dry hair fix | thirstyroots.com: Black Hairstyles and Hair Care

7 Steps to Combat Dry Hair

ThirstyRoots | Mar 30, 2011 | Comments 0

Many people have ask what is that magic dry hair fix? Well, I researched on the topic and found that not one thing can fix the dry hair problem. From medical issues to what you are eating to what products you are using, can be the cause of your dry scalp and strands.

Black hair is prone to dryness do to its tight curl pattern, which makes it difficult for the natural oils to make it down the hair shaft. So that in itself is an issue.

The first thing you must ask yourself is, like in any problem, what am I doing that might cause this problem? I like to get to the root of my problems before I try to find a solution. So lets start there:

Causes for dry hair in black hair:

Using too much heat
Over shampooing and washing
Over processing (not properly using relaxers or coloring agents)
Not drinking water and eating healthy
Not conditioning or moisturizing regularly

Ok, now that we know what can cause dry hair lets get into the 7 steps to help fix the problem.

Here is your checklist:

1. Use less heat and use a thermal hair protector.

I know ladies you’ve heard it before, but make sure it register. Daily use of blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, and hot combs are detrimental to your hair. Try using these styling agents only once a week. If you can go longer without heat, then do it, it will speed up your recovery process and goal to healthy hair.

2. Do not color your hair.

If you are using bleaches to lighten your hair, then it can be your dry hair cause. Adding color to your hair on top of relaxers can result in excessive dryness. The best bet is just to stay away from dying your strands and maybe try a gentle rinse instead, once you’ve nursed it back to health.

3. Protect your hair.

Protecting your hair at night goes a long way. The best way to do this is to wear satin or silk caps or scarves. Also you can lay your head on satin or silk pillowcase oppose to cotton ones which sucks moisture out of your hair. It’s best for your hair to glide as you toss and turn, than clinging to the pillow on cotton fabric.

4. Shampoo less frequent.

Squeaky clean hair can result in dry hair that has been sucked out of its natural oils and moisture. So make sure your do not shampoo your hair too often. I would not wash no more than once a week. If you do not use many heavy creams and styling gels on a weekly bases, then you can shampoo less frequent.

5. Co-wash in between shampooing.

Co-washing is simply washing your hair with only a conditioner. Now lets not get it twisted, co-washing does not cleanse the hair or scalp. If you recently cleansed your hair, but used a product you need to get rid of, co-washing will help strip some of the product away. Also co-washing adds moisture to your hair. Co-washing frequently without cleansing can cause build up from daily product usage, so make sure you shampoo your hair regularly.

6. Condition and moisturize.

This part is key. Moisture is the best thing you can do for your hair. When your hair is moisturized and conditioned well, less breakage occurs and dryness is not a factor. Make sure you find a good deep conditioner and/or leave-in conditioner, and also a daily moisturizer or oil that you can use for styling purposes. Conditioning the hair properly helps restore moisture levels.

7. Style you hair in Protective Hairstyles.

Protective hairstyles are styles that keeps the hair strands tucked away from potential snagging, weathering, and breakage. You can also hold in the moisture that you work so hard at restoring your hair with. Some examples of protective styles are the following: braids, cornrows, two-strand twists, flat twists, buns, bantu knots, and french rolls. (See bellow a gallery of protective hairstyles)