The best dry hair treatments for hydration and repair

There's nothing better than the feeling you get when you look in the mirror and see your hair looking freshly cut, clean and healthy. The shine! The bounce! The vibrancy! It's the kind of thing that can give you that extra boost of self-confidence in the morning.

Unfortunately, dealing with dry hair can really rain on your parade.

Suddenly, the bounce has been replaced with frizz, and you're left with limp, lifeless locks that look like they're ready to break off at any second.

Whether it's heat tools, relaxing chemical treatments or the endless pursuit of trying to maintain the perfect blonde hair, from health conditions to environmental factors, there are plenty of reasons dry hair can affect you, no matter your hair type.

In this article, we'll break down exactly what causes dry hair, as well as the hair products and deep conditioning treatments you can use to nourish your hair back to its optimal health.

What is dry hair?

Dry hair is a condition that occurs when your hair isn't getting the moisture and/or oil it needs to maintain its optimal texture and shine, for the glossy, picture-perfect locks we all dream of [1].

If you're prone to dry hair, you'll know the signs of it all too well.

It's the kind of lifeless, dull hair that looks less glossy and more matte. It's brittle hair that breaks easily and is prone to split ends, or it's frizzy hair that just can't be tamed.

Whatever it looks like for you, chances are, there's a reason behind it, so let's talk about it.

What causes dry hair?

Dry, damaged hair can be caused by several factors, and in many cases, it's a combination of several factors that are contributing to your less-than-optimal hair situation.

Firstly, there are things we do that can leave us with dry, damaged hair. This includes frequent heat styling, like regular blow drying, or overuse of curling irons and hair straighteners [7].

All of these can deplete the moisture in your hair, and while it may look good in the moment, it can lead to long-term damaged hair.

Similarly, chemicals can play a major role in drying out your hair, particularly if you're aiming for lighter or blonde hair [10].

Frequently colouring, perming or chemically relaxing your hair can damage your hair shaft and leave you with dry, over-processed hair.

Harsh shampoo and conditioner treatments, particularly if you're washing your hair too often, can also deplete your hair of moisture and its natural oils.

Lifestyle factors, like poor diet, hydration and smoking tobacco, can also make it harder to keep your hair healthy, as your hair can be a reflection of your overall health and well-being [1].

Plus, there are medical and genetic factors that can affect your hair's health. Hypothyroidism and menopause can reduce your body's production of natural oils, while skin conditions like psoriasis can affect the scalp and your hair cuticles [1].

Your hair type, ageing and genetics also play a role, as some people are naturally more predisposed to having dry hair, and as people age, their scalp will produce less natural oil.

Thinning hair and some hair loss are also common with age, particularly if there are underlying medical conditions in play [3].

Finally, there are environmental factors — like excessive exposure to sun, wind and dry air, or chlorine and saltwater if you go swimming regularly — that can strip the moisture from your hair [1][5].

Water quality also plays a role; washing your hair with hard water with high mineral content can leave deposits on the hair, making it dry and brittle.

What are the best treatments for reviving dry hair?

The good news is, there are plenty of ways to do some damage control, revive your hair, and protect it from further damage.

Starting from the inside out, it's important to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated [8].

Ensure your diet includes essential vitamins and minerals: think omega-3 fatty acids (like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts), vitamins A, C, D, and E (like carrots, spinach, and avocados) and biotin [2]. These nutrients are vital for healthy hair.

If necessary, speak with a health professional to address any underlying medical conditions.

After you've addressed these factors, it's time to invest in some deep moisture hair products to help restore your hair to its best with a combination of moisturising products and protective practices.

Here are the best dry hair treatment options and practices:

1. Moisturising shampoos and conditioners

Use a shampoo and conditioner combination that's specifically designed to treat dry hair [4].

Typically, these products will contain ingredients like shea butter, argan or coconut oil and glycerin to help give you a hair cleansing that doesn't strip the hair shaft of the deep moisture it needs.

2. Deep conditioner treatments

Once or twice a week, use a deep conditioner treatment or hair mask.

A deep conditioning treatment has greater penetration abilities and can get deeper into the hair strands to help nourish your hair and restore hydration faster than regular dry hair products like shampoo and conditioner.

3. Leave-in conditioners and hair oils

Leave-in products, like conditioner or hair oils, can help keep your hair smooth, soft and moisturised throughout the day [11].

Oils like argan oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil are excellent home remedies to add shine and moisture.

4. Avoid heat styling

While you're working to repair your hair, it's best to limit how often you blow dry your hair, and how often you use heat tools [5].

When you need to blow dry your hair or use heat tools, it's important to apply a heat protectant spray beforehand in order to avoid worsening your damaged hair.

5. Get regular trims

If you have split or brittle ends, getting regular trims will be key to preventing further damaged hair.

All hair types benefit from getting a regular trim, and it will help your hair look less frizzy and more shiny, which is the ultimate goal, isn't it?

6. Use gentle hair care practices

If you're guilty of going too hard on harsh shampoo and conditioners, it's time to stop over-washing your hair and embrace a new, gentle approach [1].

Wash your hair every 2 or 3 days, as this can help preserve your hair's natural oils. Avoid washing your hair with hot water, and opt for lukewarm or cool water instead.

Finish your wash with a cold water rinse to help seal the hair cuticles and lock moisture in.

Next, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair [5]. Always make sure to start near the ends and work your way up, as this can help you avoid unnecessary breakage.

Then, pat your hair dry (don't rub it!) and wrap it in a towel to let it dry naturally [5]. You can also use protective hairstyles, like braids or buns, to minimise environmental damage. Avoid blow drying as much as possible [1].

8. Use a silk or satin pillowcase

Sleeping on silk or satin pillowcases, or using a hair bonnet, can reduce friction and prevent hair breakage and frizz.

What's the best hair care routine for dry hair?

The best way to repair your hair is to implement a hair care routine that focuses on maintaining moisture, preventing damage, and promoting overall hair health.

Here's a list of easy ways you can nourish your hair daily, weekly and monthly to help you repair your hair over time.

Daily routine

Morning

• Detangle your hair gently with a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots.
• Apply a leave-in conditioner or a few drops of hair oil. Focus on the ends, as this can help prevent split ends.

Throughout the day

• If you’re going out in the sun, use a hat or a UV-protectant spray to protect your hair from sun damage [9].
• Refrain from touching or playing with your hair too much during the day to avoid transferring oils from your hands and causing frizz.

Weekly routine

Washing (2-3 times a week)

1. Before shampoo: Apply a pre-shampoo treatment or oil (like coconut oil or olive oil) to your hair and leave it on for about 30 minutes to an hour. This helps protect your hair from the drying effects of shampoo.
2. Shampoo: Use a sulfate-free, moisturising shampoo like Software's Hair Growth Shampoo [1]. Avoid using hot water; instead, use lukewarm water to help retain moisture.
3. Conditioner: Apply a generous amount of conditioner (such as Software's Hair Growth Conditioner) to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Deep conditioner (once a week)

4. Deep conditioner or hair mask: Use a deep conditioner or hair mask treatment once a week. Apply it after shampoo, leave the hair mask on for the recommended time, and rinse thoroughly. Look for a deep conditioning mask with ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or keratin.

Fortnightly or monthly routine

Hair treatments

1. Hot oil treatment: Perform a hot oil treatment every 2 weeks to infuse your hair with moisture. Warm up your preferred oil, apply it to your hair, cover it with a shower cap, and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it out.
2. Protein treatment: If you're experiencing hair loss, thinning hair, or your hair is also weak or brittle, consider using a protein treatment once a month to help strengthen it [11]. Be cautious not to overuse protein treatments, as they can make hair stiff if used too frequently.

What to look for in products for dry hair

When selecting products to help treat and revive dry hair, it's important to look for ingredients and formulations that provide intense moisture, nourishment, and protection.

For shampoo, you'll want to find one that is free from sulfates, as they can strip the hair of natural oils.

Instead, look for a shampoo with ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, which will attract and retain moisture.

A shampoo with argan, avocado, jojoba or coconut oil will also help nourish dry hair [6].

For your regular conditioner, the best conditioner will be one that's thick and creamy. Not only will this provide deep hydration, it can help you detangle any knots and keep your hair smooth.

Look for ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter and lanolin for soft, smooth hair, as well as proteins like keratin, silk and wheat to help strengthen and repair damaged hair.

When it comes to a good leave-in conditioner, look for something lightweight but hydrating, with ingredients like aloe vera, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), and silk amino acids.

Alternately, home remedies like argan oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil can add shine and moisture without weighing your hair down.

A good deep conditioner or hair mask will have ingredients like honey, glycerin, and aloe vera, which provide deep hydration, as well as butters and oils like shea butter, cocoa butter, argan oil, and coconut oil.

For hair styling products, a good heat protectant will protect your hair from further drying, and anti-frizz serums with silicones like dimethicone can help smooth hair and avoid frizz.

If you have a curly hair type, curl creams with hydrating and curl-defining ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil and aloe vera will help you enhance and moisturise your curls without weighing them down too much.

By choosing products with these beneficial ingredients and avoiding those that can cause dryness or damage, you can help maintain moisture, reduce frizz, and improve the overall health and appearance of your dry hair.

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