One of the most common hair issues we battle each day from frizz, hair tangling, looking dull and lifeless and most importantly so easily broken. All of these challenges commonly come from one known issue that is dry hair.
You have likely invested in several hair masks, miracle hair butters and oils with little to short lasting success so we are going to uncover the truth behind dry hair and give you tips on managing and preventing dry hair so you see and maintain the end results you were after in the first place.
What Is Dry Hair?
Surprisingly, dry hair is the healthiest and most well behaved hair type. If you think about your hair when it's wet, it won’t hold a style, and it becomes limp. However, when your hair is lacking that extra water, as it begins to dry we’re able to get the end results we’re looking for.
Dry hair when described as an issue we are finding a solution for is a description of your hair not retaining moisture to keep hair lubricated (less brittle) and becoming so porous air continues to evaporate even the good and useful hydration that your hair needs. In this state you no longer retain nutrients, you lack shine and hair becomes lackluster.
What Causes Dry Hair?
Dry hair is caused by an imbalance of cuticle protecting lipids (imagine beads of natural oil). When these naturally occurring but not naturally reproducing lipids leave the hair strands cuticle, it can no longer protect the hair leaving it susceptible to any form of damage like sun, heat, chemicals, certain products and even the way you groom aka - brush your hair.
You see, hair is made up of different bonds and a majority of these fragile bonds are hydrogen bonds. As your hair becomes more fragile and susceptible to damage your protective layer at the cuticle can no longer manage what comes in and out of your hair strand which allows the good water to leave (along with the hair balancing nutrients) leaving you with hair problems that are hard to manage.
Some of the main causes of dry hair:
- Dry Scalp: The scalp naturally releases oils that keep hair and skin moisturized. When the scalp is dry, hair can lose its shine and start to feel dry and brittle, which can eventually lead to breakage.
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Environment: You may wonder what the environment has to do with your current hair condition, but it plays a major role in how your hair looks and feels. The scalp and hair are super sensitive to environmental conditions and a slight change can affect your hair. For example, cold and dry weather can lead to flaking while a drastic change in the humidity can lead to hair dryness.
For this reason, it is important that you use the right styling and treatment methods that are appropriate for the current weather. - Swimming Pools: Pools might not be your hair's best friend as they can easily make hair dry out. Most pools are treated with chlorine to prevent certain infections such as swimmers' ears and kill bacteria like E. coli. However, chlorinated water can strip your hair of natural oils and moisture. So it is important to protect your hair while swimming.
- Poor Hair Care: Poor hair care routine can also contribute to dry hair. Habits like the constant use of blower-dryers and other heat-based hair stylers like straighteners can quickly dry your hair. Also, washing your hair too frequently with harsh cleansers can dehydrate your hair.
- Hereditary + Health: Hair dryness can be genetic and can be caused by conditions such as hypoparathyroidism. If you suspect a health condition is behind your dry hair, talk to your doctor. For everyday dryness, keep reading for our tips.
What Does Dry Hair Look Like?
We would imagine that our cuticle opens and closes like blinds covering your windows because it’s a fairly simple concept to imagine however, our cuticle doesn't work that way. Our cuticle is rigid, it's a tough outer shell of hardened protein. It has a pretty difficult foundation which is why the lipid, moisturizing bits of the hair is so important, and when your hair has reached a point of “open cuticle” well all that means is that a once strong, well positioned cuticle is now disjointed and a piece is broken or chipped away.
If you can imagine hair in its purest form against hair with holes throughout you can imagine what it starts to look like. Dull, rough, tangles easily, not responsive in manageability and likely won’t hold your hair style as well. The worst part about your hair damage is that any time you brush or comb through, you find pieces of broken hair on your shirt and trapped in your brush.
Dry hair can be better managed by replacing the lost lipids via moisturizers like marula, argan and coconut oil.
How To Fix And Prevent Dry Hair?
Tip # 1: Wash Your Hair Less Often
It may seem like a good idea to wash your hair all the time due to dust, sweat, or other pollution. However, don't fall for the temptation to wash your hair constantly. It isn't as beneficial as your mind conjures it to be.
Lately, there has been an increase in the 'no poo' movement. 'No poo' is a hair care trend built around using less shampoo. Shampooing too often is not always a good idea. Having some natural oil is essential to the health of your hair. Over washing can strip the hair of its natural oils, thus leaving it drier and more prone to breakage. Simply put, we recommend trying to wash less frequently when/if possible.
Tip # 2: Change Shampoo And Conditioner
The first tip establishes the reduction of shampooing the hair because it can rob your hair of its natural oils. The wrong shampoo and conditioner can do the same.
There are a lot of shampoos out there. Do your own research, read reviews, and ask your stylist for recommendations on the shampoo and conditioner that feel right for your hair.
Why we love Goldie Locks Shampoo + Conditioner Duo :
- Leaves hair feeling soft and smooth
- Hair feels hydrated and more manageable
- Makes detangling easier
- Adds shine
Shampoo for dry hair should contain a high composition of natural oils like coconut and marula oil, plant extracts, and humectants.
Tip # 3: Protect Your Hair From Poor Weather Conditions and Chlorinated Water
Since poor weather conditions and chlorinated water are other causes of dry hair, protecting your hair from these harsh elements becomes a suitable solution.
Before getting in the pool, prep your hair with a conditioner or similar conditioning product. Hair that's already saturated with conditioner is less likely to soak up as much chlorinated water.
Hats, beanies, and other hair covers that suit the occasion are options you can pick from during various kinds of weather.
Why we love Goldie Locks® Signature Conditioner :
- Leaves hair feeling soft and smooth
- Hair feels moisturized
- Makes detangling easier
- Adds shine
You can also use a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair shiny and lush all day long.
Why we love Goldie Locks® Signature Leave-In Conditioner :
- Leaves hair feeling soft and smooth
- Weightless shine
- Hair feels moisturized
- Makes detangling easier
- Less frizzy-looking hair
Tip # 4: Use Nourishing Hair Masks and Other Moisturizing Dry Hair Treatments
To keep hair feeling moisturized, a weekly hair mask is a great addition to your routine. Hair masks leave hair feeling soft and hydrated, with a shiny, lush look.
Why we love Goldie Locks® Signature Hair Mask:
- Hair feels instantly hydrated
- Leaves hair feeling soft and smooth
- Intense shine
- Rich in vitamins, fatty acids, & antioxidants
- Makes detangling easier
Tip # 5: Consider Supplements and Vitamins
Many people like adding vitamins to their routine. Vitamins B, C, D and A, biotin, iron and zinc are some of the most talked-about nutrients in hair care.
Our customers love adding Goldie Locks® Hair Supplements to their daily routine.