Stuck with split ends? Fed up of your frizz? Bored with your bob? You don’t have to be stuck with hair that is flat, dull and weak – get fabulously healthy, strong hair at home with products that you can find in your kitchen cupboard. Your hair will thank you for it, we promise! Take a look at the steps below for some advice.
Chop it Off!
Many guys and gals with long locks are extremely reluctant to make the chop. They don’t want to trim their hair for fear of losing the length, and this can lead to dry, damaged and weak hair that is chock a block with split ends. Get regular trims at least every 6 weeks – you only need to have about half an inch off of the ends to make your hair stronger and healthier. Most salons will trim your fringe for free, especially if you’ve already had your hair cut with them, and many will be happy to give you a discount on your maintenance cut if you book it advance.
Raid Your Fridge
Many products that you can find in your fridge will create deliciously-scented hair masks that will restore hair, improving strength and preventing further damage – so raid your fridge!
- Banana and avocado mask: 1 banana, 1 egg, ½ mashed avocado, 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, 3 tbsp. runny honey, 3 tbsp. buttermilk. Mash the banana and avocado together and whisk in the egg. Whisk together oil, honey and buttermilk and add to the banana mix, then apply from the roots to tips of dry hair. Leave for 30 minutes, then wash out. Repeat twice a month.
- Yoghurt and egg white mask: 1 large egg white, 4 tbsp. natural yoghurt, 2 tbsp. runny honey and 2 tbsp. coconut oil. Whisk the egg white until frothy. Gradually whisk in the yoghurt, honey and oil. Massage from the roots to tips of hair, leave to sit for 30 minutes and then wash out. Rinse with cold water for extra shine. Repeat once a month.
Bin the Heat
Heating products like straighteners and curling irons will damage the hair, causing dryness and damage. And if you use them every single day, your hair will be weak, cracked and damaged. You’ll also notice flyaways and frizz – so banish the heating products and if you absolutely must use them, use some decent heat defence products and sprays and think about incorporating a heat defense shampoo or conditioner into your routine.
Cancel the Color
Many women dye their hair up to 6-8 times a year. All of those heavy-duty chemicals will play havoc with your natural hair fibers, and although the conditioning treatments that come with the hair dye can make your hair feel soft and supple, repeated dying will cause dryness and damage. Cancel the color by using a treatment to strip your hair of the dye, or let it grow out naturally. If you want to change the color of your hair, opt for plant-based or henna-based dyes or a completely natural semi-permanent hair color. And if you must get highlights or a beautiful blonde mane? Invest in some color protecting haircare.
Massage Your Scalp
Massaging your scalp will stimulate the production of oils on the scalp and this will improve the texture of your hair, particularly if your scalp is very dry. Massage the hair and massage the products that you’re using into the strands so that they get right into the heart of the hair fiber.
Above all, take good care of your locks by drinking plenty of water and by eating the right foods. A diet full of processed foods will make hair dull, while a diet rich in fruit and veg will add luster and shine.