Hair Moisturizer: What can you do?

Dry hair is one of the most common occurrences across the world. It doesn’t matter what location you’re in, you have probably dealt with dry hair. Sometimes, it can be a freak occurrence only for a day or two. But sometimes this lack of hair hydration can become a chronic problem that creates a cycle of issues for you to deal with.

Your hair strand is made up of three layers, with the outer cuticle layer being the barrier to the outside world. Your scalp produces sebum, through numerous sebaceous glands, which coats the hair shaft in a protective layer and acts as a natural method on how to hydrate your hair.

Causes of dry hair

What happens if you do not know how to moisturize your hair?

Tips to moisturize your hair

When you strip the hair off these natural oils and moisture, the protective lipid layer is lost and makes the hair porous. This damages the cuticle which allows the inner shaft to be exposed. It can potentially lead to the damage of your cortex, which is the middle layer. In this condition your hair is unable to retain any moisture, becoming dull and frizzy.

- Over-washing your hair with harsh scalp shampoos can peel off the natural oils from your hair. You should avoid washing your hair every day, especially if you have curly hair.
- Heat treatment from straighteners, curlers, and blow-dryers, can remove all moisture from your hair and leave the cuticle damaged.
- Coloured hair uses chemicals that break open the cuticle layer to colour the cortex within. This has a tendency of drying out your hair and requires special attention.
- Excessive exposure to UV rays from the sun, chlorine from pools, wind, and pollution, takes a toll on your hair strands and leaves them dehydrated.
- Harsh styling products can shred away any protective layers on your scalp and hair. You can also develop an allergic reaction to them, which results in a lack of hair hydration.
- The type of hair that you have, and the hairstyles that you use, can determine if you need to figure out how to add moisture to hair. Curly and longer hair tend to dry out as the sebum does not spread right to the tips.

A lack of moisture can lead to:

- Hair breakage and hair loss
- Brittle and lacklustre hair
- Split ends, knots, and tangled hair
- Infections and inflammation
- Frizzy hair that can trap heat on your scalp

Dry hair is generally associated with a dry scalp, which can trigger your body into producing excess sebum. If this sebum builds up on your scalp, it can be the cause of dandruff growth, making you search for ways on how to get rid of dandruff.

Here are some hair care tips on how to keep your hair moisturized and prevent it from drying:

• Argan oil or Jojoba oil –

  Using Argan oil is a natural remedy in bringing back scalp and hair hydration. It moisturises and creates a protective layer against heat. It is recommended for curly hair which requires more care.

• Shampoo and conditioner –

  It’s important to create a regimen of gentle shampoos and conditioners, applied 2 - 3 times a week. This is vital in cleaning your scalp and hydrating your hair. You can try the Head and Shoulders Smooth & Silky dandruff shampoo that is meant for dry and damaged hair.

• Deep conditioning –

  Using a conditioner-mask overnight can possibly reset the moisture levels on your head. Cover your hair after application and wash with a gentle shampoo the next day.

• Reduce hair treatment –

  Heat and styling products can cause a drop in hair moisture levels. Give it a break until your hair returns to normal.
  

• Coloured hair care –

  If you have coloured hair, your strands can dry out and need extra maintenance. Use shampoos that help with dry coloured hair, like the Head and Shoulders Silky Black.

• Cover your head –

  Wear a scarf, a cap or whatever else, to protect your hair and scalp from the elements, as this can significantly decrease your moisture loss. Always maintain good hair hygiene along with this step.

• Reduce hot water use –

  Washing your hair with hot water can potentially strip your hair off the naturals oil and leave it vulnerable. Try cold water for your hair rinsing to prevent this.

• Aloe Vera –

  You can either apply it directly or create a hair mask from aloe vera gel. This is a great way on how to moisturise hair, and it can also reduce any inflammation or itching.

• Shea butter –

  This works as a hair moisture treatment for coarse and dry hair. Heat it slightly and apply it to your hair. Leave it in for about 20-30 minutes and wash your hair with a gentle shampoo.

Moisture is important for your hair, as it protects you from the external elements while reducing any damage and breakage. It allows for the free flow of oil to the tips of your hair and maintains a healthy ecosystem on your head. Dry hair should not give you sleepless nights, as it isn’t a permanent condition, and you have multiple routes back to your luscious clean hair.