The odd bad hair day is something you can probably live with, but when you have bad hair day after bad hair day, your unruly mop might be in need of a moisturizing treatment. You could go to the hairdresser for a professional hair treatment, or you could save your pennies for that dress you’ve been eying off and rescue your frizz-ball from the comfort of your home.
Dry and damaged hair can often be treated with ingredients found at your local supermarket. Most need to be left in your hair for around half an hour, just enough time to watch a repeat of Gossip Girl. These 7 DIY hair treatments are budget-friendly ways to restore your hair’s shine and natural health.
1. Coconut Oil Hair Treatment
Good quality coconut oil can be found in most health food stores and larger supermarkets. When applied to hair, coconut oil works wonders at reducing frizz and increasing overall moisture. Some say coconut oil also helps hair to grow longer, a feature highly desired by many of us!
Coconut oil can either be applied to hair before or after washing it, but after washing tends to leave hair a little oily. For best results, rub solid or liquid coconut oil into your hair about 30 minutes before washing with your preferred shampoo and conditioner.
2. Egg White Hair Treatment
If your hair is naturally quite oily, the enzymes in egg whites work a treat for removing excess oil. Separate egg whites from the yokes using the shell (if you’re skilled) or with a yolk separator. Once you have about ½ a cup, usually 3-4 eggs, rub it into clean, damp hair and leave it to sit for 20 minutes. This treatment can be applied once every 2 weeks.
If you have normal hair, you can still use eggs as a treatment, but skip the yolk separating step and use the whole egg. You’ll only need 2-3 eggs in this instance and you’ll need to mix the eggs together well. Whole egg treatments should only be used once a month.
3. Banana & Honey Hair Treatment
Have you ever noticed how many shampoo brands have honey as a ‘flavor’ option? That’s because it’s great for moisturizing your hair. So is banana. Mash 2 bananas with a fork and add 2 tablespoons of honey. Mix well until all the lumps are gone then apply the mixture to damp hair and massage it in. Cover your hair with a shower cap or cling wrap and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing the mixture out. The mixture will be quite sticky so it’s a good idea to wear plastic gloves while applying.
4. Avocado & Olive Oil Hair Treatment
Avocadoes tend to be quite expensive but if you do happen to see them on sale, pick up a couple of extras for your hair. The natural fats in avocadoes are great for moisturizing hair and also protecting it from heat damage.
Mash 1 avocado well (put it in the blender if you need to), and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well and apply to your hair from the ears down. Most of us have enough natural oil to moisturize our roots, so it’s only the lengths that really need treatment. Leave it in for 30 minutes before washing out.
5. Butter Hair Treatment
Unfortunately, this won’t work with margarine or plant-based spreads, it has to be creamy butter. Take about a tablespoon (or 2 if your hair is long) and massage it into the lengths of your hair. Cover with a shower cap or cling wrap and leave it in for about 30 minutes before washing your hair. This treatment will restore strength to hair that is fragile or brittle.
6. Black Tea Hair Treatment
If your hair has been a little dull lately, simply boil some black tea and let it brew until cool. Poor it in your hair (over a sink) and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing it out with shampoo. Once dry, your hair will have a sleek shine to it.
7. Yogurt Hair Treatment
Take 1/3 cup of Greek yoghurt, add a teaspoon of sugar and stir until smooth. Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair making sure to massage it into your scalp. Cover with a shower cap or cling wrap and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing it out.
The proteins in yogurt are great for strengthening your hair while sugar serves to reduce scalp irritation and flakes.