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What to Do for Dry Hair

Are you distressed over your dry tresses? Dry hair lacks luster and shine, and sometimes it can be frizzy as well. Hair naturally has 10% moisture in its cortical layer (responsible for hair's strength and elasticity) and when moisture drops below that level, dryness sets in. Many factors can cause dry hair: lack of sebum production from the hair follicles, dry environment, poor hair care and the use of harsh hair chemicals or treatments. Here are some ways to restore moisture and restore healthy sebum production.

  1. Proper Hair Care

    • Hair, like skin, needs tender loving care. The sun's rays or dry, windy climates can strip your hair of moisture. When dealing with the forces of nature, your best chance is to protect your hair with shades, hats or scarves---less exposure equals less moisture lost. Washing your hair daily can also rob it of moisture. It is advisable to wash your hair two or three times a week, or at most every other day. When washing your hair, use your fingers to gently massage the scalp to stimulate production of sebum, the protective oil from hair follicles that naturally moisturizes hair.

      Harsh chemical processes such as hair color, permanent waves, hair straightening, and prolonged exposure to hair blowing and styling can cumulate in dry, fly-away hair. This is strictly a case of cause and effect; you can help your hair condition by either choosing more natural, organic products or reduce use. For instance, when blow-drying your hair, use a cooler setting and reduce blow-drying time.

    Replenish Moisture

    • You need to replenish moisture in your hair, and this can be done in a number of ways. You can buy hair products that moisturize. Look for the inclusion of humectants, which not only replace moisture but retain it in the cortical layer of the hair. But essential fatty acids in the form of natural oils make the best moisturizers. They are natural and have no harsh chemicals. Safflower oil, castor oil, almond oil, avocado oil and olive oil are some of the better known examples. Jojoba oil is highly recommended for restoring shine and glow to hair, as it has a similar molecular structure to that of sebum. Herbal oils like nettle oil and burdock oil are also viable options, as they are full of nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for hair and scalp health. To use, simply massage oil into scalp gently and leave it on for 30 minutes before shampooing off. You can also leave it overnight for more effective results.

    Nutrition

    • Low sebum production can also cause dry hair. Eating a healthy well-balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains and low-fat dairy products can stimulate healthy production of sebum. Proteins promote healthy hair growth. Vitamins A and C, found in fruits and vegetables, stimulate the production of sebum to moisturize hair. Healthy fats in the form of omega-3 fatty acids support scalp health. Essential minerals such as selenium and zinc are particularly important for maintaining healthy scalp and the production of sebum.

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