The condition of your hair relates to how well the cuticle, or outside layer of the hair strand, protects two inner layers, as well as how much sebum, or natural oil your hair produces. A lack of natural oils can also affect the condition of your scalp, causing dryness, itching and flaking. Dry hair and scalp can result from a number of factors, but no matter what the cause, one way to combat it is to use shampoos and conditioners formulated for dry hair and scalp.
Identification
Hair strands are made of two to three layers that determine its thickness. In normal hair, scales covering the cuticle, or outer layer, overlap tightly and allow the hair strand to lie flat. This traps moisture and helps to protect inner layers from damage. In dry hair, these scales separate, allowing moisture to escape, causing the hair strand to become brittle and susceptible to damage.
Factors
Normal hair has a moisture content of between 8 and 10 percent. Factors such as genetics, the environment or nutrition, as well as hair care and styling products can lower moisture content to less than 2 percent, according to disabled-world.com. Shampoos and conditioners for dry hair and scalp work to hydrate the hair and improve blood flow in the scalp. For these products to be effective, they must have deep penetrating properties.
Features
Dry hair shampoo is slightly acidic and does not contain alcohol. A slightly acidic or low pH shampoo tightens cuticle scales, allowing them to lie flat and trap moisture. The detergent ingredient in dry hair and scalp shampoo is milder than normal hair formulas. This is necessary to avoid stripping away what moisture remains in your hair. Dry scalp shampoo often contains menthol, included because it has a cooling and refreshing effect on the scalp and stimulates blood flow. The most important ingredient, however, is the moisturizing ingredients. Moisturizers, also called humectants, attract moisture from the air and prevent it from evaporating back into the atmosphere.
Dry hair conditioners include after-shampoo rinse-out conditioners and leave-in conditioners and treatments. In addition to the moisturizing ingredients these products contain, they usually include nutrients such as pro-vitamins to help to strengthen hair strands and prevent damage due to brittleness and breakage.
Process
If you have dry hair it is not necessary, nor should you, wash your hair every day. WomensHealthCareTopics.com suggests washing your hair every two to three days and if you can get away with washing even less often, definitely try it. When washing, concentrate on your roots and scalp, and avoid rubbing your hair.
Before using conditioner, squeeze as much water from your hair as you can to prevent diluting. During cold weather, leave rinse-out conditioner in your hair for a minimum of three minutes and in warm weather, at least one to two minutes.
Considerations
Stay in tune with how your hair looks and feels and switch to using dry hair and scalp shampoos and conditioners whenever necessary. It is possible for your hair to become "seasonally dry." Warm, humid temperatures encourage oil production. Unless you spend much time in the sun or in a chlorine pool, you may find shampoo and conditioners for normal hair will work during this time. In contrast, cold temperatures and less humid air may work to dry your hair to the point where you should switch to dry hair and scalp shampoo and conditioner.
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