We all know, your first impression is the last impression and I personally believe that hair is the most important part of your personality which have the ability to change the way you look. Considering the recent studies there is an exponential increase in the hair problems which may be due to changing lifestyle, eating patterns and dietary habits and environmental changes.
Latest trends shows that more and more number of hair clinics have bloomed up in the recent times as both boys and girls are consulting the dermatologists for the hair problems. So here we have come up with definite article that will give you all the in and out of your hair. First we will be explaining you the basic composition and structure of the hair and in this article we have specifically focused on the causes and natural remedies for the dry hair.
Hair – Composition & Structure
Before going into the details of the remedies for the dry hair it is better to first understand the composition and structure of the hair. Generally hair is composed of 48 % Carbon, 28% Oxygen, 15% Nitrogen, 7% Hydrogen and 5% Sulphur. Hair is a protein filament that grows from the follicles found in the dermis. It consists of the two parts, first one being follicle and second is the shaft. So follicle lies below the dermis and helps in the regrowth and the portion above the dermis is known as shaft.
Shaft further consists of :
Cuticle: Cuticle consists of dead cells who’s main function is to protect the hair shaft.
Cortex: It is the thickest layer which contain melanin which is responsible for the colour of the hair.
Medulla: It is the innermost layer of the hair shaft.
Shape of the follicle determines the shape of the cortex and shape of the fiber is responsible for the appearance of the hair which could either be straight, wavy or curly.
Glands located at the opening of hair produce secretions known as sebum which is a mixture of sweat, dead skin and dust particles and who is responsible for lubricating your hair strands.
Another important thing to know about the hair is keratin. The keratin is the protein found in the hair whose main function is to adhere cells to each other to form a protective layer on the outside of the hair. The keratin protects the hair from damage and provides strength to the hair.
Now we come to the problems of hair which we are generally facing these days, though there are multiple ones but the most common are dry hair, split ends, hair fall, dandruff, itchy scalp, pre-mature greying and baldness, but we discuss about the causes and then the natural home remedies for dry hair in detail.
Definition Of Dry Hair
Dry hair are those hair strands which have lost its natural moisture and oil to maintain the sheen and texture. In this case scalp is malfunctioning and not producing enough oil to moisturize the hair. Dry hair can further lead to dry scalp and it ultimately causes dandruff and hair loss.
Causes Of Dry Hair
We are now going to discuss the factors leading to dry and dull hair:
- Weather Conditions like extreme hot or cold and spending lot of time in the Sun without any hair protection are the main culprits for leading dry and rough hair. Avid swimmers are also prone to have dry hair due to the chlorination of hair as a result of prolonged time in the the pool containing chlorinated water.
- Wrong eating habits and sedentary life style leads to the hormonal imbalance like PCOS, Hypothyroidism, Hypothyroidism which leads to dry hair and hair loss.
- Deficiency of Vitamins like Calcium and Vitamin D makes both bones and hair frizzy and weak.
- Faulty hair practices which includes washing of hair frequently, excessive use of heating appliances for hair setting like blow drying, setting rods, straightening, curlying, and over use of chemical products like bleaching and colouring agents are main causes of dry hair and can damage your hair.
Basic steps to be followed in daily routine to prevent dry hair
Natural Home Remedies For Dry Hair
We all dream of having long and lustrous hair and to help you accomplish this your childhood dream we hereby have enlisted some pro tips that needs to be a made a part of your daily hair care routine. Getting Rapunzel hair has now become easy with the help of these steps mentioned below and here we begin with are super mantra:
Oiling:
As we are well aware of the fact that prevention is anytime better than cure. Hence oiling your hair twice in a week is a must. Oiling works miraculously in overcoming all the hair problems. Oiling helps to bring back the natural shine and sheen of the hair. You can use different oils depending on the weather and your hair type such as
Olive Oil: It re hydrates the hair and smoothens the cuticle
Almond Oil: It helps in softening and strengthening your hair
Coconut Oil: It is an all purpose oil which helps in growing and moisturizing your hair. Also coconut oil is suitable for all hair types and if you the one who is extremely sensitive you can definitely try out this superb oil
Herbal Oil: They are specially formulated to fulfill the purpose of hair regrowth and preventing various hair problems. Made with the particular natural herbs they are completely organic and can do wonders to your hair. Some examples include Mahabringraj and Sesa Oil which are readily available in the market at reasonable price.
Next step to be included in your daily hair care routine is Cleansing
Cleansing:
It is very essential to remove the dead skin and product residue without stripping the hair of its natural oil. Always use either warm or normal water for cleansing your hair. Never ever use hot water for the purpose of cleaning as its depletes the hair of its natural oils which ultimately rips the hair of its moisture and leads to dull, freezy and dry hair.
Conditioning:
Conditioning is an important step that needs to be followed after you shampoo your hair as it helps in sealing the cuticle. It also aids in locking the nutrients and adds luster to hair. When hair is wet, the conditioner sticks to it and coat the strands to replenish the moisture so to avoid dull and rough hair, conditioning is must. It also helps in improving hair manageability and quickly detangles your hair. You can also make a very easy and quick DIY homemade conditioner. Take 1/4 th cup of apple cidar vinegar and mix it with 3/4 th cup of water to make an amazing home made natural conditioner for dry hair.
Along with the basic steps we are now providing some very useful tips that you need to take care of:
- Wide Tooth Comb: Use wide combs for detangling and don’t brush the wet hair as it can damage the hair and causes hair fall.
- Serum: Serum must be used to detangle the hair and to soften them. Serums also helps in preventing split ends, deeply smoothens the rough ends , controls frizz, and seals the natural moisture of the hair. Take few drops of your serum and apply it on the damp hair.
- Hydration: Hydration plays an very important role in treating dry and dull hair. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water in a day to help in moisturizing your hair.
- Proper Sleep: Sound sleep of 7-8 hours is a must for a healthy body.
- Stress Management: Lot of stress leads to hormonal imbalance which ultimately leads to various hair problems. It is advised to practice some yoga and mediation to help relieve your stress.
- Dietary Habits: Wrong eating habits, excessive consumption of fast foods, higher intake of spicy and chemical laden food, late night binging can bring a change in your circadian cycle which eventually leads to various hair problems.
- Protection: Proper protection of hair is necessary whenever you step outside. Wear hats or scarf to cover your hair from direct sun rays or from dirt, dust and pollution in the air.
Role Of Vitamins And Mineral In Hair
BIOTIN : It is a part of complex B vitamins and is linked to improving hair health by preventing hair damage. It strengthens the hair and improves the skin health by maintaining proper functioning of the nervous system and metabolism of fats and proteins. It is also responsible for providing nutrients to scalp and hair follicles. Biotin enriched food items are whole grains, almonds, meat, fish and dark leafy vegetables.
VITAMIN A : It help glands to make oily substance called sebum. Sebum moisturizes scalp, and keep hair healthy hence preventing dry hair. Include diet rich in sweet potatoes, egg, milk, carrots, pumpkins, spinach, kale, yogurt, cod liver oil as they are enriched in vitamin A.
VITAMIN C : Free radicals can damage and blocks the hair growth which leads to pre mature greying of hair. Vitamin C act as antioxidant which protects body from free radicals. Vitamin c also helps in building of the collagen which provides strength, elasticity and gives luscious look to hair. Try to incorporate diet rich in peppers, guavas, citrus fruits, strawberries, papaya, kiwi to get the right dose of Vitamin C.
VITAMIN D : Vitamin D helps to create new follicles in the presence of sunlight. Food stuff like fresh butter, cheese, egg yolks, fortified dairy products , fish, tuna are very good sources of Vitamin D.
VITAMIN E: It acts as antioxidant and absorbs the free radicles present in our body. Some rich sources of Vitamin E includes sunflower seeds, almonds and spinach. Add them all in your diet as they helps in healthy hair growth.
IRON : Iron carries oxygen to cells and hence help in the increase of the blood circulation to the cells. Spinach, beet root, lentils, green leafy vegetables, pomegranates, dates all help in enriching the iron stores in our body.
ZINC : Zinc helps in hair tissue growth and repair. Spinach, wheatgerm, pumpkin seeds, lentils all are rich in zinc.
PROTEIN : The amount of protein intake is in direct proportion with the increase in hair growth. It helps in formation of keratin which is responsible for hair strengthening. Besan, lentils, curd, milk, chia seeds, nuts, egg yolk, fish, tuna all are significant sources of protein.
OMEGA -3 : Include food elements like walnuts, kidney beans, flax seeds, broccoli, tomatoes in your diet as they all promotes hair growth.
Hair Facts
Normally a person’s hair grows by 6 inches in a year, which means half inch per month and we tend to loose around 50-100 hair strands each day.
Natural Home Remedies For Dry Hair
First Remedy: Besan & Curd Hair Pack
I still remember my childhood days when the use of shampoos were not much in fashion. Back those days my mother used to apply curd, mustard oil and besan (gram flour) along with few drops of lemon juice on my hair and then wash it with shikakai soap. It would make your hair so soft and shinny.
Curd: Curd is rich in B5 and vitamin D and is a good source of protein and calcium and probiotics present in curd helps in reducing dandruff, softening and strengthening the cuticle. Curd is an antimicrobial so it also helps in reducing scalp infection.
Gram Flour: Gram flour is rich in lysine and arginine amino acids and has double the amount of protein than carbohydrates. Protein in gram flour provides strength to dry hair and promotes keratin formation.
Lemon Juice: Lemon Juice being acidic helps in removal of dandruff and other scalp infections.
Mustard Oil: It stimulates hair growth by increasing blood circulation in the scalp. It contains protein and omega -3 fatty acids which nourishes the hair and encourage healthy hair growth. It is also a great moisturizing agent that moisturizes the hair while simultaneously removing dryness of scalp and hair.
In nutshell this age back natural home remedy has all ingredients required for healthy hair growth and to provide buoyancy and shine to hair in addition to repair the dry hair.
Second Remedy: Curd Aand Fenugreek (Methi Dana) Pack For Dry Hair
Recipe : In 1 cup curd add 5 teaspoon of fenugreek powder (blended in grinder) and mix them well. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and apply it on hair. You can cover hair with shower cap and leave it on for 40 minutes. This natural home made pack can do wonders for your hair.
BENEFITS OF THIS PACK:
Besides protein curd is also rich in zinc and magnesium. Hence it provides lusture and shine to the dry hair and remove the stubborn dandruff. Curd also have the cooling and soothening effect on the itchy and irritating scalp. Fenugreek also have high protein and nicotinic acid content. It is also the store house of folic acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin K which are beneficial in protecting hair against hair fall and dandruff. Fenugreek contains lecithin which hydrates the dry hair and brings back the lusture and bounce. It has detoxification qualities which helps in cleaning pollutants from the hair.
IMPORTANT NOTE : According to Ayurveda, fenugreek falls under the “hot food” category so in order to minimize the heat and to maximize the benefits of this amazing hair pack soak the fenugreek seeds in water and leave it overnight.
Third Home Remedy: Honey & Curd Hair Pack
Recipe: Take 1 Cup curd and add 2 teaspoon honey to it and mix it well to blend in the ingredients. Massage this mixture on the scalp and leave for 20 minutes and then shampoo it. Honey is a great moisturizer and helps to cure the dryness from scalp and hair. It helps in sealing the natural moisture of hair inside to form a shell to protect your hair from dryness. Hence it is a great natural home remedy for curing dry hair.
Fourth Home Remedy: Organic DIY Shampoo For Dry Hair
Another ancient miracle that we have brought for you is the ages old shampoo made with amla, reeta and shikakai that was used when there were no shampoos available in the Indian market.
Recipe: For this master recipe you would be needing 2 teaspoons of amla powder, 2 teaspoons of reeta powder and 1 teaspoon of shikakai powder and mix the all the three ingredients well in water and keep it overnight. Next day sieve it and use this water for washing your hair. This organic DIY shampoo maintains the PH level can be used daily for rinsing your hair.
AMLA {Gooseberry} :
Amla offers a plethora of medicinal benefits. It is rich in Vitamin C, phyto-nutrients and minerals. Vitamin C helps in boosting the collagen formation which replace the dead cells of hair follicles with new hair cells. It contains up to 81.2 % of moisture hence it is highly helpful in providing the adequate moisture to dry hair. Its anti inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties prevents dandruff and itchy scalp. Antioxidants in it help in shielding our hair from free radicles, dust, pollution and smoke in the air. Besides treating dry and dull hair, amla is also very effective in inhibiting pre-mature greying of hair. According to Ayurveda greying of hair usually occurs due to excess of pitta in body. Amla being a natural coolant is an excellent remedy which reduces grey hair.
REETHA {Soapnut} :
Reetha is iron enriched and very good source of Vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Being an exceptional cleansing agent it helps in cleaning the hair along with extra benefit of its antioxidant and anti microbial qualities. It is also rich in saponin, which makes hair shiny and lustrous. Reetha tame dry and frizzy hair and make them more manageable.
SHIKAKAI :
Shikakai maintains the natural PH of hair and conceals the natural oil of hair inside thus helping in nourishing the dry hair. It cleanses the hair and maintains its natural shine. It also protects our scalp from lice infections.
Fifth Home Remedy: Tea Water Shampoo
We can use tea water for mixing the amla, reetha, and shikakai powder for extra benefits. Tea is another most easily avaiable product which is distinctly useful in dry hair management.
In tea, panthenol is found which is extremely efficient in treatment and repairing of dry hair and split ends. Tea also have anti inflammatory properties which soothen the scalp and helps to manage irritation and inflammation. It also helps in removal of dead cells. It contains caffeine which act as stimulant, which increase the blood flow circulation to the hair follicles. Caffeine suppresses hormone called DTH, which is responsible for hair loss. It also prevents the pre-mature greying of hair.
Sixth Home Remedy: Aloe Vera And Coconut Pack
Recipe: Mix aloevera gel and extra virgin cold pressed coconut oil to form a wonderful hair mask. Apply it on and leave for 30 minutes. Then wash off with mild shampoo and condition your hair after rinsing. This natural home made remedy give you all the extra bounce and shine you need besides repairing the dead and dry hair.
Aloevera is house pack of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. It helps in keeping the hair hydrated and moisturized. It contains a complex compound called acemannan which reaches to the each and every hair cell and hair follicles and nourishes them and relieves them from the their accumulated toxins. Contains proteolytic enzymes which repair dead skin cells on the scalp. According to Diana Gage aloevera has a chemical similar to that of keratin so it helps in rejuvenating the hair with its essential nutrients.
Seventh Home Remedy: Heena Amla Hair Mask
Recipe: Take 1/2 Cup of heena powder and add 2 tablespooons of amla powder and 1/4 th cup of warm water to help them form a paste. Mix well and keep aside for 12 hours. Afterwards apply on hair and cover with shower cap to let it on for 30 minutes and then wash off with a mild shampoo.
Apart from Henna well known anti-inflammatory and anti microbial properties it has an appreciable cooling effect. It also balances oil production and maintains the PH level of the hair. Heena is equally famous for its conditioning properties which minimizes the hair loss and repairs hair damage.
Eight Home Remedy: Apple Cidar Vinegar
Recipe: Take 1/4 th cup of apple cidar vinegar and mix it with 3/4 th cup of water to make natural homemade conditioner.
ACV is an elixer for your hair. Prepared by the fermentation of the apples due its acidic nature it regulates the PH level. Hair looks frizzy, dull and brittle when the scalp is enough alkaline. Therefore being acidic in nature it exfoliates the dry flakes from scalp, and boosts shine by restoring the required PH levels.
Important Note: Before using ACV as a conditioner dilute it with water to avoid direct contact with eyes.
Ninth Home Remedy : Rose Petals Hair Mask
Recipe: To make this luxurious rose water hair mask, you will be needing one cup of firmly packed rose petals and two cups of distilled water. Place rose petals in glass bowl, take 2 cups of distill water and pour over rose petals, and keep it for 30 minutes. Then strain the mixture with the help of muslin cloth. Cool the mixture and fill it in a glass bottle and refrigerate it. Mix it with shampoo to cleanse your hair or after hair wash as a conditioner.
Rose water is a natural gentle astringent which naturally conditions and moisturize the dry hair because it is rich in flavonoids, and vital vitamins like A, B3, C, and E.
Points To Ponder According To Ayurveda:
According to Ayurveda, excessive vatta leads to dry, lifeless and frizzy hair. To keep a check on it some points that you need to focus on are as mentioned below:
OILING :
Oiling is a must to treat your dry and shine less hair. Oiling can be done with any good base oil for at least 20 minutes. Then wrap in towel soaked with warm water and shampoo it later on followed by mild conditioner.
HEALTHY ROUTINE :
According to Wikipedia, Circadian rhythm is a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours. Hence it is absolutely necessary to maintain the circadian rhythms by having proper sleep and wake patterns.
DIET :
It is very important to avoid things that increase the vata dosh in your body that will ultimately help in preventing dry and dull hair. Foods such as excessive sweets, cold drinks, caffeine rich drinks, late night binging, raw vegetables, unripe fruits should be avoided.
AYURVEDIC THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES:
Procedures like Shirodhara, Shirovasti and Shirolepan can be taken from authorized and authentic ayurvedic clinics to minimize the effect of vata dosh.
One thing that we are need to remember and understand that when going for the natural remedies you need to have a lot of patience and perseverance. Now treating your dry hair as easy as a cup of coffee with all the tips and remedies that has been shared in this article. These are very special DIYS that can be made with ingredients readily available in your kitchen. Collection of unique remedies have been brought from the ancient Indian techniques practiced from long time. The article on natural home remedies for dry hair has been written a complete guide for a beginner regarding all their hair queries. We have tried to cover all the stuff starting from structure and composition to causes to prevention and then finally to some great natural home remedies for dry hair. I hope this article would have brought some valuable and significant insights to you.