Preventing Dry Hair

Dry hair, being a very common hair type, benefits from external treatments such as herbal conditioning oils, as well as from a diet that includes beneficial foods such as proteins, cereals, nuts, fish, lean meat, fresh fruit and vegetables.

So called beauty treatments' and fashion trends such as bleaching, dying, harsh chemical perms, heated rollers, tongs and back combing should be avoided, as they can have a devastating effect on dry hair.

As with the rest of your skin, your scalp can be affected by dry climatic conditions, leaving you with a flaky scalp or dandruff. This condition can be remedied with regular use of a mildly antiseptic pre-wash conditioner that will stimulate, cleanse and moisturize your scalp.

This conditioner has an almond oil base which is similar to your own scalp oil, acting as an excellent emollient to protect your skin and replace natural surface oils, preventing roughness and chapping. Certain herbs have also been included for their therapeutic benefits: peppermint for it s cleansing effect on the scalp and its mildly antiseptic, stimulating and aromatic qualities, rosemary as an effective control against dandruff, and fennel for its healing properties.

Fill a wide mouthed glass jar with 200ml of almond oil, then add the herbs: 2 teaspoons dried peppermint, 2 teaspoons dried rosemary and 1 teaspoon of fennel seed. Seal the jar tightly and place it where it will receive plenty of hot sunlight for at least 14 days. Strain and repeat the procedure with a fresh batch of herbs. Carefully strain the herb oil and store in an airtight amber-colored glass bottle.

Massage a little oil into your scalp whenever it needs extra conditioning, or when dry and flaky skin is evident.

For dry hair that tangles when it is wet, pre-condition with a few drops of a blend of equal parts of rosemary oil and lavender oil. Massage well into you scalp about half an hour before shampooing.

This is a quick and easy weekly treatment to nourish your hair and keep it looking shiny and healthy.

• 20ml almond oil
• 20ml wheatgerm oil
• 20ml glycerin
• 10ml cider vinegar
• 3 drops rosemary oil
• 3 drops carrot oil
• 2 eggs