In the previous articles, we are able to understand how to identify dry hair and what the common cause of dry hair is. We can address ways to manage or prevent dry hair. If you have naturally dry hair or have discovered that your hair becomes dry due to one or more of the causes discussed in our previous article, follow these Vibrant Salon and Spa helpful guidelines that aim to prevent and manage dry hair.
Cleansing
If you have dry hair or you are managing dry hair, avoid clarifying or chelating shampoos. These are designed to remove the build-up of products and minerals and do not differentiate between those and your natural hair oils.
It is best to choose a shampoo that was formulated for dry hair or chemically processed hair. These products will contain words like moisturizing or color safe in the descriptions and are typically gentler than other products. Some may also contain moisturizing ingredients.
When cleansing hair, it is best to only apply the cleansing product from the root to about two inches of the hair shaft. Hair gets older the farther down the shaft you go towards the hair end. As the hair ages, it loses moisture from any of the causes above, and it becomes more difficult for natural oils to reach the hair shaft as it travels away from the root. Because of this, the older hair will be predisposed to dryness and damage. By shampooing only the hair close to the root you prevent additional removal of essential oils and moisture on the older hair.
It is optimal for dry hair to only be cleaned every third day or every other day at most because it exposes your hair to water and cleansing products less often. If you cannot tolerate this, then be sure to cleanse only the hair close to the root.
Nourishing
Nourishing products that contain large amounts of polymers should be avoided. These high concentrations of polymers are often found in cheap brands and are used to coat the hair with chemicals that adhere to the hair giving the instant appearance of healthy shiny hair by covering over it. This only hides the problem rather than addressing it directly and can contribute to poor hair health by creating excessive build-up that must be removed before any treatment can begin.
Selecting nourishing products can be daunting as there are a vast array of manufactures and product lines. In general, you will want a product that is formulated for moisture, repair, or color protection. For the optimal regimen, you will need daily and weekly use products in the form of a daily conditioner and a weekly deep conditioner.
Daily conditioner refers to both products used after cleansing and leave-in products. However, we prefer to think of leave-in products as preventative and address them in the following section. When applying a daily conditioner after cleansing, be sure to use an adequate amount of the product from hair root to hair end. It is best to comb thru gently with a wide-tooth comb and leave the product on the hair for 5-10 minutes before rinsing—only condition on days when you have also cleansed to avoid potential build-up.
When using a deep conditioning product, be sure you select a formulated product for deep conditioning because these products are designed to lock moisture in the hair shaft and repair damage to the hair cuticle. Also, these products have a higher density of active ingredients than daily conditioners. Apply an adequate amount of the product from hair root to hair end and comb thru the hair gently with a wide-tooth comb. This ensures that the product is distributed evenly on each hair shaft. It is best to place your hair in a processing cap but not necessary when used at home. Leave the product on your hair for 15 minutes before rinsing. Because of the strength of these products, they should only be used once a week and never daily despite how great they will make your hair feel. In this case, less is more.
Prevention
Use a daily leave-in conditioner before styling. This is a must because a leave-in conditioner will provide moisture. More importantly, it will provide a layer of protection on the hair shaft against mechanical, thermal, and environmental damage. If you have excessively dry hair, use a leave-in conditioner several times during the day. Be sure to select a product that is designed for moisture balance.
During the summer, many people find themselves at the beach or in a swimming pool. Water is known as the universal solvent, meaning that it will dissolve many compounds. Because it is a solvent, water can and will strip your hair without any additives. If you add chlorine or salt to the mix, it will strip your hair profoundly and quickly, robbing it of essential oils. In addition, as the stripped and unprotected hair dries, it will wick moisture away from the cortex as well. UV damage is also present during the summer, especially during these activities, because your hair will be exposed to the sun. For these reasons, it is essential to take the following precautions to prevent excessive moisture loss and damage. First use, apply a leave-in conditioner designed for UV protection and moisture protection before leaving the house for your summer activity and be generous. Second, wet your hair with normal water before you get in the pool or ocean water. Hair acts like a sponge, and by soaking it before you get in the pool or sea, you allow it to be saturated with water that does not contain salt or chlorine. Because it is saturated (or full), it will not absorb the pool or ocean water that contains salt, chlorine, or other contaminants, thus preventing the uptake of these chemicals and pollutants into the cortex of the hair.
At the end of a day of activities where your hair may have been exposed to contaminants, you should immediately rinse your hair to remove those contaminants and reapply your leave-in conditioner. Do not cleanse your hair immediately; allow it time to recover from the shock of extended exposure to the elements. This healing time is important to maintain the health of your hair.
It is best to spritz your hair with water before styling them with a round or paddle brush or to apply a leave-in conditioner after blow-drying. According to ClassPass experts, With blowouts, your hair will look great for the whole week after your appointment, so you can opt for a Monday appointment.
In essence, summer is a time for fun and excitement in the surf and sun. But that does not mean you must suffer the consequences of dry and unmanageable hair. Now that you know what to look signs to look for, what causes dry hair, and how to manage dry hair, you are prepared to enjoy your summer with beautiful, healthy hair. Dry hair is a common hair problem, but it can be managed with the proper knowledge, tools, and hair services at your disposal. So have a great summer and enjoy your look at the same time!