Dry Hair: Causes and Solutions

Dry Hair is something we have all had to deal with at some point. Hair gets tangled, feels brittle, gets difficult to manage and causes psychological and emotional stress. Sometimes it  feels like there is just no solution! However, there is hope. If you follow some of the tips offered below you’ll be able to have healthy moisturized curls in no time!

First of all, it is important to know the true cause of your dry hair. Once you reach the root of the problem it becomes easier to adjust your routine and have results that last.

Here are some of the possible causes for dry hair:

• Diet high in salt (causes shedding)
• Stress
• Washing hair with hot water
• Drastic change in climate
• Shampooing too frequently
• Products (specifically shampoo) with harsh sulfates or alcohol
• Not drinking enough water
• Using a pillowcase that causes frizz (cotton)
• Using moisturizers that are not water based
• Product Build-up
• Use of chemical straighteners (relaxers)
• Heat damage (blow dryer, flat iron, etc.)
• Too much chlorine (swimming pools) or salt water (beach)

After figuring out what causes your dry hair begin to make appropriate changes.

Solutions:

• Improve your diet
• Start exercising or meditating in order to decrease stress
• Use cold or warm water on wash day (no hot water!)
• Use protective styles when the weather gets too intense
• Co-wash every once in a while
• Read labels on styling products to ensure that they don’t contain harsh, drying chemicals
• Drink more water
• Sleep on a satin pillowcase
• Use moisturizers that are water-based to prevent dryness and build-up
• Use a cleansing shampoo or do a vinegar wash once a month in order to eliminate product build-up
• Stop relaxing or wait longer between sessions
• Take it easy with the flat iron
• Use a swimming cap

 Here are some extra tips that can help maintain beautiful moisturized hair:

• Before shampooing massage your scalp and hair with an oil (coconut, jojoba, etc.)
• Deep condition at least twice a month
• Use a good leave-in conditioner and seal in the moisture with an oil (coconut, jojoba, etc.) or butter (coconut, mango, shea, etc.) while it is still damp
• Handle your hair gently when styling to avoid breakage

After adjusting your routine you should begin to see a difference. However, you won’t see a drastic change over night. If you want healthy, beautiful, moisturized hair you have to work on it and commit.

So hang in there and best of luck!

References:

http://www.curlynikki.com/2012/04/dry-hair-causes-and-solutions.html
http://www.frizzoff.com/Curly-Hair.aspx
http://youqueen.com/beauty/hair/hair-breakage-5-causes-5-solutions/
http://autograf.com/hair-scalp-problems/top-five-causes-of-dry-scalp/
http://www.healthline.com/symptom/dry-hair