The secrets to repair your hair

No matter how often you shampoo and condition those gorgeous locks of yours, you’re going to end up with damaged hair one way or another. Curse the natural elements, stress and frequent heat styling.

But you don’t have to spend your hard earned cash on state-of-the art hair treatments. If you look hard enough, the best haircare options are actually sitting on your kitchen shelves!

So without further ado, here are some great inexpensive at-home tricks that will instantly remedy your damaged, dry locks, leaving you with healthy glowing hair.

Coconut or Olive Oil

Coconut oil and olive oil are age-old remedies used for thousands of years, and popular ingredients found in organic hair treatments. Both oils include active ingredients that seal the hair cuticles with moisture, restoring the hair to its natural weight. Damaged layers are filled with vitamin E, fatty acids and antioxidants while removing impurities on the scalp. Great for combatting split ends, dullness and frequent hair fall.

Directions of use

Warm a little olive or coconut oil and apply to the scalp and hair shafts.

Massage into the hair for an even distribution and leave in for half an hour.

Use a towel to cover the hair.

After 30 minutes, shampoo and condition as per normal.

Bananas

Bananas are high in potassium and vitamins. A blended paste will instantly revive rough dry hair, strengthening the hair shafts to their original state. Bananas are also proven to promote elasticity due to their natural oils and moisture content, and prevent the hair from breaking.

Directions of use

Mash one ripe banana and work through the hair like you would do a hair mask.

Let the banana mash sit in the hair for about an hour before rinsing off with lukewarm water.

If your scalp and hair is still sticky after rinsing, wash off with gentle shampoo.

Please note you may be given strange looks at home for an hour or so!

Any botanical oil

Popular ingredients for a number of restorative haircare products, botanical oils like jojoba, black lentils, wheat germ, sweet almond and other nut oils are wonderful elixers for frizzy, dry and damaged hair. These ingredients are rich in protein, iron, folic acid and fibre and are known for improving the quality of your hair, not just your diet.

Usually, these products are available as oils and can be applied in the same way as coconut and olive oil.

All you need to do is purchase them in your local About Life, Woolworths or Coles.

Aloe Vera

How many haircare and hair treatment products have you seen that include Aloe Vera?!

Aloe Vera extract has proven to be an excellent cure to damaged hair and split ends. Consisting of proteolytic enzymes, Aloe Vera actively removes the dead cells off the scalp, and contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, allowing your hair to grow without the risk of infection.

Directions of use

Purchase 2-3 Aloe Vera leaves and extract the gel by gently squeezing or cutting the leaves into smaller pieces.

Generously apply through the scalp, layers and roots of the hair and leave-in for 40 minutes to an hour.

Rinse off using lukewarm water and mild shampoo.

Warning, this will be messy but completely worth it!

Now you no longer have to worry about taking a trip to the store for that gigantic tub you call a hair mask!

But if you're after a more traditional approach, shop our range of hair repair products here!