Uncooperative hair can be a pain to tame. There are many reasons why people have bad hair days, and determining the contributing factors may help resolve the problem. Weather commonly causes keratin damage on the interior of strands in humid climates. Keratin swells, which then causes hair to frizz. During the winter months, dry outside air, when combined with dry inside heat, causes static problems that make for fly-away strands becoming hard to manage. Putting hair in a bun or a braid can resolve the issue temporarily, however, it is not a long-term solution.

Hair might become unruly after over-styling, such as being exposed to an excess of hairspray or mousse. Routine bleaching or dyeing of hair also reduces moisture. Trying to correct the dryness by adding the wrong oils or too much conditioner then creates the opposite effect: Hair can look dirty or greasy as the products build up and cling to strands. Furthermore, the compounds are often resistant to shampooing.

Stress is another consideration. Stress initiates the release of hormones and other chemical reactions that affect hair. Monthly estrogen production in women increases oil production, which may leave hair looking dull, limp and lifeless.

However, there are some ways to help keep hair healthy. From eating a better diet to treating hair with a homemade mask, a little nourishment with the right ingredients may help add life and bounce to hair.

Dietary Solutions for Damaged Hair

Poor dietary habits contribute to unmanageable and unhealthy hair over time. Eggs, yogurt, fish, bananas, guava and spinach are all nutrient-rich foods that help stimulate the hair growth cycle and keep strands strong and lustrous. A proper diet strengthens the cuticles, which in turn creates shiny, healthy-looking hair. Consider making dietary changes now. However, it could take three to six months to see results. Keep in mind that hair grows about a half an inch every month. Hairs are also constantly being replaced.

Certain types of hair have their own unique problems that may take more than a change in diet to address.

Treating Curly, Natural Hair

Hair texture varies with the type of surface or cuticle on different types of hair. Under a microscope, the cuticles appear like layered scales that lie one over the other along each strand of hair. When the scales all lie flat, hair feels silky and soft. However, on curly hair, the scales do not lie flat, and that causes it to feel rougher yet look fuller in volume. A homemade mask recipe specifically for curly hair may improve the overall texture and feel by moisturizing and providing the right nutrients.

Curly Hair Mask

Ingredients:

Double the ingredients for long hair.

Instructions:

  1. Put all of the ingredients in a bowl and whisk or puree in a blender.
  2. Blend well.
  3. Dampen hair and apply the mask evenly throughout.
  4. Cover hair with plastic wrap or a shower cap for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Rinse and wash hair with shampoo.

Use the mask weekly if needed.

Damaged Hair Symptoms

Brittle, dry, overly porous and rough-feeling strands are typical signs of hair damage. The problems arise when the hair cuticles become damage or overextended. Smoothing the cuticle scales protects hair from more damage while improving appearance.

Under normal circumstances, hair has the ability to stretch up to 150 percent beyond its normal length without breaking. A loss of elasticity shows up as the appearance of broken tips or many shorter hairs. Diagnose the problem by looking at the hairbrush. If the hairs are full length, this means that they simply fell out to make way for new growth. However, if the hairs are shorter, then breakage is most likely the cause. Other signs of damage include hair feeling matted when wet or not absorbing or retaining color. Regularly treating hair with the proper mask may help prevent and resolve many symptoms.

Damaged Hair Mask

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Put the ingredients in a bowl and whisk or puree in a blender.
  2. Dampen hair.
  3. Apply and work the mask in thoroughly with fingertips.
  4. Cover hair for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Rinse and shampoo.
  6. Repeat the mask weekly as needed.

Treat Frizzy Hair With Homemade Products

Frizzy hair occurs because the cuticle layers are raised. As a result, hair appears dry and frizzy and does not lay well. Curly hair tends to frizz more easily due to dehydration. However, straight hair can also frizz for the same reason. Curly hair is naturally drier, which makes it more susceptible to frizz. Brushing curly hair also makes the cuticles rise and causes frizz.

Not many people realize that there are three types of frizz. Surface frizz only happens on the visible outer layer of hair. Halo frizz occurs around the crown area only. In-the-curl frizz eliminates the smooth look of curls as the problem extends throughout the shaft. Try a homemade mask recipe specially designed to reduce all three types of frizz.

Frizzy Hair Mask Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 banana mashed or sliced
  • 2 Tbs. plain yogurt
  • 1 Tbs. raw honey

Instructions:

  1. Combine the ingredients in a blender and puree or whisk in a bowl until well-blended.
  2. Dampen hair.
  3. Apply the mask and work in thoroughly.
  4. Cover hair and relax for 30 minutes.
  5. Rinse and shampoo.
  6. Use the mask weekly as needed.

Unique Problems of Natural Hair

Natural hair tends to be drier and the strands are more flat. The susceptibility to dryness makes natural hair more prone to breakage. When noticing that hair becomes fragile, avoid flat irons, dyes and relaxers, which only compound the problem. When braiding or twisting hair, be careful when stretching the hair, and avoid making the style too tight. These styles easily damage already fragile hair. Keep hair moisturized and nourished by using a mask created for natural hair.

Natural Hair Mask

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender and puree or whisk thoroughly in a bowl.
  2. Dampen hair well.
  3. Apply the mask and work into the scalp.
  4. Cover hair and allow the hair to absorb the mask for 30 minutes.
  5. Rinse and shampoo.  
  6. Apply a deep conditioner.
  7. Repeat mask weekly.

Homemade Solutions for Oily Hair

Sebaceous glands create sebum, which is the wax-like substance that occurs naturally and protects hair shafts. For different reasons, the glands may produce too much sebum, which results in oily or greasy hair. People with fine hair tend to have a greater hair volume. More hair means more sebaceous glands and more oil production. Hormonal problems can also trigger the glands to overproduce. This is especially true during puberty, monthly cycles and pregnancy. Other factors include genetics and overusing the wrong hair care products.

Oily hair conditions also differ. Some experience oily hair from the root to the ends. Others may notice hair being oilier on the scalp and root regions while the shafts and tips remain dry. Special products containing natural ingredients or homemade hair masks can often remedy the problem.

Oily Hair Mask

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Combine the ingredients in a blender and puree or whisk briskly in a bowl until blended well.
  2. Dampen hair.
  3. Apply the mask and work in thoroughly.
  4. Cover and allow the mask to remain on hair for 30 minutes.
  5. Rinse well.
  6. Rinse and shampoo.  
  7. Repeat the mask application weekly as needed.