How to Naturally Treat Damaged Hair

Hair can be damaged in a variety of ways: by environmental factors, such as pollution; treatments such as bleaching, perms and dyeing; and overuse of certain products and heated tools. Over time, hair can become dry and brittle, full of split ends and prone to breakage. But you don't have to buy expensive conditioners to repair damaged hair. It can be treated naturally with products such as avocado, mayonnaise, honey and almond oil. With regular use, your damaged strands can become healthy and supple.

Things You'll Need

• Avocado Plain yogurt or mayonnaise Olive oil Honey Rosemary oil Almond oil and coconut oil Bowl Shower cap

Instructions

1. Make a natural deep-conditioning treatment to use once a week. Mash half an avocado and mix it with 2 tbsp. of plain yogurt or mayonnaise. Avocado is rich in fatty acids and beneficial for dry, brittle hair. Blend the ingredients into a thick paste. Apply the paste on damp hair, from roots to tips. Cover your head with a shower cap. Leave the mixture in for about 30 minutes, and then rinse.

2. Create a nourishing conditioner with products from your kitchen. Combine 2 tbsp. of olive oil and 2 tbsp. of honey in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly. Apply the mixture all over damp hair, massaging to coat every strand. Leave in for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse. Olive oil moisturizes dry hair, and honey fortifies brittle, damaged strands. Use this treatment about twice a week.

3. Strengthen brittle strands that are prone to breakage with a mixture of rosemary oil and olive oil. Pour about 10 drops of rosemary oil into a small bowl, then add 2 tbsp. of olive oil. Allow the oils to mellow for a few hours. Place the oils in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 20 seconds. Before applying to your hair, test it on your skin to make sure it isn't too hot. Comb the hot oil into your hair. For best results, apply to wet hair. Leave in for about 15 minutes, then rinse. Use this treatment about once a week.

4. Moisturize and treat damaged hair with naturally hydrating almond and coconut oils. Combine the oils in a bowl. Apply the mixture to damp hair and comb through. Leave the treatment in for at least 15 minutes, then rinse. Optional: To help the oil be absorbed, apply light heat with a blow dryer for about 5 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• For a deeper treatment, leave the avocado-mayonnaise treatment on overnight. Cover your head with a shower cap. Rinse out with shampoo and warm water. Other oils such as sesame seed, vitamin E, castor and avocado can also be used as natural treatments for damaged hair. Use them interchangeably, or combine them for a moisturizing and conditioning treatment.