How to Moisturize Hair With Just a Few Common Ingredients

Dry hair can have multiple causes, such as chemical treatments, excessive use of flat irons or electric curling irons, and washing it more than necessary.
5-Minute Crafts has compiled 6 easy ways to moisturize your hair at home, using no more than 3 ingredients. Don’t miss the bonus tip at the end of the article where we explain what you can do to prevent your hair from drying out in the first place.

1. Aloe vera and rose water

Not only does aloe vera help cleanse oil residue in your hair, but it can also condition damaged and dry hair, which improves its appearance. On the other hand, rose water prevents skin dehydration, which could be beneficial for your scalp. If you want to use both ingredients at the same time, follow these steps:

1. Mix equal parts of aloe vera gel and rose water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray it on your hair every day.

2. Natural oils

Because of compounds like vitamin E, fatty acids, and various antioxidants, some natural oils could help you treat the outermost layer of your skin. Most of these would actually help you to moisturize both your hair and scalp. If you want to use these as a hair treatment, do the following:

1. Apply almond, avocado, coconut oil, or argan oil once or twice a week. Make sure you apply it evenly to all your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes, then wash it out with a mild to gentle shampoo.
2. When it comes to applying coconut oil, you can leave it on overnight. However, make sure to use a handkerchief or an old T-shirt as a pillowcase to avoid stains on your pillow.
3. Wash your hair in the morning.

3. Banana and olive oil

Not only are bananas rich in minerals and antioxidants, but they also have antimicrobial properties that can help fight common hair issues, such as a dry scalp. This is how you can make a moisturizing mask with this natural ingredient:

1. Mash a ripe banana with a fork.
2. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil and mix until you get a smooth paste.
3. Apply it to your hair, from the roots to the ends.
4. Finally, wash it out with a mild shampoo.

4. Rice water

Rice water contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that can help you alleviate inflammation on the scalp while, at the same time, treat dry hair. To use this rather special ingredient, you just have to follow these steps:

1. Wash 2 tablespoons of white or brown rice by placing them under the running tap to remove dirt and impurities.
2. Place the rice in a container or bowl that you can cover, and add 2 cups of clean water. Let it soak in there for at least 30 minutes.
3. Mix it well, then strain it through a sieve or a colander. Make sure to save the resulting water in a jar or bottle. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Remember to always shake or stir before using.
4. Apply it to wet hair after rinsing out your regular shampoo, massaging from the roots to the ends.

5. Avocado, aloe vera, and coconut oil

Avocado contains lots of mineral-rich oils that can help strengthen your hair. On the other hand, due to its molecular weight, coconut oil can penetrate your hair, reducing frizz and dryness. Get a nourishing and moisturizing mask by combining both of these ingredients together as the following steps show:

1. Mix 1 ripe avocado, 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil.
2. Apply to damp or dry hair, and leave it on for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse it out with warm water, then dry thoroughly.

6. Natural yogurt and olive oil

If you’ve recently bleached or colored your hair, there are few things you can do to treat it. Follow these steps:

1. Mix a cup of plain yogurt and a tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Apply it all over your hair once a week and leave it on for 10 minutes.
3. Rinse with warm water.

There is evidence that yogurt has been used in the Middle East as a treatment to promote hair growth and restoration.

Bonus: ways to keep your hair from becoming dehydrated

1. Dry it at a lower temperature.

If you already struggle with dry hair, it’s recommended that you choose lower temperatures instead of higher ones when using a hair dryer or flat iron, if you use these at all. This will prevent the hair from drying out even more.

2. Include more vitamins in your diet.

Vitamins A and C, biotin, and iron promote growth and healthy hair, and therefore, hydrated hair. Check with your doctor about the right amounts of vitamins you should take, or try to eat foods that are rich in these components.

3. Don’t wash it every day.

Washing your hair with shampoo makes it clean, that’s true. However, in addition to removing oil and dirt, it also removes the skin’s natural sebum that keeps hair moisturized and healthy. That’s why it’s better to wash your hair twice a week using products that match your hair type. When drying, avoid rubbing it with a towel. Instead, gently massage or wrap your hair for a few minutes.

4. Protect it from environmental factors.

Common things, such as sun exposure, wind, salt, and water — either from the sea or your tap, for example — can cause your hair to dry out. Therefore, it’s often recommended to use a cap, hat, or certain products to help protect your hair from these conditions.