The causes of dry hair are endless. You may simply be using hair dryers too often or enjoying the sun. If that's the case, the solution is straightforward. The real problem arises when there are other reasons for dry hair.
By now, you’ve probably heard about dozens of solutions to fix dry hair. Most likely, you’ve found that none of them work for every hair type. How many of you have found the perfect shampoo or conditioner for one type of dry hair, and heard nothing but complaints and critique about the same product from others?
Mending dry hair is not simple or one-sided. It requires dedication, finding the right product for your specific hair type, getting the right vitamins and minerals and a whole lotta regular love to achieve lasting moisturisation.
Let's dive into the comprehensive guide to fixing dry hair.
Dry Hair Overhaul For Different Types & Texture
An important step to take before buying hairstyling products for restoring dry hair is knowing your hair type.
Some hair is naturally dryer. Other hair is greasier and needs lighter mending care. Let’s not even touch on the problem of oily roots and dry ends prone to splitting! If only there was a magical potion to fix dry hair in a jiffy! Although quality hair products cannot solve all dry hair problems, the right choice can make strands healthy, shiny and bouncy.
The texture is also important. Overburdening curly or wavy hair with heavy restoring products can make it messy and in-the-middle-of-nowhere as far as shape is concerned. You can definitely worsen the condition with poorly chosen shampoos or conditioners. After a while of using inadequate products, surrendering into the hands of a professional hairdresser will be your only (and more costly!) solution for decent looking hair.
What Causes Dry Hair: 7 Most Common Culprits
Let's look into the most common dry hair causes and see why they arise so that we are able to fight them.
- Genetics
The number one dry hair cause is genetics. Simply put, you were born with a dryer scalp and dry hair that fails to keep the moisture in and balance out the natural oils in your DNA. You have fewer oil glands that surround the hair follicle and feed the hair from root to tip. You might also have more sweat glands to protect your head from overheating. While this may be helpful during exercise and for migraine prevention, it doesn't help much with hair protection.
If you suffer from dry hair due to natural causes, you may need to double or triple the effort you give to care and invest in full-scope care, including regular application of deep treatment nourishing creams such as 18 In 1 Professional Nourishing Moisturising Creme.
- Medication
- Illness
Unfortunately, illnesses can suck the life out of great hair and make it look parched. If the condition is serious, you will most likely have other priorities under the circumstances and dedicate most of your time to either healing your body or improving its condition with help from healthcare professionals. Once you are done with the basic medical care, you will also want your hair to look nice too.
Of course, whenever a disease is in question, address the main problem first and tend to the cosmetics later by regularly using a gentle cleansing routine, such as Milk Shake Sweet Camomile Shampoo and Milk Shake Sweet Camomile Conditioner.
- Hormonal changes
Hormones fluctuate cyclically and change with age. We all know how lively and elastic the hair seems mid-cycle at the peak of ovulation, and how dull and belligerent it gets before the period starts. No amount of styling products or careful blowdrying can tame it - it gets an attitude of its own!
It's good to track your cycle so that you understand why your hair changes and to place hormones among the main dry hair causes. Instead of jumping straight into a beauty salon, wait for a few days first. If the hair doesn't restore its natural liveliness shortly go ahead and make that phone call.
- Weather
If you are the outdoorsy type, your hair won't say thank you. Although your hair and skin need exposure to natural light to build vitamin D storage, it needs to be moderate.
If you are not able to limit time spent outside as a first-aid measure, you can apply products that fight damage caused by bad weather by nourishing and protecting the follicles with oils.
- Nutrition
- Maintenance
Now we have come to the dry hair root cause - yourself! Or, more precisely, your hair care routine. What activities can cause dry hair? Too much heat from strong hair dryers without ionisation, intense colouring, frequent washing and much more.
The good part is your problem is less serious than some of the other reasons on this list. However, don't forget that persistent hair dryness can lay the ground for more severe hair conditions. Therefore, act while the iron is hot and love your hair every day.
Natural Ingredients For Dry Hair
1. Argan Oil
Argan oil is known for its richness in vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids, which help repair hair damage. The ingredient is also effective at combatting split ends and making hair more manageable.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the most effective conditioners for hair as it helps reverse damage and encourages hair regrowth. The chain of fatty acids nourishes from the inside and leaves it feeling moisturised. Coconut oil also prevents breakages and split ends.
3. Almond Oil
Almond oil is also rich in vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids and magnesium. The ingredient is optimal for treating damaged hair as it both nourishes and strengthens at the same time.
4. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is rich in important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E and B-complex, zinc, copper, selenium, chromium and iodine. The oil smoothens the hair cuticle and tames dry hair. It helps seal moisture in the hair shaft and adds shine.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil will keep your hair hydrated and conditioned. The ingredient is a rich source of antioxidants that promote scalp health and protect from free radicals. The moisturising properties help seal the hair cuticle by forming a protective barrier over the hair shaft and controlling frizz. By strengthening hair by improving elasticity, olive oil prevents issues such as breakage and split ends.
6. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is rich in oleic acid and mono-saturated fats made for penetrating and moisturising the hair shaft. The fats strengthen and prevent breakage too.
7. Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood oil contains antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, astringent, cicatrisant, carminative, diuretic, disinfectant, expectorant and hypotensive properties. The antiseptic properties are particularly beneficial for stimulating blood circulation on the scalp and preventing hair dryness.
8. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has long been used as a herbal remedy. The combination of amino acids, vitamins and minerals can improve dry hair and dandruff. Plus, you can restore sheen and volume to the hair.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that combat scalp infection, dryness, itchiness and dandruff. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar removes residue from product build-up and creates lustrous locks.
10. Linseed Oil
Flaxseed oil, also known as linseed oil, comes from one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Its vitamin E content provides excellent nourishment for hair follicles and moisturises the strands.
Natural Remedies To Fix Dry Hair
Hot Oil Treatment
Create a hot oil treatment by combining a few of the oils from the above list. Simply bring a cup of water (250ml) to boil. Place 2 tablespoons (30ml) of coconut oil in a small bowl or mug. Put the bowl or mug into the water on the stove. Then add 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Olive Oil and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Jojoba Oil to the mix.
Allow the oil to sit until warm and remove from the stove using oven mitts. Make sure the mix isn’t too hot to avoid burning the hair and scalp. After washing the hair and towel drying, massage the formula into the scalp from the roots to the ends. Use a warm towel to wrap over the hair and let sit for 20 minutes. Wash and rinse for more nourished and hydrated hair.
Use a humidifier at night
Especially in winter, heating appliances can cause hair to become dry. A humidifier will help return moisture and prevent hair from becoming drier and more damaged.
Eat your omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids like gamma-linolenic acid are great for keeping the hair moisturised. Take one to three 250-milligram capsules of borage oil, evening primrose oil or linseed oil one to three times a day.
Proteins
Hair needs proteins to grow properly and retain vibrancy. Proteins often come through the stomach. Yet, not always. Many dry hair solutions include feeding your hair with natural nutrients, such as avocado and egg yolks on the outside.
Let your hair down
Hair can be suffocated if worn in a ponytail constantly. Try advising clients to let their hair down and not pull it back too tightly. Sometimes the hair just needs a break.
Shampoos, Conditioners & Masks To Get Rid Of Dry Hair
18 in 1 Professional Nourishing Shampoo, Conditioner and Moisturising Crème
The 18 In 1 Nourishing range works wonders for dry hair. The formula is enriched with the goodness of argan oil, vitamin E, panthenol and vegetable oil which perform the following benefits:
- Argan oil makes hair softer, silkier and shiner by conditioning and treating split ends.
- Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and prevents hair damage from free radicals
- Panthenol moisturises and hydrates hair intensely.
- Vegetable oil is loaded with nutrients that nourish, moisturise and protect the hair from any damage.
We particularly recommend 18 In 1 Professional Nourishing Creme to lock in all the moisture in the hair.
Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo & Conditioner
Another option is Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo and Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner. This collection uses a combination of argan oil and keratin to transform the hair from the inside out. One of the most noticeable differences is hydration, which produces sleek and shiny strands.
Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner
If you think your hair would appreciate a tropical flair, try Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Hydrating Shampoo and Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Hydrating Conditioner.
These formulas are infused with argan oil, avocado oil, camellia, green tea, almond oil and more. The combination improves the state of the hair during wash days.
Organic Products For Dry Hair
If you’re looking for organic products for dry hair, then you may already know the benefits of using products without harsh ingredients Organic products are full of proteins, vitamins, fruit extracts and essential oils to enhance the health of your hair.
Let's explore the benefits of treating dry hair in more detail.
Are Organic Hair Products Better For Dry Hair?
It’s up to you – do you think filling your dry hair with chemicals will make it better? If your answer to this question is no, then organic is the way to go!
The long-term use of organic products will provide your hair with the nourishment it needs to restore from within. You will get results that have a longer-lasting impact as your hair is replenished naturally and with a more enduring shine.
What Organic Products Can You Use On Dry Hair?
De Lorenzo Moisture Balance Shampoo & Conditioner
To moisturise hair the organic way, try De Lorenzo Moisture Balance Shampoo and De Lorenzo Moisture Balance Revive Conditioner.
This formula has been made in Australia for over 30 years, and the quality shows. You can fight colour fade and replenish lost moisture with ease. Plus, you can leave hair soft, shiny and renewed. The secret is a combination of Australian wattle seed, cacay oil, olive leaf extract and Kakadu plum.
De Lorenzo Scalp Control Cleanser & De Lorenzo Scalp Control Conditioner
If dry hair problems stem from the scalp, check out De Lorenzo Scalp Control Cleanser and De Lorenzo Scalp Control Conditioner.
You can gently cleanse the scalp and hair without stripping away natural oils. This will keep the scalp deeply hydrated and soft. Anyone suffering from a sensitised, oily scalp and hair will benefit from this duo.
