Possible Causes
- Shampooing too often
- Use of shampoos with harsh sulfates
- Use of products with alcohol which can also be drying
- Not drinking enough water
- Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase or using a cotton scarf, which rob hair of moisture
- Overly porous or low porosity hair
- Not using water based hair moisturizers
- Not sealing moisture in with an oil or butter
- Improper hair pH
- Excessive use of heavy products w/out proper cleansing (build-up)
- Color treated hair (notorious for dryness)
- Too much chlorine (from swimming pools or tap water)
- Salt (from ocean water)
- General weathering from the elements
- Mechanical damage from over manipulation (which leave the cuticle vulnerable)
- Increase water in-take
- Pre-shampoo with an oil that can penetrate the hair shaft like coconut oil
- Cleanse with moisturizing shampoos or ones that contain milder surfactants like Coco Betaine, and always follow up with a conditioner that moisturizes well
- Use a water based leave-in conditioner after your wash and conditioning routine, and seal it in with a butter or oil while damp or wet
- Explore protective styling to help retain moisture
- Use deep conditioners weekly. Some may need to apply indirect heat through a shower cap, steamer, hair therapy wrap, etc., while deep conditioning
- Evaluate if your water is hard or soft and if it needs to be treated
- Protect your hair, when going swimming, with conditioner and a swim cap or use of a product specifically designed for sun/chlorine/salt, such as Ouidad Sun Shield
- Determine the pH of the products you use in your hair and adjust the ratios/products accordingly
- Always use a heat protectant when styling with heat.
- Sleep with a satin pillow case and/or satin scarf
- Be patient and gentle when handling your hair
