How do we fix dry brittle and fragile hair? Whats the remedy? So can you really go from dry, brittle hair to smooth, shiny locks? The answer isn't always cut and dried. For the most part, hair damage is permanent because hair is actually a collection of dead cells, making them beyond repair. The only real cure is time, a pair of shears, and taking steps to prevent new and further damage.
First of all, lets see what truly causes dry hair and how we can stop it!
Some causes are:
1. Excessive hair washing, or using harsh soaps, alcohols or chemicals
When you have dry hair, washing too often can strip the moisture from your hair, causing your locks to become even more dehydrated. If you currently wash everyday, switch to every other day. If you wash every other day, switch to every third day. Wash as infrequently as possible to keep the moisture in your hair.
If your roots start to look greasy or your hair is flat in between washes, use a dry shampoo to soak up excess oil and add texture to your locks.
Try to use a cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo. Traditional shampoos contain sulfates and other chemicals that dry out your hair. Instead of washing with shampoo, use a cleansing conditioner, which uses natural oils to cleanse and condition at the same time. They leave your hair feeling clean and moisturized.
Make sure that your hair is completely saturated with water before you apply the cleansing conditioner.
When you’re using a cleansing conditioner, apply it from the roots to the ends.
While a cleansing conditioner can keep your hair clean, you can still get buildup from styling products, deep conditioning treatments, and sweat. To get rid of it, use a clarifying shampoo every two to four weeks instead of the cleansing conditioner.
If you don't want to use a cleansing conditioner, opt for a sulfate-free, natural shampoo. Look for a formula that contains ingredients such as argan oil, almond oil, coconut milk, honey, aloe vera, shea butter, and other organic naturals that won't strip your hair of moisture.
Rinse your hair with cool water. When you’re rinsing your hair after washing it, don’t use hot water. The heat can actually dry out your hair, leaving it even more brittle and dehydrated. Instead, use cool water to rinse the shampoo or cleansing conditioner from your hair.
For the final rinse of your hair, it’s a good idea to use cold water. Not only does it seal the cuticle and lock the moisture in, but it leaves your hair looking shinier too.
Apply a leave-in conditioner. With a cleansing conditioner, you likely don’t need to use a traditional cleanser after each washing. However, it’s a good idea to boost the moisture in your hair by using a leave-in conditioner. Work it through your hair after you’ve towel dried it.[
A spray leave-in conditioner works best on fine or thin hair.
A cream or lotion leave-in conditioner works best if you have thick or curly hair.
Follow the instructions on leave-in conditioner’s bottle for the proper amount to use.
2. Excessive blow-drying/ heat applicances
Limit heat styling. Using heated styling tools, such as a curling iron or flat iron, can dry out your hair further. It’s best to limit your use of heat styling to once a week. Blow drying your hair can also cause moisture loss in your hair, so air dry your locks whenever possible.
When you do heat style your hair, always apply a heat protectant product. It coats your hair with extra moisture so your hair doesn’t lose any of its natural moisture when it’s heated.
Use a heat protectant spray if you have fine or thin hair.
Use a heat protectant lotion or cream if you have thick or curly hair.
When you use a curling iron, flat iron, or blow dryer, use the lowest heat setting possible to achieve your desired results. Low to medium heat is the best option.
3. Your Brush is wrong
Brush your hair with a natural bristled brush. When you have dry hair, a brush with synthetic bristles is more likely to snag your locks, leading to breakage. It can also cause static electricity that leaves your hair more brittle. Instead, opt for a brush with natural bristles, which are more gentle.
A brush with boar or wooden bristles is the best bet for dry hair.
4. Malnutrition
Incorporate more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. The foods that you eat can impact your hair. For dry hair, it helps to eat a diet that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can assist your scalp in producing more natural oils.
Salmon, tuna, egg yolks, walnuts, and spinach are all high in omega-3 fatty acids.
If you aren’t a fan of foods that provide omega-3 fatty acids, talk to your doctor to see if taking an omega-3 supplement is a good option for you.
Your not using oil
Use a hair oil. Dry hair needs all the extra moisture it can get, so incorporating a hair oil into your styling routine is a good way to hydrate your locks. You can use on wet or dry hair to not only add moisture, but make your hair appear smoother and shiner.
Argan oil is the best hair oil for dry, brittle tresses.
For wet hair, spread a small out of oil between your hands and work it through your hair for smoothness and shine.
Apply a small amount of hair oil to the ends of dry hair to get rid of frizz and camouflage the look of split ends.
Underactive parathyroid (hypoparathyroidism)
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Your overdue for a haircut.
Get your hair trimmed regularly. The ends of dry hair are usually the most dehydrated and brittle. To keep your hair looking its best, have your hair trimmed every four to six weeks.
Deep condition your hair once a week
Deep condition your hair weekly. To ensure that your dry hair gets the moisture that it needs, you should use an intensive deep conditioning treatment once a week. Apply the deep conditioner after washing your hair, and allow it to soak into your hair for 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off.
While you’re letting the deep conditioner sit on your hair, you can boost its moisturizing power by putting a shower cap or plastic wrap over it. The extra heat will help the conditioner penetrate your hair more easily.
Choose a deep conditioner with moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin, shea butter, olive oil, argan oil, and keratin or other proteins.
Use natural DIY hair masks. Many ingredients that you have in your kitchen can actually help moisturize and strengthen dry hair. Mayonnaise and honey are both ideal conditioners for dry hair. Apply either to wet hair and allow it to sit for at least 20 minutes before rinsing it out with warm water.
Avocado also makes an ideal mask for dry hair. Mix a mashed ripe, peeled avocado with about 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of an oil, such as olive, jojoba, or wheat-germ. Apply it to freshly washed hair, cover your head with a shower cap, and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing it out.
Egg yolks are also excellent for moisturizing dry hair. Apply the yolks from 5 to 6 eggs to clean, wet hair, and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. Be sure to rinse it out with cool water to keep the egg from "cooking."
How to spot if hair has been damaged: From a macroscopic point of view, first is aspect: dull, brittle hair and split ends. Second is touch: rough, dry and irregular. Third is shedding due to breakage. Look for more hair lost in the shower or visible on your brush or pillow because it's more sensitive to breakage.
FAQ:
How long does it take to repair dry damaged hair?
Using products that are designed to nourish the scalp and hair can definitely speed up this process, but on average you'd be looking at six months to a year to fully see a difference in your hair's condition.
How do I rehydrate my hair?
For hair that's dry and prone to frizz, you'll want a mask that's deeply hydrating and restorative. If you want to add moisture to your hair, banana and honey are two ingredients that work well in an overnight hair mask. You can use products that have ingredients to hydrate and moisturise your hair. Avocado, coconut, olive and almond oils; aloe vera, shea butter and glycerine can help hydrate and moisturize your hair. Ensure your conditioners include some of these ingredients too in order to lock the water content in your hair.
Don't overwash your hair. Every couple of days is often enough. ...
Choose your shampoo wisely. Look for shampoos designed to hydrate hair and reduce frizz. ...
Deep condition with a hydrating conditioner. ...
Hydrate from the inside out.
What is lacking if you have dry hair?
Biotin. Biotin is an essential B vitamin (meaning we need to consume it daily) that's known to be important in hair and nail growth. When you have a biotin deficiency, you will suffer from thinning, dry hair, and dry skin.
What is the secret to healthy hair?
A well-rounded diet is an important factor in hair and scalp health. Hair is primarily made up of protein, so be sure to eat at least 45 grams of protein daily. Good sources include: lean meat. People tend to spend fortune on hair remedies, the most premium masks and products, silk pillows etc; when in reality, we just may need to focus on what we are consuming and putting into our bodies. Making sure we are consuming all the necessary vitamins and dietary requirements for a well balanced and healthy inside.
The greatest Wealth is Health
I hope this article helped. Leave any feedback or questions in the comments below.
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