Brittle Hair Remedies

Hair is a type of protein filament, that grows from deep within the dermis. An individual hair shaft usually contains three layers, out of which cuticle is the outermost layer. 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 more prone to damages like breakage. To resolve this problem, first of all one has to find out the root causes of dry and brittle hair. Without understanding the reasons behind dry and brittle hair, it would not be possible to cure this problem. Therefore, before discussing the brittle hair remedies, it is imperative to throw some light on brittle hair causes.

Causes of Brittle Hair

Most of the time, dry and brittle hair is a clear sign of lack of moisture. This can be either due to frequent washing using harsh shampoos or excessive use of chemicals like hair dyes. Even hair styling products like flat irons, perms, relaxers, and hair dryers can cause extensive damage to hair follicles, especially when they are used indiscriminately. Similarly, excessive exposure to sunlight, pollution and wind can make hair dry and prone to breakage. Apart from these, dry and brittle hair can be a symptom of nutritional deficiency and certain medical conditions, including hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism and anorexia. Read more on treatment for dry hair.

Brittle Hair Remedies

The first step to make brittle hair strong is to provide adequate moisture and nourishment to it. This can be achieved by using some natural oils like olive oil, coconut oil, tea tree oil, argan oil and jojoba oil. Both olive and coconut oil are known for their moisturizing and nourishing properties and so, are ideal for dry and brittle hair. For giving your hair a natural hot oil treatment, you have to warm olive or coconut oil and then gently massage it on your scalp. For best results, leave it for the entire night, and then wash it with a mild shampoo in the morning. Natural oils like, olive and coconut not only provide moisture, but essential vitamins like vitamin E as well. Similarly, argan oil, tea tree oil, jojoba oil and flaxseed oil can also be used as effective home remedies for brittle hair. Read more about vitamin E for hair growth.

For proper hair care, along with hair oils, you can also try mayonnaise and eggs as home remedies for dry and brittle hair. Mayonnaise is an excellent conditioner and can be used for repairing dry and damaged hair. Just spread a thick layer of mayonnaise on your hair and gently massage the scalp. Leave it for half an hour or so before washing your hair. If your hair is extremely dry and brittle, then you can leave it for the whole night and wash it off with a mild shampoo the next day. Like mayonnaise, egg is another readily available product that can 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 then apply it on your hair and scalp, or add a small amount of coconut oil to it before applying on hair. It will make brittle hair strong and stop hair breakage. More information on hair conditioners made at home and home remedies for dry, damaged hair.

Along with these dry, brittle hair remedies, what is equally important is to drink plenty of water and use mild shampoos and other hair care products. People with dry and brittle hair should not wash their hair frequently, even if the shampoo is mild. But, they should use conditioner regularly. As far as the hair styling products like perms, relaxers, hair straighteners or blow dryers are concerned, use them only sparingly. While coloring your hair, opt for hair color 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.

But, all these steps or brittle hair remedies will be of no help, if you do not eat a balanced diet, enriched with the required amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and essential vitamins and minerals, like calcium and vitamin E. Do not forget that dryness or brittleness of hair can be a symptom of several medical conditions as mentioned earlier in the article. So, be sure to talk to your physician, if you are suffering from extremely dry, frizzy and brittle hair.