How to moisturize and protect dry hair: Useful tips and 9 products
margarita virova
Even the most unpretentious and obedient hair it is hardly easy to survive the cold winter and summer under the scorching sun - seasonal dryness is familiar to all, and even more so by owners of naturally dry and porous hair, wavy or curly; hair dryers and tongs contribute. We talk about the procedures and means to maintain soft and healthy type of strands.
Why moisturize hair
In an ideal world, hair and scalp live in harmony and help each other - so unloved by us sebum, which regularly produces skin, envelops hairs and nourishes them. Therefore, in particular, there is a sense in thoroughly combing the hair with a suitable brush - alas, this procedure is not too good for curls, but everyone else should carve out five minutes for a massage and comb. In a non-ideal world, we often wash our heads, use dry shampoos and styling products and get rid of natural fat, and besides, its production may be insufficient by nature and slow down with age. At the same time, too active work of the sebaceous glands is responsible for the same kind of “dirty” hair - in this case, the scalp requires careful care without drying, which subsequently only causes the sebum to stand out in more quantities.
From temperature effects - this is the stylers, and the climate, and hot water - the cuticle first of all suffers: the heating of the scales that protect the hair is lifted, and besides, the disulfide bonds between the keratin molecules that destroy the strength of the hair are destroyed. Therefore, the tips split off, and the mass of hair itself becomes drier. Of course, to “burn” the hair completely, you have to work hard, but even with minimal damage you have to face it every day. Proper washing, gentle drying, soft shampoos and special products will come to the rescue.
How to minimize damage
If you notice that your hair has become drier, the best thing you can do is to reduce the aggressiveness of the impact and make a good habit of not touching your hair. Gradually give up daily washing and find a convenient interval - once every two or three days or a week, depending on the structure of the hair and the type of scalp. Simultaneously switch to mild shampoos, organic or designed for dry and dyed hair. Keep track of the pH level in the products: dry strands need money with a low or neutral index. The shampoo can be alternated with a conditioner for coking - it gently cleanses the hair and additionally nourishes them. Finishing water procedures is better with cool water: after rinsing, the cuticle flakes close, the same rule works with a hairdryer - cold air during drying will leave less damage than hot air.
Already dry and damaged hair is likely to continue to be stubborn when it dries naturally (especially next to hot batteries), and when blow-dried. In both cases, you need an additional tool - indelible oil or thermal protection. If you need styler styling, set the lowest temperature on the gadget.
How to maintain a balance
For regular care for dry hair, you should choose products that contain keratin - the same protein that makes up hair - and glycerin, a popular moisturizer for everything. Again, it’s not worth hoping for a short course of procedures that will turn back time and restore already damaged hair, but constant care with nutrients will help to significantly improve the appearance of the strands. Do not be afraid and regular use of oils containing silicones, which will assume the function of sebum and protect hair from external influences. Natural oils, such as shea or coconut, may also be suitable for the care of dry porous hair. It is necessary to avoid propyl and isopropyl alcohol in the compositions - they are often added to care products as substances that can shorten the time for drying hair, but it is the rapid evaporation that helps the dry cycle.
Going to bed with wet hair is also not worth it: cotton and cotton pillowcases easily and with pleasure absorb moisture - including the one that would be nice in the hair to stay. If the strands are damaged too much, you can protect them at night simply by wrapping your hair with a silk scarf. And in order not to exacerbate fragility, change the comb to a more peaceful one - for example, Tangle Teezer or Wet Hair Brush, which allow you to comb and wet hair with minimal injuries.
Photo: Look Fantastic, Moroccanoil, Pudra, Cosmetics Online, Hairs Russia, Lush, Kérastase, Ile de Beaute, Matrix