Have you tried what seems like everything, but your dry, brittle hair won’t seem to go away? Don’t worry. You aren’t alone.
While you may experience dry hair year-round, it is a very common problem for your hair to get dry in the winter months. This happens because there is less humidity and less moisture in the air. The good news is that dry hair is easy to treat and easy to prevent.
If you’re ready to learn how to keep your hair healthy, shiny, and easy to style all year long, keep reading! We’ve got tips to help you prevent dry hair.
What Causes Dry Hair?
There are three layers on your hair. Healthy hair has natural oils on the outside layer that helps to protect the two inner layers. These oils help your hair reflect light, giving it a healthy, shiny glow. When your scalp doesn’t produce enough oil, moisture escapes causing your hair to dry out.
How to Prevent Dry Hair?
External factors such as your environment, hair care habits, and health can lead to dry hair. Some of these factors are under your control, while others aren’t. Therefore, it’s important to learn how to do what you can to help prevent dry hair.
Here are six tips to help prevent dry hair.
#1. Wash Your Hair Less Often
Washing your hair too often is a common cause of dry hair. Your scalp produces oils to nourish your scalp and hair. If you wash your hair too frequently it washes away these oils, causing your hair to lose moisture.
While it depends on your hair type and how fast your hair gets greasy, washing your hair two to three times a week at the most is a safe way to make sure you are protecting the natural oils while still having fresh hair. To keep your hair fresh in between washes, try a dry shampoo.
#2. Dry Your Hair Properly
After washing your hair, use a microfiber towel (or cotton t-shirt) to dry your hair. Make sure to gently scrunch your hair instead of rubbing it, which can cause your hair to break.
If you use a hairdryer, try letting your hair dry to about 75% before using a hairdryer. This will cause less damage to your hair.
#3. Limit the Use of Hot Tools
Hot tools such as hairdryers, straighteners, curling irons, etc., can cause heat damage and cause dry hair. If you have to use hot tools, you should limit their use to only a couple of times a week. And always remember to use a heat protectant when using hot tools.
#4. Brush Your Hair
You should never brush your hair when it is wet. Wet hair breaks much easier than dry hair, so when you are trying to get out tangles, you risk damaging your hair.
Instead of using a brush, try using a wide-tooth comb. Another way to help prevent breakage is to brush your hair from the bottom up. Start at the ends, and then work your way up the hair shaft. If you have dry hair especially, brushing top to bottom can cause more damage.
#5. Limit Chemical Treatments
Chemical treatments such as chemical straightening, bleaching, and perms can dry and damage your hair. To preserve the natural oils and the health of your hair, try not to overdo chemical processing and make sure to use masks and leave-in conditioners when you need a little extra love for your locks. On that note…
#6. Try a Hair Mask
Hair masks are a great way to add extra moisture and nourishment to your hair.
Get the most out of your hair mask by trying the “bagging” method. After washing your hair, apply a generous amount of the mask to your hair, then twist or pin it up with alligator clips. Next, wrap your hair in plastic wrap or a shower cap for 10-20 minutes.
The mask will help open your hair cuticles allowing the conditioning agents to penetrate the hair follicle. And your hair will absorb the conditioner better while being wrapped. Use a hair mask one to two times a week to keep dry hair away.
Is Dry Hair Still a Problem? Let the Self-Care Experts Help!
Using the tips above and making sure you eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated can help you avoid dry hair. If you are using these tips and still aren’t happy with your hair’s health, turn to the experts for help!
Salt Salon and Spa is a full-service salon and spa. We strive to make our clients feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and confident. Our self-care experts take the time to listen to your concerns and provide expert knowledge for all of your hair, skin, makeup, and massage needs.
Book an appointment today, and let us help you look and feel your best.