9 Best Natural Conditioners For Dry And Damaged Hair

Using appropriate conditioners for dry hair is a must for those with hair that tends to lose moisture quickly and get dry, as these are formulated specially to seal moisture. Natural conditioners triumph over regular chemical-laden ones as they also help eliminate excessive frizz and unwelcome breakage. When using a good conditioner, conditioning can minimize frizz, make your hair soft, and eliminate tangles by smoothing the hair strands and keeping it nourished.

Conditioners come in various forms, from those used before washing your hair to leave-in conditioners. Some varieties also offer overnight deep conditioning treatments. Did you know, though, that you can produce your conditioners at home? They are not only simple to create, but they’re also just as or more effective than store-bought conditioners without harsh chemicals.

A survey conducted on 5533 US adults found that 62% use a shampoo and conditioner to wash their hair, 27% of them use all-in-one shampoo or conditioner, and 4% don’t use any shampoo or conditioner. Since the use of conditioners is quite prevalent, replacing them with natural conditioners is the best way to nourish your hair while avoiding the harsh side effects of chemicals.

We have compiled a list of eight hair conditioning treatments developed using natural substances in this article. So, dive right in here.

9 Homemade Conditioners For Dry Hair

Note: You can increase or decrease the quantities (in the same ratio), depending on the length of your hair. The quantities listed below are suitable for medium to long hair.

1. Coconut Oil And Honey Conditioning Treatment

Coconut oil contains essential fats that may help in revitalizing and repairing hair damage. Research shows that coconut oil can penetrate deeply into hair shafts compared to any other oil, conditioning dry and frizzy hair from within (1). It may aid in strengthening hair. It reduces protein loss in both damaged and normal hair. Honey is an emollient and has hair conditioning effects (2). It seals in moisture in your hair and keeps it soft and shiny.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoon of curd (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of rose water

Processing Time

15 minutes

Process

1. Pour all the ingredients into a bowl and mix them until they are well combined.
2. After detangling, apply this conditioning treatment to freshly shampooed hair.
3. Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes and rinse off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 3 times a week.

2. Coconut Milk Deep Conditioning Treatment

Coconut milk is a rich source of nutritional fats, vitamins, and minerals (3). These nutrients nourish your hair and make it healthy and strong.

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons of coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 vitamin E capsule
• 1 tablespoon of rose water
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin

Processing Time

15 minutes

Process

1. Pour all the ingredients into a bowl and mix until they are well combined.
2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair.
3. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and leave it on for about 15 minutes. This will create a warm environment that will allow your hair shafts to absorb moisture and nourishment.
4. Rinse your hair using cool/lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a week.

3. Coconut Milk And Almond Oil Conditioner

Almond oil is an emollient (4). It aids in softening hair and makes it shinier. Almond oil blended with coconut milk can deeply condition your hair.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of milk
• 1 tablespoon of coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon of almond oil
• 1 tablespoon of rose water

Processing Time

15 minutes

Process

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and set it aside.
2. Wash your hair and apply the mixture to damp hair in sections.
3. Leave it in for 15 minutes. Wrap a towel around your head or wear a shower cap during this time to allow for maximum penetration.
4. Rinse the conditioner off with cool/lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 3 times a week.

Quick Tip

You can make your own coconut milk at home by mixing 1 cup of coconut pulp with 2 cups of hot water. Strain the mixture through a muslin cloth or sieve to remove extra particles.

4. Aloe Vera Conditioner

Aloe vera has a cooling and soothing effect when applied to hair. It penetrates your hair follicles easily and conditions dry and damaged hair. Studies show that it helps reduce hair damage and breakage (5).

You Will Need

• 1 lemon
• 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• 5 drops of peppermint essential oil I recommend exercising extreme caution when using peppermint oil, because the strength of the mint can burn the scalp, 5 drops, in my opinion, is excessive.

Processing Time

5 minutes

Process

1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl and set it aside.
2. Wash your hair with shampoo and work the conditioner through your wet hair.
3. Wait for 5 minutes and then rinse it out with cool/lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a week.

5. Egg Conditioner

Egg yolk is rich in vitamins A, B, and E. These vitamins contribute to healthy, strong, and soft hair (6). Though there is no direct evidence, anecdotal evidence suggests that eggs make for wonderful conditioners for dry hair. 

You Will Need

2 egg yolks

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

1. Beat the egg yolks and set it aside.
2. Wash your hair with shampoo.
3. Work the egg through your hair.
4. Wait for 20 minutes and then rinse it out with cool water to prevent the egg from cooking.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a week.

Quick Tip

Use cold-pressed or extra virgin olive oil mixed with an essential oil of your choice to hydrate your hair.

6. Olive Oil Conditioner

Olive oil contains squalene, which acts as a moisturizer or emollient (7). Hence, applying olive oil to your hair can replenish the strands with moisture, prevent breakage, and increase shine. Olive oil also contains oleuropein, which can aid hair growth, according to animal studies (8).  

You Will Need

• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 5 drops of essential oil of your choice

Processing Time

35 minutes

Process

1. Warm the oil and massage it into your scalp and hair.
2. Once all of your hair is covered in the oil, wrap it in a warm towel and wait for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse the oil out with shampoo.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 3 times a week.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar Conditioning Rinse

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid and alkaline nutrients. These nutrients help balance the pH of your hair.  Dry hair tends to have a higher pH (9). ACV can help lower the pH and improve hair texture over time. However, there is insufficient scientific research to prove this effect. 

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 2 cups of water

Processing Time

5 minutes

Process

1. Combine all the ingredients in a jug and set it aside.
2. Wash your hair with shampoo.
3. Pour the ACV solution through your washed hair.
4. Rinse it out with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a week.

Note: ACV is more of a cleanser than a conditioner. Some people might need to condition their hair again after using this recipe.

8. Yogurt Conditioner

Yogurt not only conditions your hair but also prevents hair damage (5). Yogurt, along with honey and coconut oil, can help restore smoothness to your hair.

You Will Need

• 3 tablespoons of yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 5 drops of peppermint essential oil

Processing Time

15 minutes

Process

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and set it aside.
2. Wash your hair with shampoo and warm water.
3. Squeeze the water out of your hair and start working the conditioner through it.
4. Wait for 15 minutes with the conditioner in your hair and then rinse it out with cool/lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 3 times a week.

9. Banana Conditioner

Banana is used as an herbal remedy for the treatment of hair damage and dry ends (10). Anecdotal evidence suggests that using it regularly can help you manage your hair and leave it smooth and shiny.

You Will Need

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
• 2-3 drops of essential oil of your choice

Processing Time

15 minutes

Process

1. Peel the banana and place it in a bowl.
2. Use a fork to mash it until it is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Add the yogurt, honey, coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and essential oil and mix well.
4. Wash your hair with shampoo.
5. Squeeze excess water out of your hair and apply the conditioner to the lengths of your hair.
6. Wait for 15 minutes and rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Infographic: Home Remedies For Dry And Damaged Hair

Dry hair lacks moisture and looks dull and unhealthy. Fortunately, you can bid farewell to your hair worries with natural conditioners. You can prepare these conditioners with ingredients readily available in your pantry. Check out the infographic below for more DIY home remedies to get smooth and gorgeous hair.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Conditioners for dry hair can be made at home using simple and readily made ingredients. Homemade natural conditioners are better than chemical-laden commercially available conditioners as harsh chemicals and preservatives can make dry hair drier and more brittle. Depending on what you have at hand, or what your hair needs, you can choose between various ingredients like coconut milk, coconut oil, almond oil, eggs, aloe vera, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and yogurt. It is important to follow the recipes for DIY conditioners properly to get the combinations and proportions right and for protecting your hair from damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my hair so dry and frizzy?

Lack of hydration, use of heat styling tools or hot water for hair washing, lack of conditioning and use of harsh products that strip the hair of natural oils are some common causes of dry hair. Dry hair strands try to gather moisture from the air and hence rise up instead of laying flat, which causes frizz.

Why is my hair so dry even with a conditioner?

Low porosity or high porosity hair may remain dry even after conditioning as these types of hair need extra care, certain kinds of specific products and ingredients, and techniques for hydrating and conditioning. Alternatively, scalp buildup can prevent natural oils from moisturizing the hair strands, leading to dry hair despite conditioning.

What happens if you don’t use conditioner?

If you don’t use conditioner, your hair may become dry, dull, and prone to breakage.

Why does hair dry faster with conditioner?

This is because conditioners contain substances that smoothen and shut the hair cuticles. When the hair cuticles are elevated, as they are after shampooing, water can reach the hair shaft, slowing the drying process. However, the smoothing effect of the conditioner lessens the cuticles’ roughness and makes it harder for the water to penetrate. This makes it possible for hair to dry more quickly.

Can too much conditioner cause dryness?

Yes, too much conditioner can lead to dryness and damage. Excess conditioner can build up on the hair and scalp may create a coating that prevents moisture from accessing the hair shaft. This may cause dryness, brittleness, and even discomfort over time.

Can I use a hair mask as a conditioner for dry hair?

Hair conditioners and hair masks are both hair care items used to hydrate and nourish the hair, but they differ in formulation and have slightly different uses. A hair mask can be used as a conditioner if you have dry hair, but bear in mind that because it is more concentrated, it might not be recommended for everyday use. The ideal way to give your hair extra hydration and nourishment is to use a hair mask as an intense hydration treatment once or twice a week. A conditioner is a better option if you’re seeking a daily hydrating product.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Transform dry hair with an easy and budget-friendly DIY moisturizing deep conditioner. Watch the video below and see the simple step-by-step tutorial with simple ingredients. Revive your hair with the goodness of this homemade conditioner.

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Madison DufourBarber & Cosmetologist

     

Madison Dufour is a licensed and practicing barber and cosmetologist with 10 years of experience, as well as an entrepreneur running several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog. After working behind the chair for several years, she felt the calling to start the non-profit Barber in a Bag that teaches basic hair cutting skills in...more

Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling. Her passion for writing and her educational background have assisted her substantially in writing quality content on topics related to health and wellness for over three years. In her free...more

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach. Her passion for and understanding of all things related to skin, hair, and beauty propelled her to pursue a career in writing....more