Seven Natural Remedies to Treat Dry Hair

Dry hair is caused by several different factors. You can try these homemade masks to hydrate your hair. However, if the condition persists, you should visit a dermatologist, especially if you're experiencing excessive hair loss.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Karla Henríquez.

Written by Daniela Echeverri Castro

Last update: 29 April, 2023

There are several factors that can make your hair dry. Exposure to the sun, nutritional deficiencies, contact with chlorine from swimming pools, and blow drying your hair can all alter the production of natural oils in the hair and prevent it from retaining sufficient moisture. In this article, we’ll give you seven natural remedies for dry hair.

Many natural ingredients contain nutrients that condition the hair. In fact, certain of them are used in the cosmetics industry in hair products. While it’s important to visit a dermatologist to find out the origin of dry hair, applying these products can help improve its appearance.

Natural remedies for dry hair

You can use these natural remedies for conditioning and moisturizing your hair alongside your usual hair care routine. They don’t replace treatments prescribed by a dermatologist but serve as complementary treatments to improve the appearance of dry hair.

1. Avocado, honey, and egg yolk

You can condition your hair with a combination of avocado, honey, and egg yolk. These ingredients contain nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, as well as selenium, iron, and zinc, which help to make your hair more hydrated and healthy.

A review published in Dermatologic Therapy explains the importance of these micronutrients in hair health. While it’s important to incorporate them into your diet, it’s believed that it’s also useful to take advantage of them through topical remedies. However, regarding the latter claim, evidence is limited. Nevertheless, it’s worth giving the treatment a try.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado.
• 3 tablespoons of honey (45 g).
• 1 egg yolk.

Method

• Cut a ripe avocado in half and extract the flesh.
• Put into a bowl and mix with the honey and egg yolk.
• Make sure you get a creamy and smooth paste.

How to use

• Separate your hair into several strands and rub the treatment on from the roots to the tips.
• Cover with a shower cap and leave for 30 minutes.
• Rinse with plenty of water.
• Repeat at least 3 times a week.

2. Milk, egg, and almond oil

Anecdotal data suggests that the combination of milk, egg, and almond oil also helps to restore the hair’s natural shine in case of dryness. However, at this time, there are no studies to support such benefits. In any case, it’s a completely safe preparation that, because of its nutrient content, helps to restore the hair’s natural moisture.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of milk (125 ml).
• 1 egg.
• 2 tablespoons of almond oil (30 g).

Method

• Pour the milk into a bowl and mix it with the egg.
• Add the almond oil and mix well.

How to use

• Moisten your hair and distribute the treatment evenly throughout.
• Leave for 30 to 40 minutes and then rinse.
• Use twice a week.

3. Avocado and natural yogurt

Avocado is an ingredient known for its nutritional properties. According to an article published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, it contains vitamins A, C, E, and B complex, minerals such as potassium and magnesium, and monounsaturated fatty acids. As mentioned above, these nutrients are associated with good hair health.

On the other hand, yogurt appears to help the pH balance of the scalp. Although further evidence is required, a review published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine highlights that this type of fermented dairy product has positive dermatological effects, both topically and orally.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado.
• ¼ cup of natural yogurt (100 g).

Method

• Remove the flesh from a ripe avocado and crush it into a paste.
• Mix it in a bowl with the natural yogurt.

How to use

• Rub the treatment on the hair, until it’s completely covered.
• Leave for 40 minutes then rinse.
• Repeat 2 or 3 times a week.

4. Cocoa butter and coconut oil

To restore moisture to your hair, it’s a good idea to apply oily products. This cocoa butter and coconut oil remedy is a good option. Research published in Nutrients magazine states that cocoa butter contains antioxidants such as polyphenols, which help mitigate the effects of ultraviolet rays.

Coconut oil also contains theobromine and minerals such as magnesium, copper, potassium, and iron, which are essential for healthy hair. In addition to providing fats, it contains vitamin E and antioxidants with positive dermatological effects.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of cocoa butter (30 g).
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (15 g).

Method

• Heat the cocoa butter in a bain-marie.
• When it’s melted, add the coconut oil and stir to mix well.
• Turn off the heat and leave it to stand until it reaches room temperature.

How to use

• Before the product solidifies, take a small amount and rub it all over your hair and scalp.
• Leave for 30 minutes then rinse.
• Use 3 times a week.

5. Pumpkin and honey

You can moisturize your hair with a pumpkin and honey treatment. Both ingredients are nourishing and help revitalize dry, brittle hair. Pumpkin, according to a review published in Nutrition Research Reviews, contains phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids.

On the other hand, honey is a well-known ingredient in the field of dermatology. According to the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, it provides proteins and amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, and minerals. These, in turn, act positively against certain skin and capillary problems.

Ingredients

• 2 pumpkin slices.
• 3 tablespoons of honey (45 g).

Method

• Cook the pumpkin slices until soft.
• Mash them with a fork and mix with the honey.

How to use

• Moisten your hair and gently massage in the treatment.
• Make sure you cover your head completely with the mask. Leave for 30 minutes.
• Rinse with plenty of water.
• Repeat twice a week.

6. Olive oil

Olive oil is one of the best natural remedies for moisturizing dry hair. It contains vitamin E, which helps strengthen hair follicles. In addition, it has regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties that promote healthy hair and help prevent the appearance of dandruff.

If you wish, you can combine olive oil with other products such as avocado or egg white. This will enhance the natural properties of the oil. Also, if you want to treat dandruff, you should apply a larger amount of oil directly to your scalp.

How to use

• Make sure your hair is clean and dry.
• Apply a liberal amount of olive oil on your hair, from roots to tips.
• Put a shower cap or plastic bag on your hair and leave the oil on for 45 minutes to an hour.
• Rinse off with plenty of water and a sulfate-free shampoo.

7. Aloe vera in shampoo

Aloe vera is a plant with many benefits for the skin and scalp. In fact, according to a study published in Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition, and Agriculture, the plant is used as a cleanser, moisturizer, and thickening agent in hair care products.

Therefore, using shampoo with aloe vera extract can moisturize your dry hair quickly and effectively. Today, there are a wide variety of commercial products that contain this ingredient. You could also extract the gel from the plant yourself, blend it in a blender or food processor, and add it directly to your shampoo to use daily.

What to do if dry hair persists?

Regular application of these home remedies can help treat dry hair. However, if its appearance doesn’t improve, it’s best to see a dermatologist and find out about other treatment options.

As mentioned, in some cases, dryness can be the result of nutritional deficiencies or a major health problem. Therefore, consultation becomes necessary.