Nobody wants to have dry, brittle hair—but what can you do to prevent it? Actually, there are a number of practical steps you can take to ensure your hair stays hydrated. In this post, we’ll offer just a few of our top recommendations—but if chronically dry hair is something you struggle with, we might also recommend coming to see us at New Image, where can can recommend a solution that’s tailored to your needs.
Tips for Keeping Your Hair Totally Hydrated
In general, though, here are some effective ways to moisturize your scalp and your hair.
Avoid Thermal Abuse
Frequent exposure to heat can leave your hair badly dehydrated—and many women expose their hair to direct heat every day when they style it. The truth is, blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, and other heat appliances can all have a damaging effect. If you can find a way to minimize your use of heat appliances, perhaps styling your hair differently, that’s really the best option. If not, you can minimize the heat damage by:
- Using a thermal protective formula before you use the heat appliance.
- Switching to ionic thermal tools.
- Simply turning down the heat a few notches.
- Taking periodic breaks from the heat, letting your hair replenish its moisture.
Don’t Overwash It
Another cause of dehydrated hair is over washing. When you shampoo, you strip away the natural oils that keep your hair moist. Some ways to avoid this include:
- Shampoo less frequently—two or three days a week instead of daily.
- Always use conditioner after you shampoo!
- Choose a shampoo designed specifically for dry hair.
- Use conditioner even on days when you don’t shampoo.
Protect Your Hair from the Elements
Remember what we said about exposing your hair to heat? Well, the sun certainly counts—as do wind and chlorine. No matter the weather, there are potential dangers to your hair—but you can protect yourself against them. Some tips:
- Wear a hat or a scarf over your head to protect it from the sun or the wind.
- Get a conditioner with built-in UV protection, or just invest in a hair-and-scalp sunscreen.
- Don’t swim after a shower, but do use conditioner when you emerge from the pool.
Skip the Chemical Treatments
Most chemical treatments can suck the moisture out of your hair, especially if you undergo them often. This includes relaxers, perms, and even coloring. We’d offer the following tips here:
- Use hair colors that are made without ammonia.
- Explore non-chemical options for straightening/relaxing your hair.
Be Careful When Brushing
Would you believe that bad brushes—or bad brushing—can sometimes disturb the hair cuticle, leading to moisture loss? Our top recommendation here is just to make sure you use a natural bristle brush, and that you replace it when it gets old and warped. We’d also recommend that you never brush your hair when it’s wet; pat your hair dry with a towel and then allow it to fully air dry from there.
Don’t Forget About Lifestyle Factors
The things you put into your body can factor into your hair health, too. The effect of too much alcohol, for instance, can be significant dehydration—and yes, that extends to your hair. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially on days when you plan to drink at night. We’d also recommend coconut water, which increased your body’s ability to retain moisture. Finally, if you do have a night where you drink a lot, be good to your hair the next day; consider a nourishing wrap or some other moisturizing treatment.
Seek Treatment for Your Dry Hair
The bottom line: Dry hair quickly becomes brittle and broken hair—but all of this can be avoided. Follow these tips to ensure your hair remains hydrated, and if you need a more personalized hair treatment plan, Contact us at New Image. We’d love to recommend some products or lifestyle changes that will suit your hair needs. Visit us in our studio space today!