Having soft and healthy hair is not an easy task. Getting your hair to look its best takes a lot of time, commitment, and effort on your part. You need to make sure that your scalp stays well hydrated at all times so that the rest of your hair looks great. But it can be difficult to figure out exactly which types of products will help you achieve this goal, because different hair types have different moisture needs. That’s why we’ve gathered all the information you need on how to properly moisturize your hair, so you can find the right routine to keep it hydrated every day, whether your hair is thick, curly or straight!
What causes dehydrated hair?
Dehydrated hair is caused by a number of different factors, the most common of which is excessive exposure to heated styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons. Constant use of these tools can dehydrate hair shafts, making them dry and brittle.
Additionally, over-washing or using harsh shampoos can also strip away the essential oils needed to keep hair moisturized. Other factors that contribute to hair dehydration are prolonged exposure to the sun, swimming in chlorinated pools or salt water, environmental pollutants such as smoke and dust particles, nutritional deficiencies, hormones, drugs and even certain diseases.
It is important to note that all hair types (curly, straight or otherwise) can become dehydrated; however, some textures may be more prone to it than others due to their natural lack of hydration.
How to protect our hair and preserve its hydration?
To minimize the damage caused by these everyday factors, it is important to:
- To use products specially formulated for your hair type and free of sulphates and parabens.
- Regular trims will also help eliminate split ends that can leave your hair looking limp and lifeless.
- Incorporating deep conditioning treatments into your regimen can help restore lost hydration.
- Using a protective primer before applying hot styling tools can also help protect against dehydration.
Expert advice on how to hydrate hair.
Use hair masks regularly
Using a moisturizing mask is one of the best ways to ensure your hair stays healthy and hydrated. There are many different types, so it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. However, the most common and effective masks are those that contain natural ingredients such as aloe vera, honey, avocado, and olive oil, all of which help nourish the scalp while protecting your hair damage.
Additionally, masks made with shea butter and jojoba oil are particularly effective, as they penetrate deeper into the strands and lock in moisture for longer-lasting effects.
Ultimately, finding the right mask for you will depend on your hair type and your needs. Whatever you choose, make sure it not only hydrates your hair, but also helps strengthen it and protect it from damage caused by environmental factors such as sun exposure or styling products.
Wet your hair before bathing.
If you plan to take a dip in the pool, it is recommended to wet the hair first so that it is already saturated before entering it. Chlorine not only leads to dry hair, but it also affects hair color.
Use hot oil treatments.
In general, hot oil treatments are great for your hair, but you should definitely use them if you have dry hair. Hot oil treatments not only reduce scalp and hair dryness, they increase resilience, reduce frizz and prevent split ends.
Give up shampoos containing sulfates.
Sulfates can potentially damage hair, robbing it of its natural moisture and protein, causing irritation, itching, and dry skin. Fortunately, most brands today offer sulfate-free options.
Wear a hat in the summer and a beanie in the winter.
Wearing a hat or beanie in summer and winter can go a long way in keeping your hair hydrated. In summer, if the sun brings us heat, it can also have a significant effect on our hair. Exposure to the sun can dry out our strands, making them brittle and damaging them. A hat is the perfect protection against these harsh temperatures, shielding your hair from the elements and locking in moisture. The same goes for winter: cold weather usually means drier air, which can also damage fragile strands of hair. Wearing a comfy hat or beanie not only looks stylish, but it helps keep your hair well hydrated despite freezing temperatures. In addition, you will no longer have cold ears!
Avoid heat styling.
We all know that excessive heat styling dries out your hair, but if you can’t escape it, investing in a good hair dryer and heat protectant product is recommended.
Avoid silicones.
Since silicones are not water soluble, they only create the illusion of shiny, healthy hair. They actually coat the hair and need to be washed out with sulfates, which, you guessed it, dries out the hair.
Reduce the number of washes.
We now know that most people (regardless of their hair type) shouldn’t wash their hair every day. Those who struggle with dry hair should really only wash it once a week, twice at most.
