90% of us suffer with dry brittle or frizzy hair because our hair is deficient of (moisture) WATER! There is a certain preconceived notion that has been passed on from generation to generation. That is the idea that our hair is dry, because we are lacking in natural oils. We are told that if we nurture our hair by brushing vigorously 100 times a day, with an all-natural bristle brush, or if we pamper our hair with hot oil treatments or smother out hair with cholesterols. If we do all of these things, then we are sure to be blessed with beautiful, shiny and healthy locks.
Hair treatments for dry hair focus on providing hydration and moisture retention. Follicles, the root and follicle bulbs require 5-8% moisture content for healthy development and cell growth. Adding hydration through external or internal applications greatly decreases the occurrence of dry hair and scalp. Moisturizing shampoos, conditioners and treatments help reduce frizz and strengthen weak hair and hydrate dry hair. Hair treatments for dry hair greatly enhance body, life and manageability and provide protection and repair from damage.
Dry hair can be caused by the chemicals used in coloring, bleaching and highlighting. It can also be caused by too much heat, whether from the sun or from electric appliances such as curlers and blow dryers.
Over-styling can cause heat damage that depletes the hair of moisture. Flat irons or curling irons set at high temperatures fry or steam hair and destroy the medulla and its ability to provide nutrients and vitamins. The result is frizz and split-ends and hair that is prone to breaking and loss of manageability.
Try vinegar
To add a beautiful shine to your hair dilute apple-cider vinegar in water (one part vinegar to seven parts water) and rinse your hair with it after you shampoo. A vinegar rinse is great for over-processed hair, and it can also liven up a tired perm.
Use mayonnaise
Many hair-care experts say that mayonnaise makes a good overall conditioner. Rub it into your hair, then leave it on for about 5 minutes, before shampooing it out thoroughly.
Limit sun exposure
Humidity is high in summer but the sun is hot and too much sun can damage your hair as well as your skin. If you can’t limit sun exposure, try to apply a conditioner to your hair that contains sunscreen after shampooing.
To protect your hair from chlorine damage when swimming, apply baby oil to your hair before entering the pool. Use about ½ a teaspoon - more if your hair is long - and work it in to your hair. The oil coats hair shafts and prevents them from absorbing harsh chlorine. After your swim you can shampoo the oil out.
Eating “right” can do wonders for your hair. Vegetables, fruits and meats high in proteins convert to hydration that enable healthy, moisture-rich follicles and improve circulation to the root and and follicle bulb. Useful hair product treatments developed to infuse and increase moisture help as well. Hair care products containing Emu Oil, Panthenol or Jojoba oil raise moisture content and improve hair elasticity. Emu oil which has been used in Australia for thousands of years and is a natural moisturizer and anti-inflammatory; it decreases flaking, itching and adds volume and smoothness to dry, dull, or lifeless hair.
