Home remedies to keep hair healthy: 5 natural treatments to bring back shine and bounce to your hair

Hair health benefits of henna: It is known for its conditioning properties and its ability to strengthen the hair shaft. It also helps to balance the scalp’s pH, reducing oiliness and dandruff (Image: Canva)

Does your hair look lifeless, frizzy, and lacks that enviable bounce? As you run your fingers through your dull strands, it’s hard to ignore how the lacklustre appearance dampens not just your look but your mood too. You wonder where the shine has gone and why your hair feels so lifeless.

As the seasons change, so does the condition of your hair. Factors like humidity, dry air, and temperature fluctuations can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dull and frizzy. The scalp produces less sebum in colder months, making hair more prone to dryness. On the other hand, excessive humidity can cause hair to absorb too much moisture, leading to frizz. To counteract these effects, you need to nourish your hair with ingredients that can replenish moisture and restore shine.

The remedy might just be in your kitchen. By using natural ingredients, you can add life back to your hair, giving it the glow and vitality you crave:

Eggs: Eggs are rich in protein and biotin, which are essential for healthy hair. Protein helps repair damaged hair, while biotin boosts hair growth and adds shine.

Recipe: Beat two eggs and mix them with a tablespoon of olive oil. Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp and ensure it's evenly distributed. Leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing with cold water. Follow with a mild shampoo.

Henna: Henna is known for its conditioning properties and its ability to strengthen the hair shaft. It also helps to balance the scalp’s pH, reducing oiliness and dandruff.

Recipe: Mix 3-4 tablespoons of henna powder with water to form a thick paste. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of yogurt to enhance conditioning. Apply the paste to your hair, covering each strand. Leave it on for 1-2 hours before rinsing with water.

Multani mitti: Multani mitti, or Fuller’s Earth, is a clay that deeply cleanses the scalp, removing excess oil, dirt, and product buildup. It also helps to balance the scalp's natural oils.

Recipe: Combine 2 tablespoons of multani mitti with water to create a smooth paste. Apply it to your scalp and hair, focusing on the roots. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water.

Rice starch: Rice starch, or rice water, is packed with vitamins and minerals that smooth the hair cuticle and enhance shine. It also strengthens hair, making it less prone to breakage.

Recipe: After boiling rice, drain the water and let it cool. Apply this rice water to your hair after shampooing, massaging it into your scalp and strands. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with cold water.

Curd: Curd is rich in lactic acid and proteins that moisturise the hair and prevent dryness. It also has antifungal properties that help keep the scalp healthy.

Recipe: Take half a cup of curd and apply it directly to your scalp and hair. You can mix it with a tablespoon of honey for added moisture. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off with a gentle shampoo.