How To Avoid Dry Hair
Winter is only around the corner here in Australia and with Autumn feeling like a typical winter, we're concerned for our hairs wellbeing. So if your hair is starting to feel dry, brittle and is prone to breakage naturally throughout the year, this blog will be for you - learn how to avoid getting dry hair. Winter means that there is less moisture in the air and humidity (depending where you're located) will be low. Winter may be great for the cute coats and winter fashion but Winter isn't always the greatest for your hair as it can contribute to having dry hair - good news is that we have a list of things that will help prevent dry hair this winter.
Firstly, knowing how to prevent your hair from becoming dry all year long will certainly ensure your hair stays healthier, shinier and easy to style as each day rolls in.
1. What Causes Dry Hair?
Winter is notorious for leaving you with dry hair, it's the worst - doesn't matter if you're inside or outside you can't escape dry air which equals to dry hair. But's not all Mother Nature that causes dry hair... if you wash your hair incorrectly you could be the culprit behind your dry locks. Your scalp works its mighty magic by producing a natural oil called sebum which assists in nourishing the skin on your scalp and hair strands. If you wash your hair too frequently you run the risk of stripping these vital natural nutrients from your hair that keeps it nice and moisturised. Prolong your hair by using dry shampoo so you don't find yourself jumping in the shower straight away to wash your hair. A personal favourite of ours is DeLorenzo's Absorb Dry Shampoo because it does the job without leaving your hair feeling thick, greasy and gross.
2. Washing Your Hair
Knowing how often you should be washing your hair all depends on your hair type and how quick it is to become oily. Generally, washing your hair two to three times a week is ideal and it won't strip your hair of the natural nutrients we mentioned above that your scalp gives your hair. How you wash your hair is just as important too, especially in the cooler months such as winter. We love a hot shower as much as the next person but hot water isn't good for your hair. Hot water will strip away your hair's natural oils as well as dries out your scalp - yeesh! Instead of hot water, rinse your hair with cool to cold water when rinsing out your shampoo and conditioner products. Why? Cold water helps revitalize your hair and adds shine.
3. Drying Your Hair
Knowing the proper way to dry your hair can be a big help in preventing dry, brittle hair. When you wash your hair, use a microfibre towel or even an old cotton t-shirt to dry your hair and this is because it is a lot more gentle on your hair and won't cause friction. When drying, instead of rubbing your hair between the fabric, gently scrunch your hair instead. Rubbing your hair is a massive no-go because you'll cause breakage. Whenever you're using a blow dryer, wait until your hair is about 80% dry before using a hairdryer, this will cause less damage on your hair from the heat as it'll take less time with the same result as a blow out. Whenever plausible, have your hairdryer on the lowest heat setting and be sure to use heat protectant.
If you frequently use heated tools such as hairdryers, straighteners and curling wands you may find your hair is dry and prone to breakage. Limit your heat styling to a couples times a week if absolutely necessary. A great way to minimise heat styling on your natural hair is to use hair extensions because once you style them whether it be straight or with curls, the style will hold overnight. Therefore, using hair extensions when styling your hair means you save your natural hair from unnecessary heat and protect your hair from drying out. Make sure you always use heat protectant on your hair extensions too!
4. Brushing Your Hair
When your hair is wet, DO. NOT. BRUSH. IT! We repeat, do not brush it. You see those tangles, we know it's tempting but for the love of your hair, don't touch when wet. Your hair is at its most fragile state when wet so if you brush too harshly you could run the risk of breaking your hair and pulling in areas that are already recovering from trauma. Whenever your brushing your hair, make sure you are using the right brush. A wide tooth comb will always be your best friend instead of bristle brushes. Also, when you're brushing your hair make sure you start from the bottom and make your way up, if you start from the top you're only opening yourself up to breakage, especially if you have dry hair.
5. Prevent Split Ends
If you have dry hair, split ends are so common. This is because the natural oils we mentioned earlier made from your scalp aren't reaching the ends of your hair - this could be because you're not brushing your hair as often as you should or because plain and simple, your hair is too dry. Your tips are the last to receive oils from your scalp and that's why your ends stay dry.
6. Get Regular Trims
Getting regular trims will help with the overall hair health, because you're cutting off split ends or any damaged hair. If you don't get to your split ends quick enough they can start to travel further up your hair resulting in major damage to the hair shaft. We recommend visiting your hair salon every 4-8 weeks for a healthy trim. We know, sounds weird if you're someone that wants to grow their hair but you won't have long luscious hair if you don't get regular trims.
7. Reduce Chemical Treatments
We hate to tell you but if you're a fake blonde, need regular perms for effortless bounce or chemically straighten your hair... you're 100% more prone to dry hair than the average gal with naturally flawless locks. Chemical treatments such as colouring will cause your hair to become dry and damaged, however you can maintain how much damage if you are pumping moisture back into your hair with oils and hair masks. We have a full blog here on what oils are best to use with your hair type. Try and limit these sorts of treatments and opt for hair extensions if you are after highlights and a refresh in colour. The same result, minus the damage.
8. Eat The Right Foods
Believe it or not, but your diet impacts the health of your hair. Load up on foods that are enriched with omega-3 and anti oxidants such as broccoli, blueberries, tomato's, kidney beans, salmon and walnuts are just a few we can think of - not only are these foods good for your hair, they're also good for your skin! Most importantly, don't forget to drink lots of water and stay hydrated throughout the day as this is critical for skin and hair health. You can also add in a hair vitamin to help boost the required aspects to grow your hair and for it to be healthy.
With all of the dot points made above, for you to actually see results you need to apply these rules all year round otherwise your hair could remain dry and damaged. A healthy hair routine that will keep your hair as well as your scalp moisturised is essential all year round if you want results that last! Just because Summer comes around and it's hot again doesn't mean we stop the hair oils and intense masks, if anything, depending on your climate, you may need to boost the products you use to battle the heat.
Leave a comment