Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Why Is Your Hair Dry?

Listed below are some common causes and solutions of dry hair.

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)
Solutions
  • 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
Find out WHY your hair is dry. After you establish this, you can determine how best to combat the issue.  A well moisturized head of hair is a happy one!



2 comments:

  1. Theresa McCabe AdkinsJuly 31, 2012 at 5:01 PM

    I like this Steven! Very informative! Thanks for sharing. Be Bless!

    ReplyDelete