Dry hair has a moisture content of less than 10 percent. Factors in and out of your control, such as genetics, the environment, and some hair care and styling products, can create or make already dry hair even drier. It is important to use the right products on dry hair to protect it and keep you looking good.
Shampoo
Using the wrong shampoo can strip what little natural oils remain in your hair. Shampoo designed for dry hair, moisturizing shampoos, and shampoos that contain humectants are good choices. All of these shampoos contain ingredients that either draw moisture from the air, trap moisture so it cannot evaporate from your hair, or both. In addition, the pH level in shampoo formulated for dry hair or moisturizing shampoos makes them more acidic. Acidifier ingredients have pH levels of 2.5 to 3.5 that close the hair shaft, allow the hair to lie flat and prevent moisture from evaporating.
Conditioner
Conditioning products designed for dry hair are essential, as is using them correctly. Look for conditioners containing fatty acid humectants, or if you want a home remedy, Women'sHealthCareTopics.com suggests using mayonnaise. Proper application makes a difference in how well your conditioner works. Concentrate conditioner on the roots and ends of your hair, then comb through and leave on for an appropriate time. During cold weather months, leave it on for a minimum of three minutes and during warmer weather, for one to two minutes. If you use mayonnaise, leave it on for up to one hour before rinsing with lukewarm to cool water.
Hot Oil Treatments
Monthly hot oil treatments either at your hair salon or using over-the-counter treatments or ingredients you have at home are good for adding additional oil and moisture to dry hair. Good home remedies include one to two drops of safflower oil or two tbsp. of olive or almond oil. Once you massage the oil into your hair, cover your hair with a towel dampened with warm water and leave it for 30 minutes before rinsing.
Styling
Styling and coloring products should not contain high levels of alcohol, ammonia, or peroxide. If the product you are buying, such as mousse, styling gel, or hair coloring, does not state specifically that is formulated for dry hair, look for alternate labeling. Pro-vitamin, anti-frizz, or frizz control statements are good indicators of products suitable for dry hair, as are ingredients such as fruit extracts, flaxseed, and almond oil.
Appliances
Using the "hot" setting on your hair dryer and high settings on curling irons and rollers can quickly cause even more damage to dry hair. Make sure your hair dryer has a "cool" setting and use it. If you can, choose regular sponge or plastic rollers rather than heat-producing appliances.
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