The 5 natural ingredients your dry hair needs right now

1. COCONUT OIL

‘This is great for dry hair, due to its richness in the fatty acid called lauric acid,’ says Annabelle Personeni, Al’chemy and A’kin’s botanical chemist. ‘The small molecular size of lauric acid means it has the ability to penetrate the inside of the hair shaft and it has a high moisture-retention capacity, which protects the hair proteins and adds shine and softness to the hair follicle. Coconut oil is also great for preventing hair breakage and split ends.’

Find it in:

• Natural Instinct Moisture Surge Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry Damaged Hair, $9.95 each.

• Pureology Precious Oil Versatile Caring Oil, $42.95.

2. ARGAN OIL

Argan oil helps to tame frizz and make hair more manageable. ‘It’s rich in beneficial nutrients, like unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, and it coats the hair follicle with incredible shine,’ Annabelle says.

Find it in:

• Lush Jason and The Argan Oil Solid Shampoo, $14.95.

• Essano Argan Oil Hair Recovery Serum, $15.99.

3. HONEY

Super-hydrating honey extract infuses the hair strand with moisture, leaving it manageable and full of shine. ‘Honey has a high sugar content, which helps to retain moisture,’ Annabelle says. ‘It helps to naturally soften and smooth hair.’

Find it in:

• Kevin Murphy Staying Alive Leave-in Treatment, $35.95.

• Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam, $29.95.

4. WHEAT PROTEIN

Wheat protein helps to protect the hair strands from breakage. ‘Smaller wheat proteins will penetrate deep into the hair and provide repair, while larger proteins will coat the hair shaft, improve curls and hold hairstyles,’ Annabelle says.

Find it in:

• O&M Project Sukuroi Gold Smoothing Balm, $44.95.

• O&M Atonic Thickening Spritz, $31.85.

• Al’chemy Rice Aminos & Wheat Protein Shampoo, and Al’chemy Macadamia & Wheat Protein Conditioner, $26.95 each.

5. AVOCADO

‘Avocado oil carries high levels of antioxidants, such as vitamin E and sterols,’ Annabelle says. ‘These strengthen the ability to retain moisture. It is also highly absorbing, so this ingredient is best used in conditioners.’

Find it in:

• Ecostore Volumising Conditioner, $9.99.

• Eleven Australia Hydrate My Hair Conditioner, $23.95.