Dry Hair Remedy

Believe what you see on TV and you might get the idea that only brand-name shampoos and conditioners can give you the buoyant and swirling strands that make life such fun. What those ads don't tell you is that something as simple as mayonnaise can add just as much luster to too-dry locks, giving you the bounce and flounce that those models flaunt

Start in the Shower

• Only wash you hair every other day. Your hair will stay clean enough, and you'll leave in more of its natural oils
• Use baby shampoo, which is less drying than some other shampoos
• Wash and rinse your hair with warm rather than hot water. Hot water strips protective oils from your hair. The best temperature for your hair is just a bit warmer than your body temperature
• Thoroughly rinse your hair after you shampoo it. Shampoo can leave a residue in hair, which dries out the strands.

Salad Solutions

• Avocado moisturizers hair shafts and loads them with protein, making them stronger. Thoroughly mix a ripe, peeled avocado with a teaspoon of wheat-germ oil and a teaspoon of jojoba oil. Apply it to freshly washed hair, and spread it all the way to the ends. Cover your scalp with a shampoo cap or a plastic bag, wait 15-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly
• Mayonnaise is an excellent alternative to avocado; the egg it contains is a good source of protein for your hair. Rub the mayo into your hair and leave in for anywhere up to an hour, then wash it out.

Stay in Condition

• If you use a store-bought conditioner, pick one with a "thermal protector" ingredient like dimethicone or phenyl trimethicone. These protect your hair from heat, which is especially important if you blow-dry.
• Make your own conditioner by mixing two ounces olive oil and two ounces aloe vera gel with six drops each of rosemary and sandalwood essential oils. Olive oil is a natural emollient, aloe vera hydrates, while rosemary adds body and softness to hair. ( The sandalwood, which is optional, just adds fragrance.) Leave the mixture on for an hour or two, then rinse it out. 
• When you use a conditioned, first apply it liberally to the ends, where hair is the driest. Then work your way toward your scalp.
• In a frizz emergency, simply use a little bit of hand lotion and smooth it through dry hair. 

Skip Hair Drying

• Let your hair air-dry whenever possible. If you mist use a blow-dryer, use it sparingly. The same goes for curling irons, hot rollers, and flat irons. When you apply heat, it's like drying out a leaf in sunlight: You're inviting brittleness.
• When you do use the hair dryer, make sure you use a warm, not hot setting and use a heat protectant product on hair first.