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Dry hair is one of the common problems of the residents of the metropolis. What to do if you encounter it, how to properly care for your hair and prevent harmful drought? Let’s talk about everything in this article.
Why hair becomes dry: 11 reasons
What to do if the hair becomes dry and looks lifeless? Try to understand the issue and try to eliminate risk factors. What are the main causes of dry hair? Let’s start with the ones that are easy to rule out.
1. The wrong shampoo
2. Insufficient care
Another common mistake is neglecting at least hair balm, not to mention masks, special oils and other pleasant benefits. If the skin is prone to dryness, after washing, a cream is shown to it. The same can be said about very dry hair. Without nourishment and additional moisture, the hair will fade, become brittle, and will be difficult to comb and style.
3. Improper blow-drying
Everyone knows that too hot air dries out hair in every sense – it is preferable to choose a gentle mode of warm or cool air. But it’s not just the temperature that matters. It is important to blow the hair while drying in the direction from the roots to the ends, and not vice versa. Otherwise, the pliable scales of the cuticle of wet hair will open, leading to moisture loss and dryness of the hair.
4. Frequent hair coloring / lightening
Dry colored hair requires special care. The fact is that the composition of persistent paints causes the scales of the hair cuticle to open so that the pigment can penetrate the cortex. Naturally, this provokes moisture loss, not to mention the chemical effect that weakens the hair.
5. Thermal appliances
Everyone knows that you can not touch irons and curling irons with your hands. However, the hair is also “burned” – under the action of hot metal, their surface is literally melted, and voids form in the structure. The result is moisture loss, brittleness and dryness, so thermal protection is a very necessary thing.
6. Styling tools
We are not trying to discourage anyone from using them. They are often indispensable. But it is important to cleanse your hair of them. Many of these products contain alcohol and dry out the hair.
7. Water: chlorinated, sea, hot
8. Ultraviolet
Sun-bleached hair is always dry (unless, of course, this is the result of balayazh with subsequent competent care). Ultraviolet does not add liveliness and moisture to hair. And this is an additional reason to protect your head from the sun.
9. Ecology
Of course, we cannot place ourselves in a glass ball and completely hide from the effects of polluted air. Hair absorbs a variety of trace elements, including harmful ones. Therefore, by the composition of hair, one can often judge not only the state of human health, but also the ecological well-being of the region in which he lives.
10. Lack of vitamins and reduced immunity.
During the lockdown, when we spent most of our time at home, not only the skin and nails began to dry, but also the hair. Lack of oxygen, physical activity, vitamins – all this does not have the best effect on appearance. Deficiency of vitamins A, group B (literally all), zinc, magnesium, etc. also leads to dry hair. If you understand that the condition of your hair has worsened radically, consult a trichologist or dermatologist. If everything is not so scary, start with a general recovery.
11. Stress
Experiences, troubles at work or in personal life, lack of sleep, our bad habits – all this can also cause dry and brittle hair. It is known that stress leads to dehydration, and this also affects the hair.
What to do at home to care for dry hair
How to wash properly
The very first and fairly common mistake with dry hair is improper shampooing. It is the scalp and the root zone of the hair that needs thorough cleansing. You need to lather the shampoo in your hands, distribute it on the skin, massage for 2-3 minutes and rinse. It is not necessary to specially apply shampoo directly to the length of the hair and rub the strands, the hair is perfectly washed with the foam formed at the roots. Do not wring out your hair with a towel and do not rub it after washing. It is enough to blot excess moisture with a soft towel and / or make a turban out of it.
How to moisturize
For additional hydration of the strands, use balms, masks, oils, special creams and leave-in products that contain moisturizers and nutrients.
How to dry
It is best to let your hair dry naturally. Read more about how to quickly dry your hair without a hair dryer in our material. But if you can’t do without a hair dryer, follow the rules already mentioned above: use a not too hot setting and dry your hair, moving from top to bottom. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 15-20 cm from the scalp – this is as safe as possible for both skin and hair. It is undesirable to go out with a wet head in the hot sun – ultraviolet rays for wet hair are no better than a hot hair dryer. Read more about how to dry your hair with a hairdryer in our article.
How to comb correctly
Firstly, you should not do this immediately after washing – wet hair is less strong, its structure is more fragile and easily damaged. You need to comb your hair without sudden movements, starting from the tips and gradually moving towards the roots. If your hair gets tangled while you sleep, it is better to braid it at night in a loose braid.
Moisturizing shampoo Elseve “Hyaluron filler”, L’Oréal Paris
Choosing a moisturizing treatment is the first thing to do if your hair is dry and dehydrated. This shampoo perfectly cleanses and moisturizes the scalp at the same time, as it combines mild cleansing agents with hyaluronic acid, one of the most famous moisturizing ingredients.
Moisturizing balm Elseve “Hyaluron filler”, L’Oréal Paris
Together, of course, it is more effective: the use of the balm after the Hyaluron Filler shampoo leaves the hair 10 times more hydrated (according to an instrumental test), and the effect lasts 72 hours. Intensely moisturized hair becomes elastic, denser and even visually increase in volume. Of course, the balm facilitates combing, helps the hair to fluff less and solves other problems inherent in dehydrated, dry hair.
Moisturizing mask Elseve “Hyaluron filler”, L’Oréal Paris
This mask with hyaluronic acid, from the point of view of Healthy-Food, is just a godsend for owners of dry hair: in 2-3 minutes, it replenishes the moisture deficit in dehydrated hair, restoring their elasticity, softness and density. The mask is recommended to be used 2-3 times a week instead of or after the balm. Apply it only to the hair itself, without affecting the scalp.
Shampoo for hair in need of moisture and softness “Aloe Fructis Superfood. Hydration, Garnier
Formula with aloe vera and coconut oil for 98% consists of ingredients of natural origin. The remaining 2% are ingredients that provide a pleasant consistency of the product and the stability of the formula. Available in a recyclable bottle.
Balm conditioner for hair in need of moisture and softness, “Aloe Fructis Superfood. Hydration, Garnier
Thanks to the active substances included in the composition, it facilitates combing and moisturizes the hair.
Mask for hair in need of moisture and softness, Aloe Fructis Superfood. Hydration, Garnier
Saturates hair with moisture, makes them smooth and crumbly. Can be used as a mask, conditioner or leave-in treatment. It looks like a homemade mask with aloe – connoisseurs of natural cosmetics will surely like it.
Strengthening shampoo “Coconut balance” Fructis, Garnier
Coconut pulp and coconut water have long been used for hair care at home. Now coconut fruit juice, known for its excellent moisturizing properties, is included in the shampoo.
Fructis Coconut Balance Firming Balm Conditioner
Coconut water, which is extracted from unripe coconut fruit, has many health benefits. Rich in nourishing lipids, vitamins and minerals, it protects, moisturizes and nourishes the hair, leaving it fresh and beautiful.
Soothing shampoo-care for dry hair Dercos, Vichy
The formula with panthenol is aimed at caring for dry scalp. Blended with firming Apricot Oil & Glycerin to lock in moisture to the stratum corneum & restore the integrity of the skin barrier. Moisturizes the scalp, eliminates dryness, returns comfort. As a result, the hair becomes more hydrated.
Dercos Intensive Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Dry Hair, Vichy
The anti-dandruff formula gently acts on the scalp, soothing it. The formula is enriched with selenium disulfide, which has been proven effective in restoring the balance of the microbiome. The composition also contains a tocopherol derivative, salicylic acid, glycerin, ceramide P.
Shampoo Nutri Protein, Dercos, Vichy
Key Ingredients: Pracaxi tree seed oil, rich in fatty acids and vitamins that protect the hair cuticle, and quinoa bran, known for its ability to repair and nourish hair.
Now try to test yourself with our test and find out which shampoo is right for you right now.
How to restore dry and lifeless hair in a beauty salon
Lamination
A special composition is applied to wet hair, which is aged for a certain time. Then the strands are processed with an iron or a special device through a cap so that the beneficial ingredients have an intense effect on the hair. The effect promises to last up to six weeks. But, as practice shows, it usually lasts for three weeks.
Screening
During the procedure, the hair is treated with products based on amino acids, natural oils, and soy protein. It’s a good idea to do a screening before an important event, after which the hair is shiny and looks great. But keep in mind that this is a temporary measure.
hot wrap
A composition with nutrients and oils is applied to the strands, which forms a protective film. Hair suffers less from aggressive environmental factors and delights you with a healthy look.
If you are still in doubt whether to do a hair treatment or not, our test will help you understand what your hair is missing.
Will homemade masks help get rid of dry hair
Today, many people like to experiment with homemade hair care products. We at Healthy-Food also sometimes like to do some magic with masks of our own production. But to be honest, we prefer ready-made products – there is less trouble with them, and the effect, in our opinion, is more noticeable. The most unpleasant thing is to wash your hair after homemade masks. But still, we will give a few homemade recipes.
Oil wrap
Take in equal proportions several types of oils: linseed, almond, peach – and mix until smooth with two beaten chicken eggs. Apply the mixture to dry hair, leave for 20-30 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Serum for split ends
You will need a teaspoon of avocado oil and 2-3 drops of rosemary essential oil. Mix them and rub them in your palms. Apply to split ends or along the entire length of the hair and leave on all day.
Avocado and Coconut Hair Smoothie
Mash half an avocado, mix with a coffee cup of coconut milk. Massage the resulting mixture onto the scalp and hair roots, and then spread over their entire length. Put on a shower cap and wrap your head in a towel.