25 Homemade Dry Hair Treatments For Strong And Healthy Locks

Looking for treatments for dry hair? Fret not. You are in the right place! Isn’t it true that we all wish for gorgeous, healthy tresses? Sadly, some of us are born with dry, dull, and frizzy hair. However, even if you have naturally healthy hair, it may turn dry, frizzy, and rough because of regular heat styling equipment, harsh chemicals, and pollution.

When struggling with dryness, rummaging around your kitchen for some inexpensive and natural hair care remedies is an excellent place to begin. Using home remedies can save time and money and give you excellent results. In addition, they can be helpful if you want to avoid harsh chemicals in commercial products. While the process may take more time, your hair will reward you over time.

Here are 24 of the best hair treatments for healthy, strong, and manageable hair that you can make in your kitchen. Keep reading.

25 Homemade Dry Hair Treatments

1. Homemade Hot Oil Treatment

Hot oil treatments are one of the simplest and most effective rejuvenating remedies for dry hair. The best part about a homemade hot oil treatment is that you can make custom blends to suit your hair type.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of almond oil
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
  

Method

1. Mix all the oils in a medium-sized pot and warm it. (You can personalize this mix by adding or substituting oils.)
2. Don’t overheat as it will end up damaging your scalp. Make sure it’s lukewarm, not hot.
3. Massage hair with this oil mixture and wrap it up in a towel.
4. Unwrap after 30 minutes and wash with a mild shampoo.

Using this treatment once every seven days will give you softer, shinier, and healthier tresses

. Oil treatments also help reduce the formation of split ends in the hair (1).

Krishika Vashistha, a blogger, shared her pre-wash routine, which included oiling the scalp with coconut oil. She massages her scalp with oil a few hours before washing her hair. In her blog, she wrote, “I use coconut oil, it deals with split ends, nourishes hair and works best for me. A nice massage with some warm coconut oil, or any hair oil is so relaxing and improves blood flow in the scalp (i).”

2. Egg Yolk And Water Mix

Egg yolk is another wonderful dry hair remedy. It conditions your hair shafts and keeps them moisturized. Most of the natural remedies for hair conditioning involve eggs (2).

You Will Need

• 2 egg yolks

Method

• Take two eggs and separate the yolk from the whites.
• Add three tablespoons of water and beat until the mixture is slightly fluffy.
• Apply all over your hair and wait for 30 minutes before washing.
• Use cool water to wash your hair. This keeps the egg from “cooking” and controls the smell.

You’ll be surprised at the instant shine in your hair.

3. Egg, Honey, And Yogurt Hair Mask

There is nothing as nourishing as this homemade hair mask for dry hair. One such mask is this one made with egg, yogurt, and honey. Eggs are rich sources of proteins and nutrients that help boost the rate of hair growth (3). The protein content of yogurt may lead to the strengthening of your hair strands from the roots and add extra shine, without removing its natural moisture. It has probiotic bacteria that increase the anagen phase of hair follicles, resulting in shinier hair growth (4).

You Will Need

• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 2 tablespoons of yogurt

Method

• Beat two raw eggs in a medium-sized bowl.
• Add one tablespoon of honey and two tablespoons of yogurt. Mix until you get a smooth, creamy paste.
• Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it on for at least 20 minutes.
• Wash with cool water.

This hair mask will leave your hair feeling conditioned without making it sticky.

This is the perfect treatment for combination hair (oily at the roots, dry at the tips.)

4. Honey And Vegetable Oil Hair Mask

This pack nourishes your hair while conditioning it.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Method

• Mix two tablespoons of honey with two tablespoons of vegetable oil to make a sticky paste.
• Apply the mixture to your hair as you would a mask and wrap it with a plastic shower cap.
• After 15 minutes, remove the cap and shampoo.

This is another popular hair treatment for dryness. The hydrating property of honey transforms dry hair to give you soft and super smooth tresses (5).

5. Rice Milk And Honey Hair Wash

If your hair is dull and dry, this mask will restore shine and nourish your hair. Honey has antibacterialⁱ  A substance or agent that kills bacteria or prevents or inhibits them from growing and causing diseases. , antifungalⁱ  A substance or agent that acts against fungi and prevents or inhibits them from growing and causing fungal infections. , and antioxidantⁱ  Natural or man-made substances that help prevent cell damage due to free radicals (highly reactive or unstable molecules). properties that help reduce hair loss, dandruff, and itchy, scaly scalp, improving hair health (6).

You Will Need

• 1 cup of rice milk
• 2 teaspoons of honey

Method

1. Take a cup of rice milk and add two teaspoons of honey.
2. In a bowl, mix the ingredients until it is consistent.
3. Spread the mixture over your hair and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse off.

This is an excellent way to get lustrous hair in minutes. You will also love the smell of your hair once it’s dry.

6. Avocado And Banana Hair Mask

When it comes to sealing moisture in your hair, the efficiency of avocado can never be ignored. Bananas can increase the elasticity of your hair shafts while softening them and making them stronger (7). You can also opt for avocado oil for hair as a weekly treatment.

You Will Need

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 ripe avocado

Method

1. Mash the banana and avocado together until the mixture is free of lumps.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Wash off with cool/lukewarm water.

Both these ingredients contain natural oils that condition your hair while nourishing your scalp and hair.

Best Serums For Dry Hair ]

7. Mayonnaise Pack

For those who want to condition the hair to make it smooth, soft, and manageable, mayonnaise could be the best ingredient to use. Anecdotal evidence suggests that mayonnaise provides strength, shine, and volume to your hair. It is an effective dry hair remedy that treats brittle and damaged hair.

You Will Need

• 1/2 cup of full-fat mayonnaise

Method

1. Whip the mayonnaise well until it is slightly fluffy.
2. Wet your hair and apply it along the length of your hair, concentrating more on the damaged parts of your hair.
3. Cover up your hair with a shower cap and keep for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse with cold water and shampoo as usual.

If you want an instant remedy that does not need much preparation, go for a full-fat mayonnaise massage. This dry hair treatment is highly recommended by hair stylists and can easily be done at home for smoothing your hair.

8. Beer Spray

Beer is known for its conditioning properties (8). It adds a healthy sheen to dry and dull hair and also provides volume. The essential nutrients like zinc, folate, biotin, calcium, and vitamin D are crucial for maintaining hair health (9).

You Will Need

• 1/2 cup of flat beer
• 2 cups of water

Method

1. Mix the beer with two cups of water and set it aside in a jug.
2. Shampoo and condition your hair.
3. Use the diluted beer as a final rinse to pour through your hair.
4. Do not wash again and allow your hair to dry naturally.

Using this beer rinse once a week will keep your hair conditioned and shiny.

9. Vinegar Wash

The acidic nature of vinegar helps balance out the pH of the scalp, normalizing oil production. This is good for combination hair when used with a conditioning hair pack. It may also help promote hair growth (10).

You Will Need

• 1 tbsp Vinegar

Method

1. Use a conditioning hair pack and then rinse the pack out of your hair.
2. In a bowl, dilute your shampoo and vinegar and use this to wash your hair.
3. Let your hair air dry.

This remedy helps tackle the oiliness at the roots of your hair while adding shine to the freshly conditioned hair shafts.

10. Honey Hair Mask

Honey is a humectantⁱ  A substance that attracts water from the air and is used to keep the skin moist or reduce the loss of moisture. , which means that it binds moisture to your hair shaft, keeping it conditioned.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (coconut, olive, jojoba, etc…)

Method

1. In a bowl, combine the ingredients to get a consistent mixture.
2. Apply this to your hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the tips. Concentrate on the tips of your hair as they are the driest parts.
3. Leave it in for 20 minutes and then rinse it out with shampoo.

Alternatively, you can dilute a teaspoon of honey with two cups of water and use it as a hair rinse.

Quick Tip

The appropriate frequency to use a hair mask is 1-2 times a week for straight hair and once a week for curly hair.

11. Aloe Vera Mask

Aloe vera is one of the best ingredients you could use for repairing damaged hair and dryness. It also boosts scalp health and encourages healthy hair growth (11).

You Will Need

• 3 tablespoons of yogurt
• 4 tablespoons of aloe vera
• 2 tablespoons of carrier oil

Method

1. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients until you get a consistent mixture.
2. Section your hair and start applying the hair pack from the roots of your hair to the tips.
3. Leave the pack in for half an hour and then rinse it out with lukewarm water and shampoo.

This pack works well for dry as well as combination hair types. It leaves your hair feeling soft, luscious, and healthy.

12. ACV

ACV may help treat zits, clarify the skin, and even remove product build up from your hair.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of water

Method

1. Combine the ingredients in a jug and set it aside.
2. Wash and condition your hair.
3. Use the diluted ACV as a final rinse.
4. Let your hair air dry.

Using an ACV rinse once every fortnight will help keep your hair clean, soft, and silky.

13. Baking Soda Pack

Baking soda can help remove impurities and excess product build up in your hair. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the antifungal properties of baking soda may help reduce dandruff issues.

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 cup of water

Method

• Combine the ingredients in a bowl and set it aside.
• Wash your hair and condition.
• Pour the diluted baking soda through your hair as a final rinse.

Alternative Methods

Add the baking soda to your shampoo.
Make a thick, smooth paste with baking soda and water and comb it through your hair, followed by a thorough rinse and wash.
Another way to use baking soda to treat dry hair is to substitute the water with an egg. Simply beat some baking soda into an egg and apply the mixture onto your hair. Leave it in for 15 minutes and then wash it out with a mild shampoo.

Use baking soda once every month to clarify your hair. This remedy works especially well for people with combination hair. Baking soda can dry out hair if used too often. Use it only as instructed above.

14. Gram Flour Pack

Gram flour is one of the most common ingredients used in hair and skin care.

You Will Need

• 1 cup of coconut milk
• 3 tablespoons of gram flour

Method

1. In a bowl, combine the ingredients. Ensure that there are no lumps.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the tips.
3. Put your hair up in a bun and wait for 15-20 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.

This pack will help strengthen hair follicles and improve hair growth as it is packed with iron, copper, zinc, selenium, and iron (12). Use it once a week for best results.

15. Essential Oils

Adding essential oils to your hair care regime can be extremely therapeutic. Essential oils such as lavender or rosemary carry various beneficial properties that help condition your hair while maintaining scalp health (13) (14).

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons of almond oil
• 1 teaspoon of castor oil
• 4-5 drops of lavender/rosemary essential oil

Method

1. Combine all the oils in a bowl and heat for a few seconds until the blend is slightly warm.
2. Massage the oil blend into your scalp and work it through your hair.
3. Focus on the tips of your hair as these are the most damaged parts.
4. Leave the oil in for at least 30 minutes. You can also leave it in overnight.
5. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

These hot oil massages replenish the moisture in your hair and also improve the circulation of blood to the scalp. The castor oil in the mix helps with hair growth.

16. Avocado And Coconut Pack

Avocado contains oils that mimic the natural oil produced by your scalp. It contains minerals, proteins and vitamin A, D, E, K, and B, which repair and replenish dry and damaged hair (15) (16). There is nothing like a DIY protein-rich hair mask!

You Will Need

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/2 cup of coconut Milk

Method

1. Mash the avocado until it is completely free of lumps.
2. To the mashed avocado, add the half cup of coconut milk. Mix until you get a smooth paste.
3. Apply this pack to your hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the tips.
4. Leave it in for 45 minutes to an hour and then rinse it out with cool/lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.

This is one of the most conditioning hair packs you can use to repair dry and damaged hair.

17. Banana Pack

Bananas are rich in potassium, which is an essential hair care mineral. It keeps your hair healthy and improves its elasticity (7).

You Will Need

• 1 Ripe Banana

Method

1. Mash a ripe banana until it is completely free of lumps.
2. Apply the mashed banana to your hair and leave it in for 45 minutes to an hour.
3. Wash it off with cool/lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.

This pack can repair dry and damaged hair. The restored elasticity from regular use means reduced breakage and damage.

Benefits And Uses Of Banana For Health ]

18. Egg Yolk, Olive Oil And Vitamin E Mask

Egg yolks and olive oil hair masks are amazing remedies for dry and fragile hair.

You Will Need

• 3 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 3 drops of vitamin E oil

Method

1. Whisk the egg yolks until they are slightly fluffy and then add the oils to it.
2. Wash your hair and squeeze out the excess water.
3. Start applying the egg mixture to your hair from the roots to the tips.
4. Leave the mixture in for 10 minutes and then wash it off with cool water.

Here is another popular dry hair treatment that can give you lustrous locks. Use this treatment for dry, dull strands at least once a week to get the desired results. Add lemon juice to this mixture for dealing with issues such as dandruff or an aggravated scalp.

19. Olive Oil Massage

Olive oil is a natural conditioner that is available in most kitchens. It is light and conditions your hair without weighing it down (2).

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons of olive oil

Method

1. Take 2 tablespoons of olive oil and start to gently massage it into your scalp.
2. Next, work the oil into your hair and focus on the tips.
3. Leave the oil in for at least 30 minutes and then wash it off with a mild shampoo.

You can also massage the olive oil into your scalp and leave it in overnight to get maximum results in terms of conditioned hair.

20. Amla Powder And Lime Juice

Indian gooseberry or amla can do wonders for dry hair. It not only conditions your hair but also strengthens it and promotes hair growth (17).

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of amla powder
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Method

1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl until you get a consistent paste.
2. Apply this to your hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the tips.
3. Leave it in for 10 ten minutes and then rinse it out with cool/lukewarm water.

This homemade hair mask for dry hair not only cleanses your hair but also adds shine and nourishment.

21. Strawberry Pack

Strawberry paste works effectively to leave your hair conditioned with a rich, glossy effect. It contains vitamin C that helps stimulate hair growth and maintain the texture (18).

You Will Need

• 4-5 strawberries
• 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise

Method

1. In a food processor, blend the mayonnaise and strawberries until you get a smooth, consistent paste.
2. Apply this to your hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the tips.
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap and wait for 15-20 minutes.
4. Wash off with cool/lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.

While strawberries are usually used in hair packs for oily hair, this pack includes mayonnaise, which conditions your hair. The strawberries remove excess oils from your scalp and make your hair silky while the mayonnaise conditions and nourishes the hair shaft.

22. Fenugreek Seeds Paste

If you have been struggling with hair thinning and hair loss, fenugreek is the perfect hair care ingredient for you (19).

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds

Method

1. Soak four tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
2. In the morning, blend the seeds into a fine paste.
3. Apply this onto your scalp and hair and leave it in for 30 minutes.
4. Wash off with lukewarm/cool water and shampoo.

23. Bottle Gourd Juice Mask

Bottle gourd can be used as a refreshing hair moisturizing treatment. It may help reduce hair loss and premature graying (20), (21).

You Will Need

• 1 bottle gourd (peeled and chopped)

Method

1. Blend the bottle gourd until it reaches a smooth consistency.
2. Use a cheese cloth to extract and collect its juice in a bowl.
3. Apply the bottle gourd juice to your hair and let it sit for 30 minutes.
4. Wash off with shampoo and then condition.

Bottle gourd juice conditions your hair while adding shine.

24. Lemon Juice Massage

Lemon’s acidic nature makes it perfect for balancing out the pH of your scalp and cleansing your hair (22).

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 2 cups of water

Method

1. Combine the ingredients in a jug and set it aside.
2. Shampoo and condition your hair and then proceed to use the diluted lemon juice as a final rinse.
3. Let your hair air dry.

This lemon juice rinse will calm frizz and flyaways while adding shine to your hair.

25. Hibiscus Hair Mask

Hibiscus petals help promote thicker hair growth and prevent premature hair graying and hair loss. They also serve as a natural emollient and a hair conditioner (23). In rat studies, hibiscus leaf extracts were found to be effective in stimulating hair growth (24).

You Will Need

• 10 hibiscus flowers
• 10-15 hibiscus leaves
• 2 tablespoons of water

Method

1. Wash the petals and flowers.
2. Place them in a blender and add some water.
3. Blend them to form a thick paste.
4. Apply this mask to your scalp, hair roots, and along the lengths of your hair.
5. Leave it on for 30-40 minutes.
6. Rinse it with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.

This hibiscus hair mask can rejuvenate the scalp and promote hair growth.

Quick Tip

It is ideal to deep condition your hair at least once a month regardless of your hair condition. However, if your hair is dry and damaged, use a deep conditioner 2-4 times a month.

Things To Remember

• Don’t shampoo your hair too often. The detergents in shampoos strip away your hair’s natural oils, making it dry and causing damage.
• Always use lukewarm or, if possible, cool water to wash your hair as this helps seal your cuticles and minimizes moisture loss.
• Avoid using heat styling tools.
• Use a mild sulfate-free shampoo. While these may be more expensive, your hair will thank you in the long-term.
• Drink plenty of water and follow a balanced diet as your hair receives most of its nourishment from what you consume.
• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to help protect your hair. These materials reduce friction, preventing frizz and breakage, so your waves feel smoother overnight.

Infographic: 6 Tips To Manage Dry Hair

Exposure to environmental pollutants and constant use of products with harsh chemicals can leave one with dry, dull, frizzy, and brittle hair. Following a few simple tips can reduce the risk of developing dry hair and improving your overall hair health.

Check out the infographic below to know more!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you rehydrate brittle hair?

Krysta Biancone, a hairstylist, says, “It’s all about getting the right products and using the right techniques to rehydrate brittle hair. Start by using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, followed by a deep conditioning treatment. Coconut oil can also be used as a pre-shampoo treatment to help restore moisture to the hair shaft. Additionally, it is important to use heat protectant spray before styling with heated tools.”

What should you eat for dry hair?

Biancone adds, “It’s also important to pay attention to your diet when trying to repair dry hair. Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E can help nourish your hair from the inside out. Foods like salmon, nuts and seeds, dark leafy greens, avocados and sweet potatoes are all great sources of these nutrients.”

Can a hormone imbalance cause dry hair?

Yes. It is possible that a hormone imbalance can cause dryness in the hair. Biancone adds, “This is why it’s important to speak with your doctor if you think you may have an underlying medical condition that could be causing your dryness. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you may be able to restore your hair back to health.”

Why is my hair so dry and brittle?

Your hair becomes dry and brittle when it has less moisture. Some hair types produce less sebum that does not coat and moisturize your hair strands, leaving them dry. If you constantly put your hair through chemical or color treatments it becomes dry. Sun damage can also deplete your hair of its moisture, leaving it dry.

Does dry hair mean it’s damaged?

Dry hair means your tresses are damaged. Your hair becomes frizzy, breakage-prone, and weak. You may also notice split ends. Instead of being bouncy and healthy, your hair looks and feels like straw, and lays limp.

Can you condition dry hair?

Yes, you can condition dry hair to make it healthier. You can follow the remedies mentioned in the above article, or look for conditioning products made specifically for dry hair. You could also opt for deep conditioning treatments once a week until your hair becomes healthier.

Does dry hair cause hair loss?

Dry hair left untreated leads to frizz, breakage, and splits. It may also lead to dandruff, and itchy scalp flaking and tangles. If you do not take care of your hair, it could lead to further damage causing hair fall.

Illustration: Homemade Dry Hair Treatments For Strong And Healthy Locks

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn about simple home remedies to get smooth and silky hair. Check this video to understand how to reduce dry hair with natural ingredients easily available in your home.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Tiffany YoungCertified Trichology Practitioner

     

Tiffany Young is the CEO and founder of ThinHairThick and a certified trichology practitioner with 6 years of experience. She is also a recognized expert in the hair and beauty industry with celebrity clientele. Her own personal struggles with hair loss created an opportunity for her to deep-dive into learning all things related to medical conditions and external factors that contribute to hair loss.

Read full bio of Tiffany Young

• 
  Krysta BianconeHair Stylist Krysta Biancone is a hair stylist with over 13 years of experience in blonde highlights, hair extensions, and blonde coloring. She aims to make every client feel their absolute best.
  
  Krysta Biancone is a hair stylist with over 13 years of experience in blonde highlights, hair extensions, and blonde coloring. She aims to make every client feel their absolute best.

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

Read full bio of Swathi E