Do you have straw like hair? Before making the dramatic decision to go for the G.I. Jane look, take a few moments to learn what causes dry hair and then check out our top 10 tips for restoring healthy-looking hair.
What causes rough and dry hair?
Just like dry skin, dry hair is often due to faulty sebum production. When a dry and dehydrated scalp does not provide hair with the oil it needs, it loses its elasticity and becomes dry and damaged. As a result, it becomes fragile, and splits more easily (hello split ends!) seeing its shine gradually disappear.
Two primary factors can cause a lack of sebum: (1) Hereditary: some people are predisposed to having naturally dry hair, or (2) Environmental factors: exposure to the sun, wind, salt water or a pool’s chlorinated water, and pollution. Some daily activities can also slow down sebum production and ultimately dry out your hair: shampooing and coloring your hair too often, excessive use of heating accessories, and more1
Why doesn’t my hair retain moisture?
Each healthy hair shaft is covered by a hair cuticle (a thin layer that protects against damage caused by environmental factors like heat, cold and sun) that retains moisture. However, when hair is dry, the cuticles flake and detach from the strands, allowing moisture and oil to escape2.
10 tips to bring your dry hair back to life
Before blaming your parents for passing down their untameable locks or deciding to never go swimming again, try adopting these simple habits that will do your dry hair a world of good.
1. Shampoo less frequently
Do you really need to wash your dry hair every day? No, absolutely not! Shampooing too frequently can lead to weakening the scalp and hair cuticles. To preserve your hair’s quality, use a shampoo for dry and damaged hair once every three days or so, gently massaging your scalp and avoiding using your nails or rubbing too hard. Vigorous rubbing might irritate already sensitive skin.
2. Use lukewarm water instead of hot water
Although undeniably pleasant, hot showers can contribute to dry hair. Hot water can flake off the hair cuticles that protect your hair, resulting in exposure to the elements that can dry and damage it.
Beauty tip
Is your hair most likely to be dry in the winter? The combination of bitterly cold outdoor temperatures and taking hot showers could be the reason.
Check out our 7 tips to keep your hair healthy during the colder season.
3. Never forget to use conditioner
After using a shampoo for dry and damaged hair, be sure to then pamper your hair with a conditioner: It will make styling easier, in addition to providing nutrients. Apply generously – especially on the tips – and then let it work its magic for a few minutes before rinsing.
What’s the best conditioner for dry hair? A conditioner that is formulated with naturally derived, nourishing and wholesome ingredients according to the EWG.
Made from grapeseed oil with restorative and softening properties and olive leaf extract, Super leaves™ nourishing and strengthening conditioner is especially appreciated by people with dry hair. Together with Super leaves™ nourishing and strengthening shampoo, it forms our most popular hair care duo.
4. Nourish your hair with proper ingredients
Let’s talk about ingredients. Your hair is a bit like you: To be healthy, it needs to be well fed! Select dry hair care options that contain naturally derived ingredients that are known for their nourishing and protective properties.
Here are some examples of what ingredients to look for when shopping for dry hair care:
- Castor oil: Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids
- Avocado oil: Brings shine and softness
- Shea butter: Loaded with vitamins A, D and E which repair and protect rough and dry hair in addition to restoring its suppleness
- Grape seed oil: Rich in polyphenols with antioxidant properties
- Olive leaves: Soothes the scalp’s dry skin
What does dry hair need: water or oil?
Lacking sebum, straw like hair mainly needs oil and nutrients to give it strength. However, if you find that your hair is dehydrated and flat, opt for a volumizing shampoo or a good hydrating shampoo made with jojoba protein, which is an ingredient that enhances softness, shine, suppleness and a feeling of volume.
Also check out our 6 tips to revive flat hair.
5. Eat a balanced diet
In addition to nourishing your hair using the appropriate care, make sure you are on a balanced diet. Avoid excesses and show some love to protein-rich foods; these can help lock in moisture and support hair growth.3.
Does drinking water fix dry hair? Probably not on its own, but a healthy diet and adequate hydration can result in healthier hair.
6. Use heating accessories in moderation
Just like hot water, the heat generated from heating accessories like blow dryers and irons can open hair cuticles and weaken dry hair. Ideally, try to wash your hair at night, gently towel dry it, and then let it air dry. If you have very long hair and hate when it drips down your back, simply braid it before leaving home for a gorgeous beach wave effect.
7. Avoid using dyes that are too strong, and don’t use them too often
You’re probably already aware that repeated coloring can damage fragile hair and sensitive scalp. If you have dry hair, dyes will accentuate its coarse texture.
Try to make your color changes as far apart as possible. If you can’t keep from camouflaging your gray locks or wanting to switch up your color with each season, then use a shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair that is formulated with pomegranate extract for color protection.
8. Comb gently
Much like shampooing too vigorously, intense brushing can break hair and cause scalp irritation. You should first untangle any knots with a comb, then brush your hair gently and not too often.
9. Regularly cut your ends
Contrary to popular belief, regularly cutting your ends won’'t stimulate growth. However, this beauty routine will make your hair look healthier and prevent your locks from splitting further.
10. Choose suitable products
Last but not least: choose products that are specifically designed for your hair type.
Here are three shampoo and conditioner duos that work wonders for dry hair.
ESSENTIAL OILS NOURISHING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER DUO
This nourishing shampoo and conditioner tandem from the Essential Oils line – presented in minimalistic refillable aluminum bottles – is enriched with essential bergamot and ylang-ylang oils that are known for their exotic aromas that will take you away from the stress of everyday life.
Formulated with ingredients like grape seed oil (rich in polyphenols with antioxidant properties), shea butter (which maintains the scalp’s moisture barrier) and olive leaf extract (which soothes a dry scalp), the duo is ideal for dry hair.
LEAVES BAR™ NOURISHING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER BAR DUO
This hair care bar duo contains a unique blend of nourishing ingredients from plant and mineral sources: avocado oil (adding shine and softness), cocoa butter and shea butter (helping to protect hair by preventing breakage and split ends), and Indian cress and watercress extracts (to strengthen and condition hair). The best part? It’'s plastic-free!
SUPER LEAVES™ NOURISHING AND STRENGTHENING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER DUO
This is our most popular hair care combo. It combines the nourishing qualities of olive leaf and grape seed oil – used for their moisturizing properties – to restore and strengthen damaged dry hair. Plus, you’'ll love its delicate aroma of pear and ginger!
We hope you enjoyed reading our tips for conquering dry hair. For more hair care tricks, head to our article on naturally sourced ingredients that can help you regain shiny, healthy hair!
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/dry-hair
- https://www.webmd.com/beauty/dry-hair-causes
- https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/get-radiant-hair-skin-and-nails-naturally