Washing hair is usually followed by hair conditioning. A shampoo can help you with getting rid of sweat and dirt. A hair conditioner, on the other hand, keeps your hair soft and moisturised, making it easier to manage. It is especially important for those who have dry and frizzy hair. If homemade DIY solutions are your favourite way of caring for your hair, let us tell you about some natural hair conditioners!

What causes of dry and frizzy hair?

Dry and frizzy hair can result from various factors, and often a combination of these factors may contribute to this common problem.

Some common causes are:

• Exposure to dry and windy weather, as well as excessive sun exposure, can strip moisture from your hair.
• Very low or very high humidity levels can contribute to dryness and frizz. In low humidity, moisture is pulled from the hair, while in high humidity, the hair can absorb excess moisture and swell, leading to frizz, says cosmetologist and skin expert Dr Jatin Mittal.
• Washing your hair too frequently can strip away natural oils, leading to dryness.
• Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products with harsh chemicals can contribute to dry and frizzy hair.
• Frequent use of heat styling tools like flat irons and blow dryers can strip moisture from the hair, making it dry and prone to frizz.
• Treatments such as permanent straightening or curling can weaken the hair structure and contribute to frizz.
• Chemicals in hair dyes and bleach can damage the hair cuticle, leading to dryness and frizz.
• A poor diet that lacks essential nutrients like vitamins and proteins can affect the health of your hair.
• Some people have naturally dry or frizzy hair due to their genetic makeup.
• Lack of water intake can impact the overall health of your hair, making it more prone to dryness and frizz.
• Rough handling, excessive brushing, or using the wrong type of comb or brush can cause damage to the hair cuticle, leading to frizz.
• Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can leave deposits on the hair, making it feel dry and coarse.

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What are the best natural conditioners for dry and frizzy hair?

The key to managing dry and frizzy hair is to pinpoint and deal with its underlying causes, says the expert. You can also go for some DIY hair conditioners. Here are some options:

1. Avocado and banana

• Mash a ripe avocado and banana together to form a smooth paste.
• Apply this mixture to your hair, leave it on for 30 minutes then rinse it out thoroughly.

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2. Aloe vera gel

• Extract fresh aloe vera gel from the leaf and apply it directly to your hair.
• Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it out.

3. Yogurt and egg

• Mix a cup of yogurt with one beaten egg.
• Apply the mixture to your hair, leave it on for 30 minutes then rinse it out with water.

4. Apple cider vinegar

• Mix apple cider vinegar with water. Make sure the water content is more.
• After washing you hair, pour this mixture over your tresses and scalp. Let it stay there for a few minutes then rinsing it off.

5. Honey and yogurt

• Mix equal parts honey and yogurt.
• Apply the mixture to your hair, leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes then rinse it off.

6. Shea butter

• Take a small amount of shea butter, melt it and apply it to your hair.
• Leave it on for about half an hour before rinsing it off.

7. Green tea

• Brew a cup of green tea, make sure it’s strong then let it cool.
• After shampooing, pour the green tea over your hair and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

The moisturising, nourishing and smoothing qualities of the substances used in these natural conditioners make them ideal for controlling frizzy and dry hair.

How often can natural hair conditioners be used?

Usually, you can apply the natural conditioners once in a week or in 10 days, says Dr Jatin Mittal. It is essential to monitor how your hair responds to these natural conditioners and adjust the frequency accordingly. While some people may benefit from weekly deep conditioning, others may find that using these treatments less frequently or incorporating them into their routine as needed works better for their hair. Also, factors such as your hair’s porosity, the climate you live in and your overall hair care routine can influence how often you should use these conditioners.

Tips to remember while using natural hair conditioners

When using natural hair conditioners, make sure you keep the following points in mind –

• Apply the hair conditioner evenly, focusing on the ends where hair tends to be drier.
• Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the hair conditioner through your strands.
• Cover your hair with a shower cap or towel to enhance the conditioning effect.

Always remember to patch-test new ingredients to make sure you don’t have an allergic response, and customise the formulas to suit the unique requirements of your hair. To get rid of any residue, homemade hair conditioners must also be carefully rinsed.