Avocado for Hair Growth

Avocados are a fruit whose many health benefits are becoming more widely known. One benefit avocados offer is preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. They can also be used to improve the condition of your hair by acting as a moisturizer for dry or damaged hair. Avocados were first used for this purpose by early Egyptians.

Vitamins
Vitamin deficiency can cause hair loss or hair to grow slowly. Avocados are high in vitamins B and E, which work at the cellular level to protect and strengthen hair. Vitamin B is essential for hair growth. Vitamin E helps repair damage on the scalp, which may slow or prevent hair growing. Healthy hair grows half an inch every month. Using avocado in a conditioner or as a hair mask are the best ways to promote regular hair growth.

Hair loss
Hair loss may be a result of vitamin deficiency or of external stresses on your hair. Hair loss occurs when hair becomes dry and damaged from exposure to extreme heat, sun or cold. You may also contribute to hair loss and damaged hair by using chemically loaded hair products or styling tools such as hair dryers or curling irons. Avocado conditioner and masks are also an effective natural remedy for treating hair loss and improving the condition of your hair.

Avocado Conditioner
Using an avocado conditioner promotes hair that feels soft and is more elastic. The high-fat content of avocados makes hair less dry and prone to breakage. After washing your hair with shampoo, apply the avocado conditioner and leave for five to 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Make your own avocado conditioner by mashing avocados into a paste and adding enough water to make a paste-like solution.

Avocado Mask
For hair that is severely damaged or dry, try an avocado mask. Combine one chopped avocado and one egg yoke in a bowl. Add enough water to make a workable paste. Apply the mixture to damp hair and massage into the hair and scalp. Pile hair on top of your head and leave for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Coconut Oil Benefits for Hair and How to Use It

Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that nourish and moisturize the scalp and hair. Polynesian cultures historically have and still do use extra virgin coconut oil as a beauty product, notes the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu, Hawaii. A study published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Science" in 1999 found that coconut oil applied to the hair reduced hair breakage, and another study in 2005 from the Journal of Cosmetic Science noted that coconut oil penetrated the hair follicle better than the most common ingredient in hair conditioners, mineral oil. According to the book "Coconut Oil: Amazing Health, Skin And Cooking Benefits" by Gene Ashburner, aside from making a great moisturizer for hair and scalp, the oil has been used as a natural remedy to combat frizz; get rid of dandruff; remove and prevent lice; and promote hair growth. Coconut oil can even be used to extract chewing gum from hair. While the oil can improve scalp health, therefore improving the conditions for growing thicker, fuller hair, it does not treat the underlying cause of hair loss and cannot be relied on for treating baldness related to dihydrotestosterone. According to some sources, coconut oil can also soothe cradle cap, an issue commonly seen in babies. Its antibacterial properties may ward off folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicles, and may also fight fungal infections, such as ringworm of the scalp. You can easily replace expensive, deep-conditioning salon treatments by using this great smelling oil as a hair conditioner at home.

How to Heat and Apply Coconut Oil to Your Hair

Step 1

In order to correctly heat coconut oil, use this method. Warming in the microwave or directly over high heat in a pan can degrade the quality of the oil, making it less beneficial. Pour 1 cup of hot water into a small bowl.

Step 2

Scoop 2 tsp. coconut oil out of the jar, using a clean spoon, and put it into a glass cup. Use extra virgin coconut oil and, if possible, make sure that it's organic and sustainably harvested.

Step 3

Place the cup of coconut oil into the bowl of warm water. Leave the cup in the bowl until the coconut oil melts. Pure coconut oil is solid at cold temperatures but melts quickly at 76 degrees F or above.

Step 4

Massage the coconut oil onto your scalp and throughout your hair. If your hair is long, you may need to use additional coconut oil. Apply the coconut oil to dry or damp hair, whichever you prefer. The oil spreads more easily through damp hair.

Step 5

Comb your hair to distribute the coconut oil evenly. If you are using coconut oil for hair growth or scalp health, be sure to massage it into the roots of your hair. However, if you are prone to an oily scalp and just want the conditioning benefits, you can apply the oil mid-shaft, a few inches from your scalp.

Step 6

Put a shower cap on your head, and tuck all of your hair inside of it. Leave the coconut oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes or you can leave it in overnight. The longer you leave the coconut oil on, the more it will condition your hair.

Step 7

Shampoo your hair and repeat if necessary to remove the coconut oil completely. Using warm water will help get the oil out of your hair.

Step 8

Melt a pea-sized amount of coconut oil in the palms of your hands by rubbing your hands together, and apply it lightly throughout your hair for extra conditioning, concentrating on the ends of your hair. Skip this step if your hair does not need extra conditioning. Style your hair as normal.

Things You'll Need

Glass cup

Small bowl

Shower cap

Comb

Jojoba, Coconut and Rosemary Oil Hair Treatments

Oil treatments can help keep your hair shiny and healthy, moisturize your scalp, and reduce dryness and irritation. You can choose from a number of oil treatment options, from tubes of hot oil in the beauty supply store to all-natural oils such as jojoba, coconut and rosemary. Learn to re-create a spa experience at home and pamper yourself with a hot oil treatment to improve the health of your hair and scalp.

Using Hot Oil
Regardless of what type of oil you choose for your oil treatment, the treatment process is the same. Wash your hair and gently blot it dry, leaving your locks only damp. You can also apply oil to dry hair, depending upon your hair type. If you're using a solid oil, like coconut oil, warm it carefully in the microwave or in a bowl of warm water until it is liquid. Work the oil into your hair, using between 1/2 and 1 cup of oil, depending on the length of your hair. Wrap your hair snugly into a bun and cover with a hot towel, or sit under an old-fashioned hood hair dryer for 30 minutes to one hour. Wash your hair out, ideally leaning over the tub rather than in the shower to avoid any risk of slips and falls. You can also opt to leave oil in overnight if you prefer, and wash it out in the morning.

Jojoba Oil
Pure jojoba oil, available in health food stores, is the closest to the natural oils produced by the human body. This oil adds moisture to the hair and is especially helpful if you have naturally very dry, coarse or curly hair. Follow the directions for a hot oil treatment, or use a small amount of jojoba oil in place of chemical-laden hair serums on damp or dry hair to control unwanted frizz and moisturize dry ends.

Coconut Oil
Coconut oil helps hair retain its natural moisture and seals the hair shaft, helping keep your curls intact and prevent frizz. Coconut oil can be used as a traditional hot oil treatment applied on freshly washed hair, or it can be applied to dry hair. Choose the hot oil treatment for straight, wavy or only slightly curly hair or for hair that is not naturally dry. Heavily textured hair with a tight curl pattern will particularly benefit from dry application, especially if it has been chemically relaxed or mechanically straightened. As with jojoba oil, coconut oil may also be used as a styling aid on dry hair, helping to shape and define curls.

Rosemary Oil
While jojoba and coconut oils are traditionally used on hair, rosemary oil is an essential oil typically used for aromatherapy. To use rosemary oil in hair care, you should dilute it with another oil, opting for olive oil, coconut oil or jojoba oil. Traditionally, rosemary oil has been used to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health. While there is no scientific evidence supporting this claim, the use of rosemary oil is considered safe unless you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or have epilepsy. A qualified aromatherapist can provide further guidance on the use of essential oils in hair and body care.

Eggs & Mayonnaise Treatment for Hair

Whether you're loyal to hair dye and hot tools or are diligent about air-drying, all hair loses its luster from time to time. Trying to find a hair mask that smooths and repairs without leaving strands limp can be a challenge. Many additives in deep conditioners coat the hair shaft for temporary smoothness and do nothing for its condition in the long run. Eggs and mayonnaise combine for a treatment that looks after everything from dryness to thinning hair. Trade in your usual conditioner for this moisturizing duo twice a week to repair your locks.

Mayonnaise Benefits
Mayonnaise contains many of the properties found in store-bought hair masks. It contains oils that deeply moisturize hair, making it ideal for dry or chemically processed hair. It also coats hair much like silicone to add shine and protect it from heat styling. The protein content replenishes weak strands to prevent breakage and encourages new growth from the root. Its combination of oil and protein make it a suitable option for those with fine hair who may find undiluted natural oils too heavy on their hair.

Egg Benefits
Eggs are rich in protein and help to strengthen and thicken hair. Unlike chemical thickeners, eggs keep the hair's natural oils intact so they are easy to comb through, resulting in less breakage. They are effective on hair that is thinning or damaged from heat styling and coloring. Eggs work well with mayonnaise, as they seal the cuticle to lock in moisture and make the results long lasting.

Recipe
Pour 5 tablespoons of mayonnaise into a bowl and add 2 raw eggs. Use a whisk to mix them together until fully blended. It is best to mix the treatment by hand to avoid turning it into a liquid that won't adhere to your hair. Add a teaspoon of vinegar or olive oil for extra shine if you have coarse hair.

Application
Dip your hands into the mixture and pull it through your hair from root to tip. Continue until your hair is completely coated. Pull a plastic shower cap on over your hair. Heat up a towel in the dryer and wrap it around the shower cap. The heat from the towel will help the moisture soak into your hair. Leave the mask in place for 20 minutes and then rinse your hair completely with warm water. Pour a dime-sized amount of sulfate-free shampoo into the palm of your hand and work it into the roots of your hair with your fingertips before rinsing well. This removes any buildup without stripping your hair of the moisture and protein. Gently towel dry the ends of your hair and style as desired. Apply the treatment once or twice a week.