Unlikely ways to make your hair healthy

Hair stylist has shared some useful - but rather unlikely - haircare tips. Photo / 123RF

Battling to get your hair in its best possible condition is an endless struggle for some - but one hairdresser has built up quite the cache of tricks over the course of three decades in the industry.

And far from the familiar advice about taking care not to towel dry wet hair too vigorously, or getting split ends trimmed regularly, Martyn Holmes hair hacks are rather more unorthodox.

The hairdresser, who began his career in 1984, says that rinsing your hair in onion juice can help it grow, that washing it in rain water will boost shine, and that rubbing a tumble dryer sheet over your locks can banish that annoying static crackle, reports Daily Mail.

While Martyn, who is an honorary member of the Fellowship of Hairdressing and hairstylist to the rock band Muse, admits his tips are strange, he insists they work.

Martyn, who appears as a judge on 5STAR's new series Extreme Hair Wars, is full of unlikely hair secrets - the ingredients for which can mostly be found not in the bathroom, but in the kitchen cupboard.

Make it grow

Martyn explains: "Onion is high in sulphur, which is known to promote hair growth.

"Once a week rub the juice of one onion on the scalp and massage in, leave on for a minimum of 10 mins longer if possible then rinse well."

Rubbing onion juice on your locks apparently makes your hair grow. Photo / 123RF

Boost the shine

To keep your mane shiny, Martyn says to wash your hair in rain water because it's softer than the water in your shower or bath.

"Rain water has no added chemicals, it will leave your hair so clean with no soap scum left behind and the shine will be dazzling," he says.

And to give it even more of a boost Martyn says mixing apple cider vinegar with water will "remove residue build up from products and leave hair really shiny".

Coffee granules is another go-to for Martyn, who suggests mixing them with honey and olive oil to create a hair mask.

"One tablespoon of honey and one of olive oil mixed together with two teaspoons of coffee powder and make it into a smooth paste. Apply, leave 20 mins and rinse. Job done," he says.

For those with red hair, Martyn says that actress Nicole Kidman's tried and tested trick is his go-to.

"A cup of cranberry juice poured over red hair after shampooing will boost shine and enhance the colour. Try it and see... Nicole Kidman swears by it."

Beat the frizz

"If you use a tumble dryer fabric sheet and rub it on your hair from root to tip, it will cut out any static electricity.

"But don't forget to rub it over any comb or brush that you are going to use as well," he advises.

The stylist says that to prevent frizzy and unruly hair using a cotton t-shirt to dry your hair after showering is better than a towel: "But remember to squeeze the hair and don't over rough it up," he says.

Banish Dandruff

Instead of buying specialist products heading to your medicine cabinet and crushing up aspirin tablets and mixing with water can help get rid of dandruff. Photo / 123RF

Instead of forking out extra money for specialist treatments, Martyn advises turning to your medicine cabinet to grab some aspirin.

"Applying aspirin mixed with shampoo to your scalp will reduce inflammation that causes dandruff and help to exfoliate flakes [from] the skin.

"Three aspirins crushed and mixed with two teaspoons of shampoo every time you wash your hair will do the job."

Make it thicker and stronger

To add body to your locks Martyn says that horse shampoo is still the best product to boost thickness.

For those suffering with limp hair he also suggests whisking up an egg or two and applying the mixture to wet hair for around six minutes, before rinsing with cool water.

"The protein helps to strengthen the hair shaft, and adds body and texture," he says.