I received an email from a young lady who was frustrated with the fact that her hair was so dry and asked me for advice about what products to use to get and retain moisture in her tresses. I could totally relate because when I started my second natural hair journey in 2010 [my HEALTHY natural hair journey] I encountered the same issue of dryness. There are more causes of a dry mane than bad product choices. Such as:
1. Excessive shampooing.
Shampooing hair multiple times a week, especially with shampoo containing Sulfates can strip hour hair of its natural oils causing dry and brittle hair. Try switching to Sulfate free shampoos, or if you MUST use a shampoo containing sulfates, try a two in one conditioning shampoo (I use Aussie Moist 2 in 1 Shampoo) or make your own by mixing one part shampoo with one part conditioner. You can also skip the shampooing all together and Co-wash only. Co-washing, is the same process as shampooing except with conditioner only. You’d be amazed at the lather and cleanse you get from co-washing. I alternate between Herbal Essence Hello Hydration and Aussie Moist Conditioner for my co-washes.
2. Not sealing moisturized hair with oil.
It makes no sense to go through all of the trouble of conditioning if you are not going to seal in the moisture with an oil. WATER, moisturizer, conditioners or leave-ins without an oil to seal them in will only EVAPORATE from your hair. My favorite oil is grapeseed oil, I have also used coconut oil and sweet almond oil to seal my hair. Say it with me now…CLEANSE…MOISTURIZE… SEAL.
3. The environment.
The environment in which you live could also take a toll on your hair moisture. Think about it, if humidity can ruin your sleek hair style, don’t you think the hot sun and harsh wind can suck it dry? In extremely hot and cold months, help protect your hair from the elements by wearing hats, beanies and protective styles that have the ends of your hair tucked in.
4. Sleeping with no Protection.
Not wearing a satin scarf or bonnet while sleeping can also lead to dryness. to refresh you hair before bed spray it with a moisturizing spritz or leave-in and apply a small amount of water based moisturizer and seal it with and oil or butter such as olive oil or shea butter. Curly Nikki has a great post on nightly routines.
Hope this helps!
Lina