12 Foods You Can Put in Your Hair

By Food & Wine
Updated July 31, 2017
© Naturally Curly / Courtesy of PureWow
You may love the effects of professional hair treatments (shiny, healthy hair is always in style). But it can be such a hassle to get to the salon--or it can end up costing you a fortune in fancy products. Instead, try these easy at-home fixes from your pantry.This piece originally appeared on PureWow.com.
Start Slideshow

1 of 11

To Add Shine: Avocado

Credit: © The Fit Fork / Courtesy of PureWow

Chances are you've got some avocados ripening on your counter. Try mashing some into your hair from mid-shaft to the ends. After 20 minutes, shampoo and condition as usual, then be prepared for super-shiny hair.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

To Nourish Split Ends: Coconut Oil

Credit: Courtesy of PureWow

Skip the expensive hair oils. Instead, rub a few drops of coconut oil into the tips of your mane to calm split ends.

3 of 11

To Remove Product Buildup: Apple Cider Vinegar

Credit: © Scaling Back Blog / Courtesy of PureWow

Dull strands got you down? A monthly rinse with light-colored vinegar removes residue to increase shine and volume. (Rinse well, though, or you’ll smell like a salad.)

Advertisement

4 of 11

To Degrease: CornStarch

Credit: © Cake Whiz / Courtesy of PureWow

Out of dry shampoo? Light- to medium-haired types can sprinkle a bit of this on their roots to sop up oils. Just be sure to really shake out the excess.

5 of 11

To Enhance Highlights: Champagne

Credit: © The Knot / Courtesy of PureWow

Didn’t finish all your bubbly? Perk up your highlights by rinsing with it.

6 of 11

To Strengthen: Egg

Credit: © Somewhere Over the Kitchen / Courtesy of PureWow

To strengthen your hair and add shine, apply a whipped egg to dry hair, then wrap it in a towel for 20 minutes--just make sure to rinse well with lukewarm water to avoid cooking the egg.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

To Soften: Mayonnaise

Credit: © Livestrong / Courtesy of PureWow

After shampooing, massage mayo through your locks, then tuck it all into a shower cap for 20 minutes. When you rinse, you’ll have silkier locks.

8 of 11

To Boost Blonde Color: Ketchup

Credit: © Paleofondue / Courtesy of PureWow

If your hair turns green after a dip in a chlorinated pool, massage a couple palmfuls of ketchup in, then let it sit for 20 minutes. Wash out with baby shampoo and your strands will be normal-colored again. Bonus: This is also a great odor remover.

9 of 11

To Boost Brunette Color: Tea

Credit: © Mandy Mortimer / Courtesy of PureWow

Want a lustrous dark sheen? Brew a few cups Earl Grey, let it cool and then rinse your hair with it post-shampoo.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

To Help It Grow: Yogurt

Credit: © Livestrong / Courtesy of PureWow

Massage a pint of plain yogurt into your scalp so that its lactic acid can clear dead-skin buildup and help your hair grow faster. Wash out after 15 minutes.

11 of 11

To Deep Condition: Honey + Olive Oil

Credit: © Naturally Curly / Courtesy of PureWow

Two kitchen staples can help moisturize you hair. Mix a quarter cup of honey with a quarter cup of olive oil for a hair mask. The honey moisturizes while the olive oil adds shine.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Food & Wine