp hair and leave on for 15 minutes
3. Rinse with water, then shampoo and condition hair as normal

Frequency: can be repeated every 2 weeks.

The Egg Treatment

Eggs are perfect for all hair types; the yolk is rich in fats and proteins to moisturize, whereas the egg white has bacteria-eating enzymes to help combat greasiness

Directions

For normal hair, use the entire egg

For oily hair, use only the egg whites

For dry hair use egg yolks

1. Use 1/2 cup of whichever egg mixture applies to you massage into clean, damp hair and scalp (use more as needed)
2. Let sit for 20 minutes, rinse with cool water (you don’t want to cook the egg!) and wash hair as normal

Frequency
Whole egg and yolks-only: once a month
Whites-only: every 2 weeks

Anti-Dandruff Lemon and Olive Oil Rub

Poor diet, stress and climate, can contribute to an uncomfortable itchy scalp. The acidity in lemon juice will eliminate dry flakes of skin, while the olive oil moisturizes the newly exposed skin of the scalp, leaving it hydrated and healthy.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp water, and massage into damp scalp.

Directions

1. Mix ingredients
2. Massage into scalp and let it set for 20 minutes
3. Rinse and shampoo hair as normal

Frequency: once every 2 weeks

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

For all hair types, this treatment will help eliminate tangles and leave your hair unbelievably shiny. Now before you turn up your nose at the idea of reeking of vinegar, you must know that this remedy does not leave a smell once the hair dries! Organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is loaded with nutrients including B vitamins, vitamin C, and potassium. Because it is slightly acidic, it maintains the natural pH of the hair, resulting in shiny, tangle-free hair. This treatment brings relief to the symptoms of dandruff because of its anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties. ACV is also anti-inflammatory, which can reduce the irritation and discomfort that accompanies a dry, flaky scalp.

Ingredients

4 tbsp raw, unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar

2 cups water
Optional: essential oil of your choice

Directions

1. Mix ACV and water and essential oil (optional)
2. Wash and rinse hair
3. Pour the rinse over your entire scalp, allowing mixture to run through your hair. Be careful to avoid contact with your eyes. Let mixture sit in hair for 1-2 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly. You don’t need to use conditioner after this treatment!

The Right Ratio: The specific amount of apple cider vinegar you need varies by hair type. Start with 2 tbsp, increasing to 4 tbsp as needed. For dry hair use less, and for oily hair or dandruff use more.

The first time you use this rinse, leave it on your hair for 30 – 60 seconds and work your way up from there. If your scalp is more sensitive, you may do better with leaving it in for a shorter period of time.

Frequency: no more than 2x a week (for thin or dry hair, once a week)

Gelatin Protein Treatment
This intensive treatment will reduce the frizz in wavy hair, rebuild elasticity, add shine, and repair breakage. It is especially beneficial for heat damaged hair. It is

• 1 package of unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• Any deep conditioner

Directions

1. In a bowl mix 1 packet of unflavored gelatin with 1 cup of hot water until the gelatin dissolves completely.
2. Mix in the apple cider vinegar
3. Put the mixture in the fridge to cool
4. Shampoo your hair
5. Apply the treatment to clean hair in 4 even sections. You will have to work quickly, the mixture will make the hair stiff and difficult to work with.
6. Comb hair to ensure it is evenly distributed
7. Let sit for 10 minutes or in until it has dried and hardened.
8. Rinse the hair, wait until the hair has softened from water and then gently massage out the paste
9. Follow up with your favorite deep conditioner. This step is an absolute must, the protein treatment is very strong and the hair will need conditioner after!

Frequency: every 2 months