Hair problems? DIY treatments for common issues
Few would dispute that a trip to the salon suddenly makes your hair feel soft, shiny and full of life. But getting a healthy, glossy mane doesn't have to mean shelling out for expensive products.
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There are a number of homemade hair treatments for specific problems that even the experts swear by, often using items that you've probably already got in your kitchen cupboards. We take a look at some of the DIY tricks that will revive your locks.
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Flyaway frizz
Anyone with fine hair will know only too well that even the weather can turn your luscious locks into a frizzy mess. If you're struggling to find a product that solves the problem, the humble avocado could present the solution.
Boasting light natural oils and proteins, avocado can not only repair damaged hair, but contains a nutrient combination that's ideal for smoothing that unruly mane. Apply half a mashed avocado into clean, damp hair, once every two weeks, and allow it to work its magic for 15 minutes, before rinsing with water. For an extra moisture boost, combine your mash with a tablespoon of hydrating egg yolks or mayonnaise.
Lacklustre locks
The combination of daily styling products and the pollution that plagues our skin and hair can leave your locks looking dull and lifeless.
To give your barnet a much-needed boost, first you'll need to get rid of the build-up of product, and for that, you'll need only baking soda. Every couple of weeks, mix one or two tablespoons of baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Massage into damp hair and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing and shampooing.
With the deep clean done, head to the fridge for a dairy treat that will liven up your locks. Massage half a cup of sour cream or plain yoghurt into damp hair and let it sit for 20 minutes. The lactic acid found in dairy products removes dirt gently and moisturises thanks to the natural milk fat. Rinse off with warm water, followed by cool water, then shampoo as normal.
Body boost
It sounds unlikely but some people claim to use laundry starch to give body to lifeless hair. We're not sure what your stylist would say, but the starch is meant to build texture and hold your style throughout the day. If you're going to try it, start by lightly misting onto roots and blow drying - just remember to begin with a little amount first!
Moisture miracles
The sun, heat styling and even hard water can all play havoc with your hair's hydration, but honey has the answer. As a hair treatment, honey attracts and locks in moisture, and makes for an affordable and all natural moisture boost. Half a cup of honey massaged into clean, damp hair (add a tablespoon of olive oil for easier application) and left for 20 minutes will rehydrate thirsty hair.
And no matter what your hair type, try harnessing the naturally nutrient-rich properties of the egg. The fats and proteins of the yolk act as moisturisers, while the white removes unwanted oils. Use whole eggs as a hair conditioner, whites only to treat oily hair or just yolks for dry, damaged hair. Applied once a month and left on for 20 minutes (be sure to rinse with cool water to prevent scrambled hair!), it's an allround good egg.
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Dandruff doldrums
Dandruff is a tricky problem to solve and many invest sizeable sums in trying the numerous products on the market. But if money's tight, you might be better off using store cupboard staples instead. Ginger, with its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, can help to keep flakes under control. Grate half a root into water and boil until you've got a healthy ginger tea. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and another of olive oil, and mist the directly onto the scalp. Leave it to dry before shampooing out.
If you don't have ginger to hand, simply use two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, two of olive oil and two of water, and massage into a damp scalp, leaving for 20 minutes. As the acidic lemon loosens any existing dry flakes, olive oil gives the new skin cells a moisture boost, helping to prevent itchiness and dandruff.
Do you use any home hair remedies? Let us know below...
