Over the past several years, hair treatments have evolved significantly thanks to the growing popularity of highlights and hair colouring. New treatments appear on the market every month, making the choice overwhelming. So how do you find the right one?
Most treatments are built around a surfactant derived from coconut or castor oil. Each manufacturer has its own formula, designed for colour-treated hair, flat hair, and so on. The key thing to remember is that damaged hair cannot truly heal — it can only be temporarily repaired. Treatments can deliver impressive results, but once you stop using them after a few washes, your hair returns to its original state (the treatment fades and moisture is lost). No product offers permanent results.
Only regular trims can make a lasting difference. When it comes to treatments, the smartest move is to choose one you can afford to use consistently. There's no need to spend a fortune — compare the first five ingredients across different products and you'll be surprised!
Hair treatments are acidic, with a pH of around 3.5, which helps close the hair cuticle. Personally, I recommend a protein-based treatment (keratin or similar) for broken or severely damaged hair. Always read the manufacturer's instructions before applying — some treatments have very short processing times, no more than 3 to 7 minutes. Leaving a treatment on too long can actually produce the opposite effect! That's why you should NEVER sleep overnight with a protein treatment in your hair.
Likewise, it's not recommended to activate a treatment with heat (using a blow dryer, plastic cap, or warm towel) unless the directions specifically call for it.
My Best Old-Fashioned Home Remedies
1- For Dry Hair
Mix equal amounts of coconut oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, and castor oil, then apply to your hair.
Apply section by section using a brush, massaging the hair to help the oils penetrate.
Then wrap your head in a towel for several hours or even overnight.
After the processing time, rinse and wash with a gentle shampoo (daily use or for normal hair).
If you truly enjoy homemade recipes, try an egg shampoo for frequent use: mix four egg yolks with a teaspoon of honey (honey helps lock moisture into the hair) and the juice of one lemon. Beat everything together and apply like a regular shampoo.
2- For Split Ends
Apply shea butter along the lengths and ends in small sections.
Massage thoroughly to help it absorb, then wrap your head in a warm, damp towel — or one fresh out of the dryer.
Leave it on for one hour, then wash with a gentle shampoo without rubbing.
Repeat this treatment once a week or as needed.
3- The After-Beach Spray
Highly alkaline, seawater has a pH of about 8.3, which opens the cuticle and leaves your hair dry and prone to split ends.
In a spray bottle, mix two cups of green tea with the juice of one lemon (lemon has a pH of 2.9).
Apply after shampooing or directly after the beach.
DO NOT APPLY IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT! The lemon could alter your hair colour.
4- For Oily Hair
On unwashed hair, apply cade oil in small sections using a brush. Massage to help it penetrate.
Wrap your hair in a towel for one hour, then wash with a gentle shampoo (for normal hair or daily use).
5- Essential Oil Shampoo
For a homemade essential oil shampoo, add a few drops of essential oil to a mixture of equal parts water and daily-use shampoo.
- Normal hair: 10 drops of lavender oil, 15 drops of thyme oil, and 15 drops of rosemary oil.
- Dry hair: 20 drops of sage oil and 20 drops of sandalwood oil.
- Oily hair: 20 drops of lemon oil and 20 drops of rosemary oil.
6- Leave-In Conditioning Spray — Ideal for Oily Hair
In a spray bottle, mix two cups of green tea, squeeze in one lemon, and add a few drops each of lavender and thyme essential oils.
Apply to clean, damp hair. Rinse out if desired.
7- Shine Spray for All Hair Types (Except Colour-Treated Blonde Hair)
In a spray bottle, mix two cups of lightly brewed green tea with four tablespoons of wine vinegar (pH 3.5 to 5). Saturate your hair, wait one minute, then rinse with cold water.
Be very careful to avoid contact with the eyes!
8- Spinach and Lettuce Treatment
In a blender, combine two cups of spinach, two cups of lettuce, and two cups of green tea.
Blend until smooth. Before bed, apply all over and wrap your head with a towel.
Wash out the following morning.
9- Oily Hair Scalp Treatment
Massage the scalp with a blend of equal parts jojoba oil, eucalyptus oil, and patchouli oil.
Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash your hair.
10- Green Clay Shampoo
Dissolve a generous amount of green clay in a green tea infusion to create a smooth, fluid paste.
Add a little sea salt and a few drops of lemon essential oil.
11- Avocado Treatment for Parched Hair
In a blender, combine two egg yolks, one ripe avocado, and eight drops of thyme essential oil.
Apply this cream to your hair, then cover your head with a plastic shower cap.
Leave on for 30 minutes and wash thoroughly.
12- Dry Shampoo
Brush your hair and sprinkle on some cornstarch mixed with a few drops of lavender essential oil.
Massage the scalp, then brush until the powder has completely disappeared.