Natural hair care for dry hair – Eco hairdresser’s tips

Effective care for summer-dried hair – practical tips from an eco hairdresser

Hello, dear readers!

I’m Hanna Jalkanen, a trained eco‑hairdresser and herbal hair‑coloring instructor. I’m delighted to share with you some eco‑friendly hair care tips to rejuvenate hair that’s become dry and fragile during summer while nourishing the scalp. I’ve been a hair professional for 16 years—and an eco‑hair specialist for 5 years. Guided by eco‑conscious values, I’m dedicated to inspiring others toward nature‑friendly hair care. My greatest passion lies in the vibrant world of plant dyes and natural care practices. Now, I’m excited to share a few practical tips to make your hair shine again!

Hair structure & influencing factors

Summer is coming to an end, and sun, frequent swimming, and forgetting to use haircare have all taken a toll on roots and ends alike. Have you ever wondered what your hair most needs right now? How is hair structured, and what’s the best way to preserve its beauty?

Hair is made primarily of keratin. The surface is coated with 5–20 overlapping cuticle layers, beneath which lie the cortex and the medulla. Hair’s health and shine are reflected in the surface layer—which cosmetic products, treatments, and protection can affect. Acidic treatments and heat styling may damage the cortex, while gentler, natural ingredients work mainly on the cuticle. Even with the softest care, everyday stressors can still harm hair.

Factors like air pollution, oxygen, mechanical wear, sun, salt water, frequent sauna visits, and heat styling are already wearing your hair down. Now, after summer, your hair is crying out for moisture and deeper nourishment. What could help?

Let’s dive into nature‑based hair care with some thoughtful and practical guidance! We’ll start with cleansing—how to prep your roots to withstand various natural treatments.

Cleansing your hair: The natural way

One favorite cleansing tip is using clay. Clay has been used for thousands of years as one of the oldest natural ingredients. Rich in minerals and naturally antiseptic, it’s trusted for its cleansing and restorative properties. Minerals like silica, aluminum, iron, titanium, calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium give it cleaning power. Different clays have slightly different pH levels, so there’s a match for every scalp:

Green clay (pH ~7) – ideal for oily scalps and strong hair.
White clay (fine‑grained, pH ~5) – soothing and gentle for sensitive scalps and delicate hair.

If your scalp is mildly irritated or your hair is fragile, opt for white clay. Clay benefits include:

Reducing inflammation and disinfecting
Rich in nutrients and minerals
Purifying and renewing the scalp
Soothing and restorative

The benefits of clay for hair

Here’s a simple recipe for a clay wash:

Use 2–5 tablespoons of pure clay, depending on hair length.
Add a couple of tablespoons of liquid shampoo and the same amount of warm water (add just enough water so it can lather).
Apply the mixture to damp hair, massage into the scalp 1–2 times until it foams well, and leave on for 1–2 minutes.
Use 1–4 times a month, or seasonally, depending on your scalp’s condition. If ends are very dry or treated, don’t overdo it. Clay washes are also great for dandruff and help remove styling residue from the ends.

Natural treatments that follow

One of my favorite treatments is the amla treatment, which hydrates, nourishes, and adds shine. Amla is colorless—it can be used alone or combined with your favorite herbs or oil. For a warm tint, add a pinch of turmeric or madder root for a soft hue.

Amla treatment recipe:

Mix 1 part amla with 3 parts water.
Optional: add a few drops of oil and/or some herbs.
Use water around 60 °C—just hot from the tap.
Apply to clean towel‑dry hair from roots to ends.
Cover with bioplastic wrap, then wrap with a warm, damp towel, topped with a turban or thick towel.
Leave for 20–60 minutes, then rinse. Condition only if needed.

You can also use cassia, which imparts a light golden shine—especially lovely on lighter hair tones.

Oils: Your allies for a dry or irritated scalp

Almond oil – wonderful for dry scalps.
Jojoba oil – works well for oily scalps.

For roughest areas, leave oil on overnight and wash out in the morning—apply shampoo to dry scalp first, then emulsify with a little water for easier removal.

The natural benefits for hair

Extra tips for healthy hair

Choose natural color alternatives: plant dyes don’t damage hair fibers; pigments cling only to the surface for a gentle, caring hue. Acidic dyes can cause repeated oxidative damage.
Don’t neglect the scalp. A clogged scalp can even hinder natural hair growth. Clay and peat are excellent natural ingredients for balancing the scalp. Peat products reduce roughness, add shine, and can enhance your natural color—especially giving lighter hair a brighter tone. It helps with dryness, itch, dandruff, oiliness, and psoriasis, boosts circulation, and restores balance. The Turbliss peat mask is a fabulous scalp soother.
Comb with natural‑bristle brushes, use soft hair ties, and avoid tight, tangled “knots.” Always sleep with dry hair, and braid it before bed.
Treat your hair every few weeks. A silicone‑free, natural MaterNatura hair butter is excellent for deep conditioning with gentle sauna steam. Always apply to towel‑dry hair, and wrap your ends with a turban during sauna time.