How to Correct Dry Hair

Healthy, luxurious hair

Life can take a toll on your hair, drying it out in different ways. We strip its color with peroxide and tint, straighten it with chemicals and blast it with heat from dryers and flat irons. On top of that, direct sun, winter temperatures, windy convertibles and swimming can finish it off--turning the most luxurious mane into a stiff haystack. But while your hair's condition may seem hopeless, you can restore its health in an afternoon.

Things You'll Need

• I cup olive oil
• Small bottle of Moroccan oil (found in beauty supply shops or online)
• Plastic pint-size condiment bottle
• Comb
• Plastic grocery bag
• Towels
• Heated cap (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Microwave the oil

   Pour the olive oil into your empty condiment bottle--this is the sort of bottle found on diner counters, with a narrow nozzle on top--and microwave it for 40 seconds. Be careful to test the temperature to make sure it's not too hot.

2. 

   Apply oil with the condiment bottle.

   Wrap a towel around your shoulders--olive oil gets messy. Part your dry hair and apply the olive oil along the part with the plastic bottle's nozzle. Then work the oil down to the ends of the hair with your fingers. Make another part parallel to the first, flip that section over the first part, and again apply oil to the part. Continue over your entire head, and pin your hair up with a barrette.

3. 

   Wrap the plastic grocery bag around your head, and secure it with bobby pins. If you have a heated cap--found at beauty supply stores--place it over the plastic bag. Leave the oil in place for at least an hour.

4. 

   Shampoo the olive oil out of your hair. This will take several applications of shampoo. Comb your hair out carefully with a wide-tooth comb, but never brush hair when it's wet.

5. 

   For shoulder-length hair, pour about 1 tbsp. of Moroccan oil into your palm, rub it between your hands, and apply it to the the ends of your hair, but not the roots. Adjust the amount for different lengths of hair. Massage it in carefully, comb again, and style. Your hair should be noticeably softer and healthier.

Tips & Warnings

• Although an oil treatment is a quick fix, lifestyle changes can also help hair quality. Eating a healthful diet of dark green leafy vegetables, seeds, legumes, high quality proteins and dairy products is essential. Vitamin supplements and fish oils will also help. As for hair care, brushing with the head upside-down can spread natural oils to the ends, but never brush wet hair, as it can break. Use a wide-tooth comb instead. Consider combing deep conditioner into your hair and securing in a bun to protect it during a day at the beach, and wear a hat in very hot or cold weather. A home air humidifier can help, and in windy conditions contain hair with clips or a hat. A healthy trim to remove all those split ends can really elevate your mood, too.

• After microwaving, be careful to test the olive oil's temperature to avoid burning your scalp.

References

• Moroccan Oil
• Hairfinder: Should you not brush hair when wet?

Resources

• Olive Oil for Hair: Olive oil for hair growth, hair loss and hair treatment