Everyone wants healthy flowing hair that shines with a strength like no other. We’d like to remind you that those inspirational magazine photos are unrealistically touched up. But we do want to leave you with some tried and true tips that will condition and strengthen your dried out and brittle locks—all naturally and done at home, of course.

8 Spectacular Ways to Naturally Moisturize Hair

Avocado

Mash a ripe avocado (pit removed) with one egg, then apply this home remedy to wet hair. Avocados are rich in vitamins, essential fatty acids, and minerals that will help restore luster to your hair, says Stephen Sanna, expert colorist at the Pierre Michel Salon in New York City. Leave on for at least 20 minutes, then rinse several times. Repeat once a week for damaged hair and once a month for healthy hair.

Butter up

You can treat dry, brittle hair with a small amount of butter for a glossy shine. Massage it into your dry hair, then cover your hair with a shower cap for about a half hour. Shampoo as usual, and rinse all the butter out.

Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water each day helps the body to process and flush out toxins faster, which makes it a quick and easy natural method that will make your hair grow a lot faster. If you drink about 8 cups of water a day, not only will your body feel better, but your hair will get stronger. The stronger the hair, the faster it grows. Drinking water also keeps your hair hydrated from the inside out. Hydrated hair is happy hair because, when dry, your hair is much more likely to break.

Comb or wait

Never brush your hair when it’s wet. It’s more likely to break. Use a wide tooth comb after applying a detangler and hair protection spray. Brush each night to keep the hair smooth and tangle free, further avoiding breakage while sleeping.

Protect from heat

It’s old news, but heat is damaging to your hair! Try to stay away from blow dryers and heated tools, as they burn the hair. If you MUST use them, be sure to use a heat protecting spray or cream first, before styling. Keep in mind that the sun damages hair as well. In warmer weather, or intense sunlight (even in the snow) keep a hat on to protect your hair from over drying and burning.

Wrap it dry

Instead of rubbing your hair after you get it wet, wrap up your damaged hair in a cotton towel, and let the cotton absorb the moisture for a few minutes. This helps protect against further split ends.

Good foods

Did you know that what you eat actually makes a difference in how fast your hair grows? If you eat a lot of good fats and protein-rich foods, you will see a huge difference in the quality of your hair, as well as the speed with which it grows. Things like organic butter, coconut oil, avocado, flax oil, fish, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, and even different meats all make a difference, so cut down on junk food and focus on healthy meals.

Eucalyptus

Get into a sauna, steam room, or even your shower one to two times a week and spray Eucalyptus Oil ShowerMist near your head, about an arm’s length away, never onto the head directly. The circulation promoting plant oils will penetrate into your open pores, waking up the follicles. Add to this a gentle scalp massage, and you’ll have one happy head. You can also make a topical essential oil blend. Mix three drops of lavender oil, three drops of rosemary oil, and two drops each of thyme oil and cedarwood oil, along with some jojoba oil.

Don’t be discouraged by your dry, brittle hair. Trim what you are willing to part with and then do your best to nourish it naturally. You won’t deal with dry hair much longer.

What other ways do you know of that moisturize dry hair? Please let us know in the comments!