Hair can take a beating from environmental factors like sun exposure, pollutants and toxins. It can also become dry and brittle from the chemicals in hair-care products, particularly hair-coloring agents. Hair is also vulnerable to damage from the regular use of curling irons, hair dryers and heated rollers. A wide assortment of shampoos and conditioners promise to thicken your hair and improve its overall health. There are also a number of essential oils and other ingredients you may try at home to help enhance the fullness of your locks.
Almond Oil & Coconut Oil
Almond oil is frequently used to help strengthen and repair hair. It may provide nourishment and improve the strength and thickness of hair. It is also said to add shine. A few drops of almond oil can be massaged into the hair and scalp a few times per week to encourage fullness.
The lubricating effects of coconut oil are frequently used to treat dry and damaged hair. The many nutrients in coconut oil (calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium) help to nourish the hair. It is believed that coconut oil helps to condition and stimulate the re-growth of brittle hair.
A few drops of these oils (about six drops) either individually or in combination can be massaged into the scalp. Wrap your hair in a towel and allow the oils to penetrate your hair and scalp for 20 minutes to one hour, then shampoo.
Rosemary & Lavender
Rosemary oil is used to condition and thicken hair as well as to treat dandruff. It can be used on all types of hair but is often recommended for people with fine hair to promote fullness. It is believed to stimulate hair follicles while slowing down premature hair loss. Rosemary is often mixed with almond oil as a hair-conditioning treatment.
Lavender oil is well known for its calming and aromatic fragrance that is commonly used in shampoos and soaps. Lavender has been touted as a cure for insomnia, anxiety and depression. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), research has found that lavender may encourage hair growth and be beneficial in the treatment of alopecia areata (patchy loss of hair on the scalp or body).
Mix three drops of rosemary or lavender with your regular shampoo. Shampoo and condition as usual.
Mayonaise
Mayonnaise contains egg yolk, vinegar and oil, which aid in the conditioning of your hair while adding shine. To use mayonnaise as a hair treatment, rinse your hair and massage a coat of mayonnaise through your hair. Let the mayo sit for about one hour, then rinse and shampoo.