We put our hair through a lot of stress these days. Straightening, curling, cleaning, backcombing – all of these things can damage the hair follicles and leave you with brittle, dry and lacklustre locks. There are a wealth of hair conditioning products available to buy, but did you know that you can make your own conditioning treatments using simple items that you may already have at home? This article provides three simple hair conditioners that are so natural you can eat them too!

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is the name given to the oil which is taken from the meat or kernel of a matured coconut. It contains a number of fatty acids which can help to condition the hair and make it more manageable. To make a hair mask simply apply coconut oil to the lengths of the hair and leave in for as long as desired. To help the oil to sink into your hair more you can even wrap your head in a towel or cling film. Wash out with shampoo and condition as normal. For the best results use organic, cold-pressed coconut oil. Coconut oil is also edible and it can be used in cooking as a replacement for olive oil, or used as a natural, vegan-friendly butter.

Avocado

The avocado fruit is also rich in fatty acids. plus it contains a whole host of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin E, A, K, B6 and C as well as fiber, folate and potassium. The ancient Egyptians were first to use it to deep condition and nourish hair and skin. To use the avocado as a hair mask, simply mash it down with a fork and apply directly onto the hair. You can leave it on a long as you want, but you may need to wrap the hair to keep it in place. Other oils can also be added to the mashed avocado, such as coconut oil and olive oil, in order to give it additional conditioning properties.

Banana

Did you know that the humble banana can also make a hair conditioning treatment that will transform your hair from brittle and dull to soft and super shiny? Bananas contain vitamins A, B, C and E as well as iron, zinc and manganese. Just mash a ripe banana and apply to the hair and massage into the scalp and leave for 15 – 20 minutes. Make sure that you mash the banana thoroughly to avoid having chunks which can get stuck in your hair and are hard to remove. You can use a home blender to make a smooth pulp if you wish. This hair treatment is perfect for dry hair. You can also use the mashed banana to make a complexion boosting face mask.

These are just a few of the many natural hair treatments available. Other ingredients that you may find beneficial include olive oil, honey, lemon juice, beer and vinegar. When you take the time to care for your hair it really shows, and a great head of hair means a more confident and attractive you.