How to deal with dry hair

From the myriad of annoying things about hair, dry hair is one of them. An issue that is so common which leads to frizz, breakage, and a general “dull” appearance. So what can you do about it, how can you avoid it. All this will be explored in this article to give you practical tips to help you achieve and maintain a hydrated, healthy mane.

Understanding the Causes of Dry Hair

• Environmental Factors: Dry and harsh climates, excessive sun exposure, and cold winds can strip moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. To combat this, consider protecting your hair with hats or scarves in extreme weather conditions.
• Overwashing: Washing your hair too frequently can strip away its natural oils, leading to dryness. Aim for a balance and choose a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo to prevent excessive oil removal.
• Heat Styling: Regular use of heat styling tools such as flat irons and blow dryers can contribute to dryness. If possible, limit their use and always use a heat protectant spray before styling.
• Chemical Treatments: Over-processing your hair with chemical treatments like coloring, perming, or relaxing can damage the hair cuticle and result in dryness. Give your hair some time to recover between treatments.
• Are you brushing your curly hair? Youmnight think you have dry hair, but it coulf be because you don’t know that you have wavy/curly hair. If you do have any type of natural curl pattern in your hair, avoid brushing your hair when it is dry as it will “poof” out.

You have dry hair, what now?

Here are 9 tips to help you manage your dry hair

1. No drying alcohols

Look at your hair products and ensure there are no drying alcohols in the products. Drying alcohols do exactly what they say, they dry out your hair. Avoid the following ingredients:

• Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol)
• Isopropyl Alcohol
• Denatured Alcohol

You might be wondering why alcohol is even in our hair products in the first place, and there are good reasons, click here to learn why

2. Deep Conditioning Treatments

Treat your hair to a weekly deep conditioning treatment. This replaces using conditioner meaning that you apply the deep conditioner after shampooing. And you should follow the instructions for your chosen deep conditioner to get the best results.

3. Use a leave-in oil every day

This small step will do wonders for your hair. Your hair is lipophilic which means it is oil loving. This doesn’t mean you apply a lot, just a small amount will help to nourish your hair. Our Nourishing Hair Oil contains light oils to nourish your hair and hydrolyzed keratin (which is a molecule small enough to penetrate the hair shaft) to strengthen your hair. One pump each day is all you need. 

What can the Nourishing Hair Oil do for you?

Click here to learn more

4. Trim your split ends

Split ends can contribute to the appearance of dry and damaged hair. And more importantly you cannot repair a split end, you have to chop it off.

5. Gentle Towel Drying

After washing your hair, avoid vigorous towel drying, as this can cause friction and lead to breakage. Instead, gently blot your hair with a soft, microfiber towel. Microfiber towels are much gentler on your hair compared to regular towels

6. Protective Hairstyles

Consider wearing protective hairstyles like braids or buns to minimize exposure to environmental elements and reduce friction that can contribute to dryness.

Click here to avoid the three most common errors when protective styling

7. Opt for Silk or Satin

When it comes to your scrunchies and pillowcases, opt for silk or satin.  Silk or satin are much gentler on your hair for two reasons. One, it is non-absorbent, which means that the oils on your hair strands won’t be soaked up by fabric. And two, it is soft and slippery which allows your hair to glide against it with no friction or tugging

8. Healthy Diet

A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for overall hair health. Include foods like avocados, nuts, and fatty fish in your diet to promote hair hydration from the inside out.

Click here for 10 superfoods to add into your diet

9. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is crucial for healthy hair. Drink an adequate amount of water daily to maintain overall hair and scalp health.

Conclusion

Dealing with dry hair is a journey that requires a combination of thoughtful care and healthy habits. By understanding the causes of dryness and implementing these tips into your hair care routine, you can transform your locks from dry and dull to hydrated and vibrant. Remember, consistency is key, so be patient and enjoy the process of nurturing your hair back to its natural beauty.