How To: 5 DIY Treatments for Your Bad Hair Days

Who would have thought that dryer sheets can be a quick remedy for super-staticky flyaway hair? But it's true. It's all about the positive charges in the sheets and their ability to neutralize electron buildup. And that's not the only surprising quick fix for hair problems that you can easily find in your home.

For your next bad hair day, everything you need for last-minute hair repair can be found in your kitchen, bathroom, and as we alluded to, the laundry room. No matter if you've got dandruff or dull, dry, and/or unruly locks, there's a DIY answer. The cure for your problematic tresses is within reach, like literally. So don't stress, and please, put those scissors down!

Taming Pesky Flyaways with Dryer Sheets

Let's take a closer look at those dryer sheets and how they manage to calm our flying hair. First off, the aerial act happening upon our mop is due to static electricity. What's static electricity? In short, it's an imbalance. In the world of protons, electrons, and neutrons, it's a surplus of electrons (or negative charges). When two materials or objects are rubbed together (i.e., our hair and a hat or clothes in a dryer), there's a transfer of negative charges. If one ends up with more of these charges, then it will need a way to regain balance. To neutralize. Enter dryer sheets.

Dryer sheets are loaded with positive charges; that is their purpose. Toss one in the dryer and all those electrons suddenly have a positive charge (remember: opposites attract) to bond with. Now let's turn back to our hair. In certain environments, particularly during the dry, winter months, when humidity is low and we wear more layers, including hats, beanies, and wraps, there's a greater chance of flyaways. Why? Static.

The moisture in more humid conditions can help weigh down electrons, but in drier conditions, there's nowhere for flyaways to go as they search (fly) for a positive charge. When we wear a hat (beanie or wrap), a good deal of electrons accumulate in our hair (from all the contact), which is why our hair clings to the headgear when we go to remove it. Just like clothes in a dryer tumbled without dryer sheets or softener will cling to one another. In such cases for our hair, the solution is a positively-charged ion. We need one, stat!

Starting from the part down, simply rub the sheet onto your hair. The buildup of negative charges will start to settle down, now that they've found a way to balance themselves out. How well it works is pretty cool to see.

Ridding Hair of Dandruff with ACV & Tea Tree Oil

Unlike dull or even oily hair that can exist without being too obvious, dandruff is another story. Those tiny white flakes (of skin) that fall onto our clothes are hard to ignore. The reason for dandruff's appearance? Skin cells. Specifically, "skin cells that grow and die off too fast." And while their makeup is known, the reason for their circumstance is less so. This said, you could always invest in dandruff shampoo or conditioner, but you could also try some items in your home to start. It couldn't hurt, right?

Got any apple cider vinegar on hand? You may already use the versatile ACV to white your teeth or rid your beloved pet of fleas, but did you know it could help fight dandruff? Just one more example of its versatility. To make the elixir, simply combine the vinegar with water and some tea tree oil. Once mixed, apply to the scalp and leave it be for a half-hour at least.

DIY Remedies for Dull, Damaged & Oily Hair

For other hair struggles, there's olive oil and the trusty blow dryer (for dull hair), mouthwash (for oily hair), and a restorative mix that includes one mashed avocado and a bit of honey (for damaged hair).

Look around; open your cabinets, drawers, and doors. Chances are you have many of these items already in your home. If not, none are so difficult to find that a trip to the grocery store or discount retailer won't solve. Our hair problems may seem hopeless at times, especially on bad hair days, but we don't need to despair. A little DIY and patience can do wonders. And our hair is worth it!

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