10 Magical Homemade Solutions For Dry Hair That You Need Right Now

Phoebe Wallace Bridge’s character in the British web series Fleabag says to the hair stylist in one of the episodes that when her sister accidentally gets a terrible haircut,

“It’s the difference between a good day and a bad day. We’re meant to think, it’s a symbol of power…some people are exploited for it and it pays your f****ng bills…Hair Is Everything”

Well, Phoebe got that right, didn’t she? Hair sure IS everything! So when our tresses lose their lustre, the scalp gets dry, the texture gets rough and the frizz never quits, we lose our minds! And the blazing summer this year isn’t helping either! Have you wondered why we get dry & brittle hair?

Here Is WHY Our Hair Gets Dry

Much like the skin, our scalp loses moisture resulting in dry hair over time. Here are some of the common reasons behind dry hair:

• Excessive exposure to sun and UV rays
• Overuse of hot styling tools (e.g. hair dryer, straightening or curling iron etc.)
• Using shampoo every day
• Exposure to ocean water, or chlorine in swimming pools
• Dust exposure
• Harsh brushing
• Insufficient water intake
• Bad diet

We understand it’s hard to follow every little step that would prevent your hair from becoming dry. For example, regular exercise will make your scalp sweaty and you’d need to shampoo regularly. Or there will be times you won’t be able to avoid sun exposure even during the summers. Of course, there are a million haircare products in the market for your protection too; but if you’re looking for some good old homemade DIY products to take care of dry hair, this is the right blog for you. Take a look at our list of super useful Homemade Solutions For Dry Hair that you might need this summer!

1. Avocado & Ripe Banana Pack

Talking about homemade remedies to care for your dry hair, avocado and banana mask is quite trending these days. And why not? Avocado is rich in nutrients like proteins, amino acids and vitamins that can prove to be very soothing to the scalp. At the same time, ripe bananas are a source of potassium and folic acids for your hair’s nourishment.

Simple Steps to Use:

• Make a paste of one banana and one avocado using a blender
• Add a few drops of olive oil and blend again to make a smooth paste
• Apply the paste all over your scalp and hair evenly
• Let it stay for about 20-30 minutes (you may use a shower cap)
• Rinse off with cool water
• Use this pack once a week or every fortnight for the best results

2. Whole Milk & Honey Mask

The natural fats in whole milk provide the necessary moisture your dry scalp and hair might need. The lactic acid present in whole milk is one of the natural alpha-hydroxy acids that act as a wonderful nourishing agent. The emollient and humectant properties in honey make it an excellent natural moisturiser.

Simple Steps to Use:

• Take ½ cup (for short hair) or 1 cup of whole milk (for long hair)
• Add 1 tbsp of honey to the milk
• Warm up the mixture a little bit as it will help to blend the honey with the milk
• Give it a little whisk and pour it into a spray bottle
• Spray generously all over your hair and cover it properly using a shower cap
• Let the mask sit for at least 30 minutes
• Rinse off with cool or lukewarm water using shampoo & conditioner
• Use this mask once a week for best results

Pro Tip: Since it’s a runny mask, spray it under a sink or in the shower area. Make sure every strand of hair is fully coated. You will be pleasantly surprised by the results!

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Apple cider vinegar is probably one of the oldest homemade solutions for dry hair used as a natural conditioner for centuries. Even the Romans (that’s right!!) are believed to be using it in the 19th century! Why, you ask? Our scalp is covered with cuticles which are closely-knit overlapping scales protecting our hair retain its lustre. Too much shampooing and hair product use leads to the depletion of those cuticles. Apple cider vinegar restores the protective cuticle layer of your scalp and cleans the residue in your hair shaft.

Simple Steps to Use:

• Take 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
• Add 3-4 cups of water into the the vinegar in a large bowl
• Mix well
• Shampoo and condition your hair normally
• Apply the vinegar mix to your scalp thoroughly and massage
• Leave it on for 2-3 minutes
• Rise off with water and towel dry
• Use this rinse once a week or every fortnight

4. Aloe Vera & Coconut Oil Mask

Aloe vera has gained immense popularity through research over the recent years as far as skin and hair care is concerned. Due to its natural hydrating properties, an aloe vera & coconut oil hair mask can do wonders for dry or brittle hair. The enzymes present and anti-inflammatory actions of aloe vera may also soothe a blemished scalp. You can hardly go wrong with aloe vera gel especially if you want to try homemade solutions for dry hair.

Simple Steps to Use:

• Scoop out 2 tbsp of fresh aloe vera gel. You can alternatively use store-bought gel too
• Mix the gel with 1 tbsp of lukewarm coconut oil. Stir them well to make a smooth blend
• If you have long hair, divide the hair into sections to simplify the application
• Now using your fingers apply the gel to your scalp and move down to the hair tip slowly
• Make sure you cover all the sections with the hair mask well
• Now comb your hair with a widely-toothed comb to spread the mask evenly
• Cover the hair with a shower cap or a towel and leave the mask for at least 30 minutes. For extra conditioning, you may also leave it for an hour
• Wash off with a mild shampoo
• Repeat this procedure once a week for a month to witness results

Pro Tip: You may add yoghurt with aloe vera gel for a hair mask using the same steps. Many have permanently replaced conditioner with fresh aloe vera gel (for example my sister-in-law) and are super happy with their decision. You may do the same if it works for you!

5. Yoghurt & Egg Mask

 Let me warn you right away- this is going to stink….a LOT! A yoghurt and egg hair mask is one of the excellent homemade solutions for dry hair, but it comes with a “stinking price!” I remember using it for the first time in my twenties after much persuasion by my mom and regretting it immediately with the mess and smell. I swore never to use it again! Well, looking back I laugh at my 20-year-old self’s ignorance now! The mildly astringent qualities and rich amounts of zinc and lactic acid of yoghurt make it an exquisite remedy for dry cells in the scalp. Eggs, on the other hand, are rich in lutein and high protein which softens and nurtures the hair. So, cover your nose if you must and get on with the mask!

Simple Steps to Use:

• Whisk an egg and 1 tbsp of yoghurt well in a bowl
• Apply on the entire scalp and hair using a brush
• Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes
• Rinse off and shampoo with cold water.
• Use this mask once a month

Pro Tip: Washing your hair with cold water is absolutely essential as warm water may start to cook the egg. That may become difficult to remove egg residue from your hair…you don’t want that! Skip this mask if you’re allergic to milk or eggs.

6. Amla, Fenugreek & Curry Leaves Mask

Welcome the “Powerful Trio” into your haircare regimen and you can thank us later! Amla or the Indian gooseberry is loaded with antioxidants and Vitamin C that help in making your hair healthier. The nicotinic acid and protein in fenugreek can help reduce hair breakage and bring shine to your locks. For restoring hair strength you could use curry leaves which contain amino acids and beta-carotene. Together, they create a wonderful pack for dry and malnourished hair that you would want to try.

 Simple Steps to Use:

• Mix 1 tbsp of dried Amla powder, fenugreek powder and crushed curry leaves
• Add water (or curd) to make a smooth paste
• Apply to your scalp and massage gently
• Keep the mask on for about 20 minutes
• Wash off with cold water
• Apply once a week for best results

Pro Tip: Alternatively you can boil the curry leaves, grated amla and fenugreek seeds in water. Strain the water and use it after shampoo as a final rinse. This solution helps revitalising your hair to maintain its natural lustre.

7. Hibiscus  Flower & Aloe Vera Mask

For hundreds of years, Indians have been using hibiscus flowers and leaves for natural hair care. The anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C, collagen and amino acids present in Hibiscus are all effective solutions for hair problems. Combining the flowers with aloe vera gel creates a beautiful blend that soothes your scalp and gets rid of the dry follicles.

Simple Steps to Use:

• Take 5-6 hibiscus flowers (fresh or dried) and scoop 2 tbsps aloe vera gel
• Mix them well using a blender
• Apply the smooth mask all over the scalp and hair
• Massage your scalp for 5 minutes
• Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes
• Wash your hair off with a mild shampoo
• Repeat this regimen once a week

Pro Tip: You could also blend Hibiscus flowers and leaves with some water and use it as a mask for about 30 minutes. Furthermore, hibiscus flowers and yoghurt hair masks are also excellent homemade solutions for dry hair.

Oil massage- Coconut, Tea tree oil

8. Hibiscus + Coconut Oil Massage

How many of you have been ignoring your mother’s “Oil your hair” advice growing up and now regretting it? Yepp…me too! Well better late than never. You may also use hibiscus flowers and leaves for this oil massage. During the dry seasons, a coconut oil massage will only nourish your hair with its anti-inflammatory properties. Mix it with the magical goodness of Hibiscus for a healthy glowing mane!

 Simple Steps to Use:

• Take a deep pan and add one cup of coconut oil
• Add 5-6 Hibiscus flowers and 10-12 leaves and start boiling the oil
• Keep the flame on low heat and cook for about 5 minutes
• Once the oil becomes reddish in colour, strain the oil into a small bowl and let it cool down a bit
• Massage your scalp with the warm oil for 10 minutes and let it sit for another hour
• Wash off with a mild shampoo
• Repeat the procedure once a week

Pro Tip: You may also add 1 tbsp of dried rosemary leaves to the infusion. Store this oil in a small bottle for a couple of weeks in a dark place. Warm it before every application.

9. Hibiscus Infused Spritz

We are obsessed with Hibiscus, aren’t we?  You will be too once you start enjoying the results! Some of the most effective homemade solutions for dry hair involve Hibiscus and for good reasons too. You usually can’t go wrong with this plant, it’s suitable for all hair types and it has the least chance of getting any allergies (although, always check for them). I usually grab a few flowers or leaves from my terrace garden. If you don’t have one, look for them in your neighbourhood park or you can easily get them in the floral shop. Dried Hibiscus powder also comes in packs that you can buy from the local stores.

Simple Steps to Use:

• Boil a 6-7 hibiscus flower petals in water. You may also add a few leaves
• Once the water becomes red in colour let it cool down
• Strain the water into a spray bottle
• Spritz the hibiscus-infused water when your hair feels dry. It’s a great spritz for an instant natural refresh with a beautiful aroma

10. Beer Rinse

Beer or Ale comprises malt and hops among other ingredients (like barley, wheat, yeast etc.) which are rich in Vitamins and proteins that are great for hair health. Although there has been little to no scientific evidence to support this theory, users (not drinkers!!) have corroborated the benefits of beer on hair. Here is how you may use beer for a quick rinse to get smooth silky hair.

Simple Steps to Use:

• Shampoo your hair first
• Make sure the beer is flat and bring it down to room temperature
• Now pour down the beer from the roots till the end of your hair covering the entire length
• Let it sit for a few minutes before you wash it down with cold water
• You may repeat this rinse once a week or two

Pro Tip: You can also mix equal parts of flat beer and water in a spray bottle spritz it all over the hair and air dry. A few drops of apple cider vinegar to the beer also works great for shine and gloss.

A Patch Test Is A Must

Before trying any of the natural remedies on your skin or hair, make sure you do a patch test first. Many are allergic to eggs, milk products or aloe vera. If you don’t know whether you are allergic, we strongly advise you to check for it. Any itchiness, swelling or redness would mean you must not continue with that particular ingredient.

Other than the homemade solutions for dry hair we listed for you, there are a few essential points to remember to have healthy hair. Here they are:

• Proper Diet: It’s really important to stick to a healthy diet if you want to keep your hair healthy. Avoid fried, oily and junk foods as much as possible. Eat lots of vegetables and seasonal fruits, nuts and legumes and keep your diet balanced. Include foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids like salmon, walnuts, mackerel. Consult a dietician if you have certain food restrictions or allergies.

• Increase Fluid Intake: One of the thumb rules to avoid dry hair is lots and lots of fluid intake. Drink at least 3 litres of water. Include fresh juices, buttermilk, chhach, and lemonades in your regular diet. Staying sufficiently hydrated will internally work to keep your skin and hair healthy.

• Exercise Regularly: This one goes without saying…there is absolutely no substitute for regular exercise. Play a sport, run, do yoga, brisk walk or swim- take your pick. But never underestimate the significance of a fitness regime in your life. Exercising regularly will help your body to get rid of toxins, clean up the pores and as a result, help you attain healthier skin and hair.  

• Sleep Well, Stay Stress-Free: Easier said than done, right? Not really! If you commit to yourself and believe in self-care, you must and will find a way to make your life stress-free. Learn the importance of a good sleep. Try meditating every day for at least 15 minutes. Travel, read, watch your favourite TV shows, or join a dance class- do what makes you happy and do it often. Remember, physical and mental health are both equally important for a happy soul.

Here’s why you should practice meditation and how to do it.

Do let us know if and when you try any of these homemade solutions for dry hair and whether they helped. If you know of any other homemade remedies, why don’t you share them with us in the comment section below? We would love to hear from you! Take care!!