If you're dealing with dry hair caused by heat styling or weather conditions, it doesn’t have to be your forever story. We're diving deep into the reasons behind dry strands and sharing some solutions to keep them hydrated.
What factors can cause dry hair?
Before we can fix it, we need to understand the root cause of this process. There are actually several factors that can lead to dry hair, including:
Sun damage
The sun is great for getting your daily dose of Vitamin D, but UV rays can damage your hair the same way they can damage skin. These wavelengths can break down proteins in your hair, making it more prone to dryness, brittleness and split ends. Repeated sun exposure can also cause color-treated hair to fade and lose its shine.
Too much heat (both air & water)
Heat styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons can take moisture right out of your hair, especially when you don’t use heat protectants. When exposed to high temperatures, the water within your hair evaporates, leaving it dry and frizzy.
Too much cold
Cold weather can be just as harsh on your hair as it is on your skin. During the winter months, the dry, cold air can strip your hair, making it more at-risk for breakage and split ends. Even when you’re inside, heating used during the winter can leave your hair feeling staticky and frizzy.
Natural dryness
Just like inheriting traits such as eye color, dry hair can also be passed down through generations. This can make your hair more susceptible to dryness, brittleness and a lack of shine. While you can't change your genetics, understanding this can help you tailor your hair care routine to manage and prevent dryness.
Overbrushing
Brushing your hair too much or too vigorously is another way that can lead to breakage and split ends. This can lead to dryness and frizziness, especially if you have curly hair. Be gentle when brushing your hair!
Overwashing
While we want our hair to be clean, washing your hair too often can strip away natural oils and cause dryness and irritation. If you have dry hair, try extending your washes and use a gentle shampoo formulated for dry hair.
How to fix dry hair
There are a lot of simple steps you can take to restore moisture and hydration to your strands, from choosing the right hair products to making a few lifestyle changes:
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Use heat protectants
If you use heat styling tools on your hair, it's important to use a heat protection spray to reduce damage and breakage. These sprays create a barrier between your hair and styling tools, insulating it from the damage that can come with heat styling.
Look for gentler (& hydrating) products
Harsh shampoos and conditioners can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause it to become dry and brittle. Look for gentler, more hydrating shampoos and conditioners that are designed specifically for dry or damaged hair.
Extend washes
Washing your hair too often is another way that your hair can be stripped of its natural oils, leaving it dry and dull. To combat this, extend the time between washes to give your hair a chance to restore these oils. If your hair is very dry, you may only need to wash it once or twice a week.
Use a leave-in conditioner
Leave-in conditioners are a great way to add moisture and hydration to your hair without weighing it down. This is because they create an extra, long-lasting layer of protection. Look for a lightweight leave-in conditioner that won't leave your hair feeling greasy or weighed down.
Try a hair mask
While leave-in conditioners provide extended protection, hair masks are a great way to bring deep moisture and hydration to your hair. There are also hair masks designed specifically for dry or damaged hair, which can be used once a week to keep your hair looking healthy and shiny.
