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If shiny, soft, and manageable aren’t words you use to describe your hair (or haven’t for some time now), isn’t it high time you got to the bottom of why your hair feels like straw? Dry hair not only feels rough in texture, but it can look lifeless, fall flat, or suffer from a bad case of frizz. You may have chalked up your hair to a type — similar to how you can have dry, oily, or combination skin — and it may very well be that you are more prone to dry hair. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for anything less than super-glam, glossy strands. The trick is simply knowing what is causing your dry hair and some of the best ways to treat it.
Get ready to learn all about your dry hair and to find tricks and tips on how to make it appear its healthiest and most gorgeous.
Why is your hair so dry?
The truth is: there is no one reason why dry hair happens — it depends on the person, their habits, and even the foods they eat.
“Some of the most common causes of dry hair include over-washing and blow drying, using harsh shampoos and styling products, environmental factors like sun exposure or wind damage, age, nutrient deficiencies, stress, disease or medications,” says Lauren Udoh, the hair creative director of WigReports. “Other possible causes include fungal or bacterial infections of the scalp and protective styles that pull on hair strands.”
Exposure to harsh elements such as the scorching heat of the sun and fierce wind, excessive use of heat styling tools like blow dryers and hair iron, and frequent use of chemical treatment such as hair coloring and hair strengthening chemicals are additional causes of dry hair, adds Jean Lopez, co-founder of LilyHair.
Even swimming in pools or the ocean often without protecting your strands or treating them afterward can make your hair intensely dry.
If you are struggling to figure out the reason why your hair is particularly dry, or you sense a scalp infection could be a culprit, it’s a good idea to visit a board-certified dermatologist before starting any treatment and getting their expert opinion.
What mistakes are you making when it comes to dry hair?
So your hair is definitely dry. You definitely know the reason. And you absolutely have been treating it since the moment you found out it was dry. But what happens if you aren’t treating it the right way or are neglecting to address something obvious?
“People commonly make several mistakes when it comes to dealing with dry hair,” Udoh says. “Some of the most common errors include over-washing their hair, using the wrong kind of shampoo and conditioner, using too much heat on their hair during styling, not using a leave-in conditioner or deep conditioning mask regularly, and not protecting their hair from environmental damage such as UV rays.”
Other causes of dry hair can include stress, inadequate nutrition and a lack of water intake, Udoh adds — fixes that you may not immediately associate with your hair.
Dry hair solutions often involve a multi-faceted approach
“To fix dry hair, people should use gentle shampoos without sulfates or parabens; use non-irritating products that won’t strip the scalp; moisturize daily with natural oils like jojoba oil; [and] protect against environmental elements with hats or sprays,” Udoh says. “Avoid over manipulating the strands during cleansing and styling, use an anti-frizz serum for additional protection against humidity before blow drying or flat ironing your locks, take vitamins for healthy follicles/shafts, and get regular trims to remove split ends so they don’t travel up the shaft causing more breakage. Taking good care of one's scalp is equally important in giving you a healthier head full of tresses that are nourished throughout.”
Tips for hydrating dry hair
If your hair is dry, the good news is that there is no shortage of helpful tips and products with effective ingredients. “My favorite effective solutions for dry hair include deep conditioning treatments, regular trims, and blow outs to help seal in moisture and using products specifically designed for dry or damaged hair,” Udoh says. “Other things like avoiding heat styling tools, protecting your hair from the sun, and switching up your hairstyle can also help keep your locks looking nourished and healthy.”
Udoh also suggests making dietary changes such as adding foods with omega-3 fatty acids (salmon and walnuts are your best friends here) that can improve your overall scalp health. “Avoid washing your hair too often since frequent shampooing strips away natural oils that are important for moisturizing the scalp,” Udoh says.
As far as specific products go, Udoh suggests looking for shampoos and conditioners formulated with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera gel or other plant-based oils. “A good leave-in conditioner or deep conditioning treatment is also a must in order to lock in moisture. Try a nourishing hair mask once a week as part of your routine to keep your strands hydrated and healthy-looking.”
One to try: OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy Coconut Miracle Oil Hair Mask.
