Brittle Hair Remedies

Hair is a type of dead protein filament that grows from deep within the dermis. An individual hair shaft is made up of three layers, of which the outermost layer is known as cuticle. The cuticle plays a very important role in protecting the two inner layers from harsh environmental conditions and chemicals.

Without adequate care, the cuticle may get damaged and make the inner layers brittle. Brittle and dry hair in turn becomes prone to breakage.

Dry and brittle hair is caused by a lack of moisture. This can be caused by frequent shampooing, as well as the use of harsh shampoos and chemicals like hair dyes. Even hair styling products like flat irons, perms, relaxers, and hair dryers can cause extensive damage to the hair follicles, especially when they are used indiscriminately.

Similarly, excessive exposure to sunlight, pollution, and wind can make your hair dry and more prone to breakage. Apart from these, dry hair can be a sign of malnutrition, and certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and anorexia.

For giving your hair a hot oil treatment, you can warm some olive or coconut oil, and then gently massage your scalp and hair with it. For best results, leave the oil on your scalp overnight, and wash it off the next morning with a mild shampoo.

If your hair is extremely dry and brittle, then you can leave the mayonnaise overnight, and wash it off the next day with a mild shampoo. Like mayonnaise, eggs can also be used as a natural conditioner. Eggs can be applied alone or with other moisturizing products, like coconut and olive oil.

Just beat an egg with water and apply it on your hair and scalp, or add a small amount of coconut oil to it before applying on your hair. It will make your hair strong and stop hair breakage.

Apart from these, be sure to drink plenty of water, and use only mild shampoos for washing your hair. People with dry and brittle hair should not wash their hair frequently, even if the shampoo is mild. They should always use a conditioner after shampooing.

As far as the hair styling products, like perms, relaxers, hair straighteners, or blow dryers are concerned, use them sparingly. While coloring your hair, opt for a dye that contains no or low ammonia. For split ends, trim your hair at regular intervals, and choose a hairstyle that does not put much stress on your hair.

However, all these remedies will be of no help, if you do not follow a balanced diet, that can provide the required amount of all the essential nutrients. Do not forget that brittle and dry hair can be a sign of several medical conditions. So, be sure to talk to your physician, if your hair has become extremely dry, frizzy, and brittle all of a sudden.