The problem of dry hair is an object of concern for many these days. Hair becomes dry when they become deficient in moisture and the natural oils secreted by the oil glands at the base of hair follicles. These deficiencies cause the hair to lose their natural luster and even texture. Thus dry hair is coarse in texture, uneven, has split ends, frizz and is quite brittle. This often leads to hair fall. Dry hair resembles unwashed straw; it is thicker towards the scalp but has tapering ends. It is very difficult to run comb through dry hair as there can be several tangles. Combing of dry hair often leads to loss of hair.
Causes
1. Anorexia nervosa
2. Excessive washing
3. Using harsh soaps and alcohol
4. Using chemical dyes and styling gels
5. Excessive blow drying and heat styling
6. Excessive exposure to pollution, sun and wind
7. Malnutrition
8. Hypothyroidism
9. Hypoparathyroidism
10. Menkes kinky hair syndrome.
Preventive Measures
1. Check frequent washing for that can rob the hair of its natural oils.
2. Use mild herbal shampoo or baby shampoo.
3. Use conditioner after shampooing and allow the conditioner to stay on the hair for quite some time before the final rinse. Conditioners containing humectants should be used.
4. Avoid using blow dryers or curling irons.
5. Avoid using harsh styling products.
6. Wear hat or scarf before going out in the sun or a windy environment.
7. Fraying ends or split ends should be trimmed after every 6 to 8 weeks.
8. Avoid exposing hair to brackish or chlorinated water.
9. Do not forget wearing a rubber cap before going for swimming. The cap will save the hair from the harmful effects of chlorine.
Home Remedies for Dry Hair
1. Massaging scalp and hair with hot oil can be an excellent treatment for dry hair. Massaging improves blood circulation at the roots and stimulates oil glands. Hot oil can easily penetrate pores and nourish the hair. One may take half cup of coconut oil, add four crushed almonds to it and steam the mixture. The warm mixture is to be massaged on the scalp and hair, a towel is to be wrapped around the head and the oil is to be kept on the hair for 30 minutes, and then one can shampoo the hair. This is an effective remedy for dry hair. Even heated olive oil can serve the purpose. For massage you can also use Hylix herbal hair oil. It will cure the dry hair problem as well as dandruff and baldness.
2. One may make a smooth paste by mashing 2 ripe bananas and adding half cup beaten curd to it. This paste is to be applied along the length of the hair from root to tip. The hair may then be piled up to a bun and kept for about 15 minutes. Shampooing is to be done after this. This treatment will definitely make the hair soft.
3. One may beat up an egg in a cup of milk or yoghurt, squeeze the juice of one lemon in to it, add one teaspoon coconut oil or olive oil to the mixture and apply it to the hair. Then one is to wrap a warm, moist towel round the head and keep the hair drenched in the mixture for an hour. After this shampoo is to be applied. This is an effective treatment for dry hair.
4. One may heat a cup of mayonnaise until it becomes oily, then apply a coating of liquid mayonnaise on the hair and keep it for 15 minutes and then wash off. This will check the hair from becoming dry.
5. Honey is an excellent natural conditioner. A hair pack made out of yoghurt and honey is good for dry hair
6. Lime juice is also an effective conditioner. One may apply lime juice to the hair before the final rinse. This treatment will reduce the dullness in hair.
7. One may spray beer to the hair after shampooing. This will impart shine to the hair, doing away with dryness.
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