Dry, damaged hair can be frustrating to deal with, especially if you have other hair care needs like dandruff or oily roots. It’s vital to find the right moisturizer or conditioner for your hair type and needs, so it’s important to choose wisely. Whether you have curly, straight, fine or thick hair, there are several steps you can take to improve the health of your hair and keep it from drying out in the future. To get started on preventing dry, damaged hair today, follow these 10 tips!
1. Shampoo less frequently
Shampooing too often can strip the hair of its natural oils and lead to dryness. A good rule of thumb is no more than once or twice a week, but if you have oily hair you should shampoo less often. If your scalp isn’t oily then shampooing every other day should be enough.
In addition, try using less shampoo when you do shampoo because it doesn’t need to be washed off completely before you rinse it out.
2. Invest in a good conditioner
One of the best ways to care for dry, damaged hair is by using a product that provides moisture. Invest in a good conditioner that will moisturize and nourish your hair without weighing it down or making it greasy.
3. Use a leave-in conditioner
It’s important to use a leave-in conditioner before getting out of the shower. This is because it will help lock in moisture that you’ve added and make your hair more manageable. To do this, apply the conditioner liberally from root to tip and then use a comb or brush to evenly distribute it.
4. Rinse with cold water
Rinsing your hair with cold water can help seal the cuticles and prevent your hair from absorbing too much color or heat. Once you have shampooed and conditioned your hair, rinse it with cold water. Be sure not to apply too much pressure when rinsing because this will cause a lot of friction on the cuticles which will just make them more dry and brittle. If you are looking for a way to deep condition without heat then this is one of the best options for you.
5. Avoid heat styling
One of the worst things you can do for your hair is use a flat iron or curling iron on it. The heat will dry out your locks and cause them to become brittle and frizzy. Avoid this by avoiding all heat styling tools as well as any products that have alcohol in them. Alcohol dries out your hair and scalp just like heat styling does.
6. Get regular trims
Getting regular trimes is an easy way to maintain the health of your hair. Regularly trimming your ends will help you avoid split ends, which can make your hair seem dry and frizzy. Doing this also allows for healthy regrowth because it prevents damage to the follicle. It’s best to get professional haircuts every 6-8 weeks or so, but if that’s not in your budget try going every 8-12 weeks.
7. Use a deep conditioning treatment
Deep conditioning treatments are a great way to moisturize dry hair. They work by penetrating the hair shaft and restoring your locks with protein and moisture. A deep conditioner should be left in for at least five minutes before rinsing with warm water.
8. Protect your hair from the sun
One of the most important ways to moisturize dry hair is by protecting it from the sun. UV rays are not only damaging for your skin, but also for your hair. Make sure you wear a hat when you’re outside and slather on a natural sunscreen before going out.
9. Avoid harsh chemicals
Avoid harsh chemicals as much as possible when it comes to your hair. Harsh chemicals are not only damaging for your hair but they can also weaken the cuticle of your hair which leads to dryness. Steer clear of shampoos and conditioners that contain sulfates and alcohol which can strip oils and natural moisture from your hair. You should also avoid heat styling tools like curling irons or straighteners on a regular basis because these tools will damage the cuticle.
10. Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water is a great way to moisturize dry hair. Not only will you feel more hydrated and refreshed, but it also helps keep skin and hair healthy. When you don’t drink enough water, your body reacts by drying out the skin and hair as a protective measure. The lack of water makes your hair prone to breakage and split ends because it can’t retain moisture properly.
