Your hair, once it emerges from your scalp, is dead. And it’s very important to understand this concept because this information alone, can change the way you view hair care. It is for this reason that you must be gentle with your hair because it has no way of repairing itself. In this article, we'll delve into the science behind dead hair, exploring the reasons behind its vulnerability and offering practical steps to shield it from damage.

Understanding Dead Hair

Hair, comprised of a protein called keratin, grows from hair follicles which live under the scalp surface. The living part of the hair is the follicle which is connected to blood supply. The strand itself is essentially a collection of dead cells. This means that any damage or changes in the hair structure cannot be reversed, emphasizing the important of preventive measures. 

10 Protective Steps for your Vulnerable Locks

1. Gentle Cleansing

Start with the basics – washing your hair. Choose a shampoo without drying alcohols so you can cleanse without stripping natural oils from your hair. Overwashing can lead to dryness and breakage, so find a balance that suits your hair type.

Click here to build your wash routine

2. Hydration is Key

Dead or not, hair requires hydration to maintain its strength and elasticity. Regularly use a good-quality conditioner to nourish your strands. Consider deep conditioning treatments to provide an extra boost of moisture. And always apply a small amount of light leave-in oil on your hair to protect it. An oil like our Nourishing Hair Oil is not only perfect to nourish your hair, but it can also help strengthen your hair

The Nourishing Hair Oil uses a powerful blend of seed and flower oils to condition the hair and an oil-based protein to strengthen the hair.  Click here to learn more

3. Mindful Towel Drying

The way you dry your hair matters. Avoid aggressive towel-drying, as wet hair is more susceptible to damage. Instead, gently blot excess water and let your hair air-dry when possible. And please ditch the regular towel and use a microfiber towel instead.

4. Protective Styling

Heat styling tools and tight hairstyles can cause significant damage. Embrace protective styles that minimize tension on the hair shaft and limit the use of hot tools. If you must use heat, apply a heat protectant to create a barrier between your hair and styling tools.

Click here for the 3 most common errors people make when protective styling

5. Regular Trims

Even though the hair is dead, regular trims are crucial to prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft. Remember, the only cure to a slit end is a pair of scissors. 

6. Ditch the cotton

Satin or silk are much gentler on your hair compared to cotton. So, opt for a silk or satin pillowcase and/or bonnet when you go to sleep.

7. Protection from the Elements

Environmental factors like UV rays and pollution can wreak havoc on your hair. Shield your strands by wearing a hat or using products with UV protection when spending extended periods outdoors.

8. Detangle Gently

You’ll be surprised how much your brushing can affect your hair when it’s done roughly. When detangling, always start from the bottom and work your way up this way you are strategically removing the knots without snagging your hair.

9. Use high quality styling tools

If you are heat styling then a high quality heat styling tool will get the job done faster, meaning there is less contact with heat. Less contact with heat, means a a reduced risk of hair damage. And as mentioned earlier, don’t forget the heat-protectant if you are heat styling!

Click here to learn about how heat protectants work

10. Start at the Scalp

The condition of your hair is often a reflection of your scalp health. So I want you to address beneath your scalp and topically, on your scalp. Ensure your diet includes a variety of nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals, to support hair health from the inside out and ensure you are adopting a scalp care routine.

Click here for 3 tips to keep your scalp in ultimate health

Conclusion

While your hair may be lifeless, its care is anything but. Embracing a holistic approach to hair care, from gentle cleansing to a healthy diet, is essential to keep your strands healthy and vibrant. Remember, by understanding the unique needs of dead hair, you empower yourself to make informed choices that contribute to the overall well-being of your locks. Treat your hair with the care it deserves, and you'll enjoy the benefits of a luscious mane that radiates vitality.