Keeping your hair moisturized can do the trick for you. However, it has to be done in the right way to avoid further damage to your hair. This article takes you through the causes of dry hair, the best ways to moisturize it, and some home remedies to keep it healthy. Scroll down!
The Causes Of Dry Hair
There are several reasons for dry hair. If your scalp does not produce sufficient sebum, your hair may become dry. With age, the sebum production starts to decrease. This condition leads to dry, brittle hair that lacks moisture. Other factors that can lead to dry hair include:
Excess Use Of Styling Tools: The heat from the styling tools like hot rollers, curlers, flat irons, and blow dryers strips the natural moisture of your hair and makes it dry. Dyeing and chemical treatments also often contribute to dry hair. Frequent Shampooing: Shampooing frequently can make your hair dry. The harsh chemicals in the shampoo can damage your hair and cause frizz. Also, not using a conditioner after shampooing can make your hair look dry, dull, and lifeless. Harsh Environmental Conditions: Exposing your hair to the wind, sun, chlorine, and harsh climatic conditions can make it dull and dry. Bad Brushing: Metal hair brushes with uneven bristles can make your hair dry and lead to breakage.
Try out these simple yet effective ways to get back to your soft and lush locks.
Best Ways To Moisturize Your Hair
1. Use A Moisturizing Shampoo And Conditioner
Use hydrating shampoos and deep conditioners best-suited for your hair type. You can also opt for leave-in conditioners that add extra moisture to your hair. These products can replenish the lost moisture of your dry hair and help nourish it.
2. Switch To Cold Water Rinse
Rinsing your hair with hot water can strip its natural moisture and oil. This makes your hair dry, frizzy, and brittle. Cold water seals the hair moisture and scalp pores, preventing the entry of dirt and impurities.
3. Add A Serum To Your Daily Hair Care Routine
Hair serums help coat your hair with moisture and protect it from damage caused by curling rods, flat irons, and blow dryers. Serums reduce frizz and make your hair shiny and smooth. Apply serum to damp hair after shampooing and conditioning. You can also use it as a finishing touch on dry, styled strands to add instant shine.
4. Use A Dry Shampoo
Shampooing daily can make the hair dry. Instead of washing your hair regularly, use dry shampoos between washes to refresh your hair and prevent oil buildup on your scalp. Apply a dry shampoo when your strands feel oily and the ends need moisture.
5. Limit The Use Of Hot Styling Tools
Heat styling tools can dry your hair out. If you cannot avoid them altogether, use them on the lowest/coolest setting and apply a heat protectant to prevent your hair from getting fried. Use heat-free styling products like setting sprays, hair mousses, and gels to prevent damage and keep your hair hydrated.
6. Use A Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
Weekly hair mask treatments are an excellent measure to preserve your overall hair health. A hair mask with nourishing ingredients, such as honey and egg yolk, can moisturize dry locks, add shine, and soften the hair. This treatment repairs damaged hair and conditions the hair fibers at a deep level. You can also follow up with hair oil or serum for added hydration and smoothness.
7. Apply Nourishing Hair Oils
Dry and brittle hair is prone to static as it lacks moisture. Coconut, almond, argan, and olive oils can help moisturize your dull strands. Apply a few drops of any of these oils to the dry ends of your hair and brush gently. You can also massage these oils onto the length of your locks to smoothen them and tame frizz. You can also get regular trims, use microfiber towels, and follow a nutritious diet to retain your hair’s natural moisture. Scroll down to know about a few homemade remedies for keeping your hair moisturized.
DIY Remedies For Managing Dry Hair
1. Coconut Oil
The moisturizing properties of coconut oil prevent protein loss from the hair (1). This keeps your hair soft, hydrated, and supple.
Virgin coconut oil (as required)
2. Banana And Olive Oil
Studies show that banana is used in hair conditioners, and olive oil has emollient properties that help moisturize the hair (2), (3). These ingredients may work together to nourish and soften your hair.
1 ripe banana 1-2 tablespoons of virgin olive oil
3. Pumpkin Seed Oil And Honey
Honey is an excellent moisturizer and used in the formulation of hair conditioners (4). Pumpkin seed oil can help prevent hair fall (5).
1 tablespoon of pumpkin seed oil 2 tablespoons of honey 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
4. Shea Butter
Shea butter exhibits excellent emollient properties that can treat dry and damaged hair (6).
1-2 tablespoons of shea butter
5. Aloe Vera And Lavender
Aloe vera has photoprotective effects that can help prevent hair damage caused by the harsh sun rays (7). Lavender oil can help promote hair growth while leaving your hair smelling pleasant all day long (8).
¼ cup of aloe vera gel 1 cup of water 2-3 drops of lavender oil
6. Raw Egg And Olive Oil
Olive oil contains oleuropein that promotes hair growth (9). Eggs are rich in fats and proteins that nourish and moisturize the hair and make it smooth and silky.
1 raw egg 2 tablespoons of olive oil
How can I hydrate my hair overnight? These are some great ways to hydrate your hair overnight: • Brush your hair thoroughly before going to bed to loosen it up, stimulate your scalp, and aid in the distribution of natural hair oils. • Use a hydrating hair serum or moisturizing hair oil before bed to give your hair and strands more strength to combat frizz. • To prevent frizzy and unkempt hair, use an overnight mask and wrap your hair. • Use a silk pillowcase to prevent your frizz, friction, dryness, and moisture loss. Which is better: coconut oil or olive oil for hair? Coconut oil and olive oil are both beneficial for the hair. These oils have similar nourishing qualities for the hair, and which one you use depends on your hair type and issues. However, olive oil penetrates the hair strands better than coconut oil.
