How can I Deal with Dry Hair?

There are a number of techniques to deal with dry hair, ranging from rubbing the contents of your fridge on your head to using specially formulated haircare products. In all cases, if you struggle with dry hair, your first step should be to get a haircut. Ask the stylist to trim your hair, removing dead, split ends so that you can start with fresh, healthy hair. As an added bonus, the stylist may use enriching products to get your hair lustrous and smooth after your haircut, which will be a good starting place for treating dry hair.

There are a number of causes for dry hair. Spending a lot of time in the sun or water can cause dry hair, as well subjecting your hair to dry heat like blow dryers, curling irons, and heated homes in the winter. Obviously, not all of these things can be avoided, but by being aware, you can reduce the damage to your hair. Try keeping your hair in a swim cap while in the water, for example, and consider wearing a hat when you're out in the sun. Let your hair air-dry instead of using a blow dryer, or use a microfiber towel for extra absorbency to help your hair dry quickly. You may also consider using a humidifier to get your home's humidity higher in the winter if you notice that your hair and skin are dry from winter heating.

In the shower, you can deal with dry hair by using shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for dry hair. Take note of how your hair performs with various products, and switch products occasionally to prevent buildup. If you can stand it, wash and rinse your hair with lukewarm to cool water, and do not brush or comb your hair while it is wet, as this can put stress on your hair.

Your refrigerator is an excellent source of home remedies for dry hair. Before shampooing, rinse your hair with vinegar once a week or so; moisten your hair, rub in a few tablespoons of vinegar, allow it to sit, and then rinse out. You can also rinse your hair with an egg beaten into lukewarm water, or ingredients like mashed avocado and mayonnaise. This can get messy, however; you may prefer to use an oil treatment on your hair, since it is relatively easy to rinse out. You can also rinse your hair after washing with beer, although be sure to rinse well to avoid smelling like a brewery.

To treat your hair with oil, warm an oil slightly before rubbing it into dry hair. Ideally, you should leave the oil in overnight, and rinse it out the next morning; you may need two runs of shampoo. Camellia, almond, avocado, and safflower oil are all great choices, although any oil will do. You might want to stay away from low grade olive oil or vegetable oil, as these can leave a funny smell in your hair. Add a little essential oil like orange or lavender if you like.

You can also improve the condition of your hair and skin with your diet. Foods high in essential oils like nuts, fish, and avocado can help restore moisture to your hair. Try snacking on nuts or integrating more fish into your diet.