Each and every hair has three layers – the inner fiber called the medulla, the middle layer called the cortex that surrounds the medulla and the outer layer called the cuticle that protects the hair from damage.
When the cuticle of a hair gets damaged, the hair becomes dry and loses its shine and luster. Other signs of damaged hair include brittle or harsh texture, split ends, breakage, itchy scalp, and no elasticity. Also, damaged hair gets tangled easily and can be difficult to manage and style.
Your hair can become damaged for a variety of reasons. Some common causes include excessive washing with harsh alcohols and soaps, exposure to dry and hot climate, use of heating tools like blow dryers, excessive styling, exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) sun rays, swimming in chlorinated water, lack of moisture in the hair, use of chemical treatments, friction due to sleeping on cotton pillowcases, and stress.
Though trimming is the best way to get rid of damaged hair, you can also try some natural, safe and effective home remedies to help repair your dull and lifeless hair. However, damaged hair cannot be repaired just in a day or a week. It will take time and patience to get the desired result.
1. Olive Oil
Olive oil is very good for damaged hair. Packed with fatty acids, several antioxidants, and vitamin E, olive oil heals the damaged layers by sealing the cuticle with moisture. It also protects the hair from further damage.
Apply warm olive oil on your scalp and hair shafts. Massage gently for a few minutes, and then cover your hair with a warm towel. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Finally, shampoo and condition your hair. Follow this remedy at least once a week.
Alternatively, mix together 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/2 cup of honey. Warm this mixture and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse it out well with lukewarm water and shampoo your hair as usual. Follow this remedy 1 or 2 times a week.
2. Avocado
Being rich in vitamins, fat, protein, essential fatty acids and natural oils, avocado can help repair your damaged hair. Avocado coats and softens the hair to keep it hydrated and flexible. It can also prevent free radical damage to your hair in the future.
Depending on the length of your hair, mix the pulp of ½ to 1 ripe avocado and 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a blender until you get a thin, smooth consistency. Apply it to your hair, leave it on for about 1 hour and then wash it out.
Alternatively, mash 1 ripe avocado and add 1 egg yolk and enough coconut milk to make a thin paste. Apply it on your scalp and hair and massage it in for 5 minutes in circular motions. Allow it to sit for 1 hour, rinse it off with lukewarm water and then shampoo as usual.
Follow either of these treatments once a week and soon your hair will become healthy.
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