Winter Natural Hair Care: 4 Must-Know Home Remedies for All Hair Types

Growing lush, shiny locks is a challenge during summer - let alone during the harsh, darker winter months! The longer time spent indoors, the drier atmosphere, and the harsher weather conditions can take a toll on your hair's health. Undoubtedly, deep conditioning with high-quality products and investing in state-of-the-art rotating iron hair straightener can help you implement a more beneficial hair care ritual. However, some products are already in your pantry that, when coupled with a healthy routine, can help you maintain your hair thick and shiny.

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil cannot be considered a new product in terms of hair care. This multi-purpose ingredient is already loved and greatly appreciated in cooking, skincare, and nutrition. However, this home remedy can also help you make your hair denser and healthier, naturally. Thanks to the fatty acids contained in Coconut Oil, a hair mask that includes this ingredient can keep your hair better conditioned and your scalp hydrated. 

Application

Take two tablespoons of Coconut Oil (warmed or at room temperature) and use it to massage your hair and scalp. Ideally, you would do this before washing your hair, letting the oil settle for a few hours. You might even decide to apply the oil the evening before washing your hair, wrapping your scalp in a soft cloth.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera, especially when combined with Castor Oil, can be an ideal home remedy to make your hair look and feel thicker or healthier. Containing proteolytic enzymes and minerals like zinc and copper, Aloe Vera can help you rehydrate dry hair.

Application

If you are combining Aloe Vera and Castor Oil, start with the second and apply it as you would apply Coconut Oil. Or, you can mix the two ingredients to create a hair mask that you will apply the evening before washing your hair. Massage the blend into the hair roots and tips, making sure it is distributed uniformly.

Olive Oil

Containing all the emollients that your hair needs to be shiny and healthy, Olive Oil has been used for thousands of years in hair- and skin-care practices. Thanks to these emollients (oleic acid, palmitic acid, and squalene), Olive Oil can be used to moisturize and rehydrate dry, damaged hair.

Application

Each hair type will react slightly differently to Olive Oil's application. Indeed, while any hair will benefit from it, if you add too much, you might have to deal with too oily hair! So, if you have never used Olive Oil before, start by measuring one tablespoon and applying it to your hair around 15 minutes before your shower or bath. Rinse thoroughly before drying your hair.

Gooseberry

Arguably one of the least known ingredients among the ones in this list, Gooseberry, can be an excellent way to enhance your hair's growth, especially if it has been damaged by heat or frequent washes.

It can help the DPC (dermal papilla cells) in your hair follicles proliferate, improving hair growth, and extending the growth phase of each hair. 

Application

If you have invested in a Gooseberry extract, pour some drops in your hand and rub them to distribute the oil. Then, massage your scalp and allow the oil to rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes before washing your hair. You can repeat the Gooseberry treatment twice a week for better results.

Next up, What Your Hair Dryer Is Really Doing To Your Hair?