Dry hair is a widespread problem that can affect anyone. Although dry hair is not a serious condition, the dryness almost always results in hair becoming brittle. Nonetheless, you can easily treat your dry hair with a few tiny adjustments to your hair care routine.
Before you start to introduce changes in your hair care habits, however, it is crucial to identify what caused your hair to become dry in the first place.
Why does hair become dry?
Sebum is a natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands in your hair follicles. It is crucial for keeping your hair moisturized and, in turn, protected. However, the body’s sebum production declines as you age. Subsequently, as you grow older, your hair becomes more susceptible to dryness.
Moreover, people with curly hair are more likely to suffer from dry hair than those with straight or wavy hair. This is due to the sebum facing a tougher time traversing the curves and bends of curly hair to get to the ends of the hair.
There are a few other common reasons that cause hair to become dry and brittle.
Needless shampoo use
Daily shampoo use is highly detrimental to the hair’s health. When it cleans out the hair, the shampoo also tends to wash away the protective oils and sebum.
Extreme exposure to heat
Showering with hot water or blow-drying your hair using your device’s highest setting is never good for the hair. According to a 2011 study, damage from hairdryer use is directly proportional to the temperature setting – the higher the temperature, the more damage.
Exposure to UV ray
Just as the sun’s UV ray is harmful to the skin, it can damage your hair as well. When hair is exposed to the sun for a prolonged period, its cuticles risk permanent harm.
Cuticle damage is quite serious. It is the outer layer of hair, responsible for keeping in moisture and protecting the inner layers. A damaged cuticle, most definitely, means hair that is dry and brittle.
Harsh hair products
Hair products that contain ingredients like propyl alcohol, propanol, and isopropyl alcohol can easily and efficiently dry out your hair.
Chlorinated water
When your hair repeatedly comes in contact with chlorinated water, like in the swimming pool, the natural oils in your hair decrease, leading to dryness.
Haircare routine changes to prevent dryness
Regardless of the type or length of hair, you have, implementing the following changes to your haircare routine is sure to help you achieve the results you are after.
- Cut down shampoo use.
Using shampoo fewer times a week is sure to give the natural moisture in your hair a massive boost. We recommend washing your hair with shampoo every 2-3 days. - Avoid using hot water.
It is best to use cool water for maximum moisture retention when washing your hair. However, if cool water causes you discomfort (for instance, during winter), use lukewarm water instead of hot water. - Avoid using the blow dryer.
Whenever possible and as frequently as you can, gently towel dry your hair. Then let the rest air dry. If you must use the blow dryer, use it at its lowest setting. - Use gentler products.
If your shampoo or conditioner contains harsh ingredients, switch them to healthier options. - Opt for leave-in conditioners.
Leave-in conditioners can work wonders on dry hair. When left in for 20-30 minutes with each use, even extremely dry and damaged hair will be able to recover the lost moisture.
Other than these slight alterations to your haircare routine, a balanced diet (which include plenty of proteins) and regular exercise will not only help keep hair moisturized but will contribute to your hair’s health on the whole.