There are ways by which hair texture can improve and health and shine can be restored to damaged hair. It is important to mention that mild shampoo should be used for washing the hair. That is why a mild herbal shampoo is recommended. Apply less shampoo and rinse well with water. Unless you have applied oil, one application of shampoo should be enough. It is not the quantity of shampoo, but how well you rinse with water that makes the hair scrupulously clean. When hair is clean and well conditioned, it will look healthy, silky and shiny.
Here are some tips for natural hair conditioning:
Yogurt (curd): Both oily and dry hair can benefit from the application of yogurt or curd on the hair and scalp. It helps to soften the hair, nourish it and also add body and shine. Curd also restores the normal acid-alkaline balance. Apply curd half an hour before shampoo. Rinse well with water when you shampoo your hair.
Egg: Applying egg on the hair also helps to add lustre and body. For oily hair, apply egg white half an hour before shampoo. Egg white is actually a powerful cleanser too and helps to reduce oiliness. For dry hair, apply egg yolk half an hour before shampoo. It nourishes the hair and adds body.
For extremely dry and rough hair: Mix together one egg, two tablespoons castor oil, juice of a lemon, one teaspoon glycerin. These ingredients should be well mixed. You can use an egg beater if you like. Massage this well into the scalp and apply on the hair too. Wash your hair after half an hour. Remember to rinse well with water to remove the soapy residue; otherwise they will clog the pores.
Honey Conditioner: Mix together one egg, one teaspoon honey and 2 teaspoons coconut oil, or olive or sesame seed (til) oil. If there is damage due to sun exposure, sesame seed (til) oil is good. Mix these ingredients well and massage into the scalp. Apply on hair. Leave on for half an hour and wash your hair. Mix well together one egg, one tablespoon castor oil, the juice of a lemon and one teaspoon pure glycerin or honey. Massage this well into the scalp and apply on the hair too. Wear the plastic shower cap and relax for an hour. Then shampoo the hair, rinsing well with water.
For fine, oily, limp hair: Soak a cup of broken “moong” dal overnight. Then grind it in a mixer with enough water, to make it into a smooth paste. Part the hair in sections and apply, so that the entire hair is covered. Keep it on for half an hour and wash your hair well with plain water.
A Hair Rinse also provides a conditioning treatment to the hair, helping it to settle and giving it body and bounce. It is particularly useful for oily hair.
Lemon: Add the juice of one lemon to a mug of water and use it as a last rinse. It is ideal for oily hair, reducing oil and restoring the normal acid-alkaline balance.
Marigold (“Gainda” flowers): Add a handful of fresh or dried marigold flowers to three cups of hot water. Allow it to stand for an hour. Strain and cool the water and use as a final rinse. It benefits oily hair with dandruff.
Fenugreek (Methi) seeds: Grind one tablespoon of methi seeds coarsely and soak in two cups of cool water. Leave it overnight. Strain and use the water as a last rinse. It helps to condition the hair and keep the scalp free from infections and even lice infestations.
Tea: Take used tea leaves and boil them again in 6 cups of water. Strain and cool the water. Add the juice of a lemon and use as a last rinse.