Head Trip

Hair treatments formulated to give your locks the luster and resilence that have been lost from daily blow-drying or frequent swims in a chlorinated pool. So whether you are a devotee of pricey salon products or an earth girl who would rather cook up her own natural remedies in the kitchen, we’ve got a potent hair solution for you. An added plus: Many of the following solutions do more than just revive your locks; they contain ingredients and aromas with a sensory benefit. That way, in just a few minutes, you can turn ordinary hair care into an extraordinarily revitalizing experience – a veritable trip to the spa for your scalp and your strands as well as your senses.

A dry spell

When hair looks lifeless, feels dry (especially on the ends) and lacks shine, you can intensify the effects of your everyday conditioner (or deep-conditioning mask ) by sealing in the product with a plastic cap. Then stand under a warm shower spray for an extra two to five minutes. (Because you are trapping heat and moisture under the cap, the hydrating ingredients are more readily absorbed into the hair shaft.)

Do-it-yourself spa remedy

Honey can help give dry hair moisture, body and shine, according to Hollywood hairstylist Robert Hallowell. So try a honey mask at home: Heat 3-5 tablespoons of honey in the microwave until it’s liquefied (about one minute), then wait until the honey cools slightly and apply it to damp hair. After 30  minutes, rinse and shampoo.

An ounce of prevention

To ensure that dry locks get a daily dose of moisture, opt for products whose labels read “moisturizing” (these often have a creamier consistency). And only use clarifying shampoos when necessary (one a week if you use a lot styling products; otherwise once a month). Used too often, these clear shampoos which are designed to lift product buildup from the hair, actually can strip your hair of much-needed natural oils.

Ingredients such as avocado, jojoba oil and shea butter are all-natural intensive moisturizers.

Snow falling on shoulders

If your scalp feels itchy and flakes when you rub it, give it a good scrub with a shampoo intended to treat dandruff or excess scalp oil. (These conditions are often one and the same since dandruff can be caused by an oily scalp that sheds skin at an abnormal rate.)

Do-it-yourself spa remedy

Brian Thompson, a trichologist (hair expert) recommends making your own anti-flaking tonic by mixing one part each of mouthwash (like Listerine) and witch hazel with eight parts water. Both of these ingredients contain anti-bacterial agents that can help deep-clean the scalp. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and, after shampooing and conditioning, lightly spritz it on the scalp while hair is still damp. Style as usual. Repeat as needed.

An ounce of prevention

Not all dandruff is easily cleared up. If you suffer from patchy red areas or extreme itchiness or the dandruff persists after two weeks of treatment, see a dermatologist. (You could be suffering from eczema, psoriasis or a skin allergy – conditions that trigger dry, itchy skin.)  

Products that contain zinc, a mineral has been shown to help control dandruff.

An out-of-body experience

The simplest way to give flat hair some lift is by hanging your head upside down while you blow it dry.

An ounce of prevention

Even flat, lifeless hair needs the occasional conditioning to help smooth the cuticle (the outer part of the hair strand) and revitalize strands that have been damaged by heat or sun. But always focus conditioner on the ends, where it won’t weigh hair down. This ends-only rule also holds true for shine-producing finishing sprays and serums, which built up if they are applied all over the hair.

Shampoos, conditioners and volumizing sprays often coat the hair shaft with body-building botanicals such as rosemary or wheat and silk proteins that help fortify weak strands.

The blahs

When your hair craves a little bit of everything – a deep cleaning shine and extra moisture to seal dry, split ends – and your mood could use a boost as well, shower with Mother Nature: Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, rosemary, peppermint and cedarwood are replete with both mood-and hair-enhancing benefits – are often found in your favorite shampoos, conditioners and scalp treatments. Rosemary and peppermint are invigorating, chamomile is both soothing to the scalp and moisturizing to your strands, lavender is calming and an antiseptic for the scalp, and cedarwood has been used for its aromatic and oil-absorbing benefits. 

Do-it-yourself spa remedy

By simply adding one or more essential oils to your ordinary conditioner, you can create a spa in a bottle, according to New York hairstylist David Kinigson. To select a pleasing aroma, consult the experts at stores that sell individual essential oils such as The Body Shop (bodyshop.com), Aveda (aveda.com) and your local health-food store. Or try scanning the labels of appealingly scented hair and skin care products for the natural essences that they contain. Once you have purchased the oils, blend one or two drop of oil with a few tablespoons of your own unscented or lightly scented conditioner. Apply as usual, by massaging it into your damp, just-washed hair using the pads of your fingers to gently rub your scalp, your temples, your crown area, the nape of your neck and even your ears. Then rinse it out.

An ounce of prevention

You can prevent hair slumps by alternating shampoos. Ideally, you should switch to a clarifying shampoo for a day or more every couple of months if you want to continue to use the same shampoo.

To reap the maximum physical and psychological benefits from natural product, choose ones that contain pure essential oils. Then take some extra time as you shampoo and condition to massage your scalp and breathe in the mood-enhancing aromas.

(Source: Shape)