Your kitchen is full of ingredients that can do wonders for your hair—you just have to know which ones to use. We polled the top dermatologists and hair stylists in the nation to reveal their favorite kitchen cures for common hair issues. So, if your hair is dry, oily, or somewhere in between, one (or more) of these home remedies is sure to help.
Keep reading to find out which kitchen ingredient will work best for your hair type.
What Household Things Are Good for Your Hair?
Here are eight different methods to use what you already have at home for a healthy head of hair, from dandruff to dryness.
For Dandruff
- Apple cider vinegar: This popular pantry staple has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an effective natural remedy for dandruff. Just mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water, apply it to your scalp, and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing. Do this once a week.
- Baking soda: This inexpensive kitchen staple can be used as a natural dandruff treatment. Just make a paste with three parts baking soda and one part water, massage it into your scalp, and let it sit for 15 minutes before shampooing.
For Dryness
- Avocado: This fruit is packed with healthy fats that can help to moisturize and repair dry, damaged hair. Just mash up an avocado and apply it to your hair, leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse it out.
- Egg: This kitchen staple is a great natural conditioner for dry hair. Just whisk together one egg and two tablespoons of water, apply it to your hair, and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
For Frizz
- Banana: This fruit is full of natural oils and vitamins that can help to tame frizzy hair. Just mash up a banana and apply it to your hair, leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse it out.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a great hair treatment that will both moisturize and tame flyaway strands. Simply apply a little amount of coconut oil to your locks, allow it to sit for 15 minutes, and then wash it out.
For Split Ends
- Honey: The honey in this kitchen staple is a wonderful natural conditioner for your hair. Simply combine two parts honey with one part water and apply it to your hair before leaving it for 15 minutes to rinse.
- Olive oil: This natural oil can help to condition and repair damaged hair. Just apply a small amount of olive oil to your hair, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse it out.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Household Items in Your Hair?
There are a few pros and cons to using household items in your hair.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Can be used as a natural dandruff treatment
- Can be used to moisturize and repair dry, damaged hair
- Can help to tame frizzy hair
Cons
- May not work for everyone
- Some ingredients may be harsh on the scalp
- May cause buildup if not rinsed out properly
- May not be as effective as commercial products
Overall, it is up to you to decide whether or not using household items in your hair is right for you. If you decide to give it a try, be sure to do your research and test out a small amount on your hair first.
Are There Any Side Effects to Using Household Items in Your Hair?
There may be some side effects to using household items in your hair. Some ingredients, like apple cider vinegar, can be harsh on the scalp if used too frequently. Others, like baking soda, can cause buildup if not rinsed out properly. And some, like olive oil, may make your hair greasy if used in excess.
So, be sure to read the labels of any ingredients before using them and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
How to Know if a Household Item is Good for Your Hair?
There is no sure-fire way to know if a household item is good for your hair without doing a little research or trial and error. However, a good place to start is by consulting with your hairstylist or dermatologist to see if they have any recommendations.
You can also read online reviews or look up the ingredients in a particular product to see if it is right for your hair type. Finally, remember that what works for one person may not work for another, so be sure to test out a small amount on your hair before using it more extensively.
Conclusion
Your kitchen can be a treasure trove of natural hair ingredients. From egg yolks to olive oil, there are many household items that can help condition and repair your locks. However, as with any new product, do your research before using anything on your hair; some ingredients may irritate the scalp or cause buildup.
Before using something more extensively, as a hairdresser, I would recommend testing it out with a little quantity of anything in your home. If you do get any adverse effects, see a medical professional.
We hope this article was helpful in finding the best kitchen ingredient for your hair type!