What is dry hair?
Dry hair results when your hair does not get sufficient moisture or is unable to retain it. This leaves your hair looking dull, frizzy, and brittle.
Anyone can develop dry hair, but it's more likely to come as you grow older.
Notably, your hair is made up of three layers. The outer layer contains natural oils which give the hair its sheen. The oil's ability to reflect light is also what makes your hair glow. And as you know, one way to identify healthy hair is its lustre and sheen.
But in dry hair, these natural oils are no longer there, thus making your hair look unappealing.
But what causes dry hair?
Causes of dry hair
If you currently have dry hair, any of the following may be the reason:
- Your scalp is dry. The only natural lubrication your hair has is the oils supplied by the roots. And since the roots are underneath the scalp, a dry scalp consequently means dry hair. Dandruff is usually a sign of dry scalp when the scalp peels and sheds.
- You're getting into your later years. Age is one cause of dry hair since your hair produces less oil as time wears on. Dry hair also results from hormonal changes after menopause.
- Dry, hot climate. Exposing your hair to dry, sunny and windy weather for long periods can leave your hair dry once the oils get dried up.
- Frequent swimming in chlorinated or salty water. Swimming in chlorinated or salty water can also cause dry hair due to the reaction between your hair's oil and the chemicals.
- Poor hair care practices. Some hair care practices that can cause dry hair include:
- Excessive hair wash
- Using harsh conditioners and styling products
- Blow-drying your hair too often
- Using chemical hair treatment and dyes
- Frequent use of electric straighteners and curlers.
- Underlying Health conditions: each hair strand is an extension of you. Some health challenges or nutritional deficiencies you suffer may therefore affect your hair to a large extent. Some health conditions that lead to dry hair include:
- Anorexia nervosa - this is an eating disorder in which you eat far less than you should, thereby depriving yourself of sufficient nutrients. One of the symptoms of anorexia is dry hair that thins and falls out.
- Hypoparathyroidism - Calcium is a vital nutrient for healthy hair. Hypoparathyroidism, a condition in which your parathyroid gland produces insufficient parathyroid hormone, leads to calcium deficiency, which negatively impacts your hair health.
- Hypothyroidism - this is just like hypoparathyroidism. Dry and brittle hair is one of the signs of this condition.
Be mindful; if you experience fatigue, hair loss, and other health conditions that persist for a long time, see your doctor.
Remedies to dry hair
Now you know the causes of dry hair, the problem is half-solved. You can simply withdraw from those poor hair care practices and do the following:
- Use a moisturizing condition
- Deep condition your hair only 2-4 times monthly.
- Use hair care products specific to your hair type. Find out if your hair has low, medium, or high porosity before purchasing any product.
- Shampoo your hair less often, advisably once or twice weekly
- Avoid chemical and electrical hair treatment
- Protect your hair from intense sun rays over long periods
- Take vitamin supplements
- Apply natural hair oils like Rice Bran Oil, Onion Oil, and Super Seed Regrowth Oil to supplement your scalp's natural oil.
Is natural oil good for hair?
Natural oils are the best oils for natural hair. If you have dry hair, some of the best oils to use include Onion Oil and Rice Bran oil, which helps repair brittle hair, promote scalp and hair health, boosts hair growth, and prevents early grey hair.
Super Seed Regrowth Oil is also one of the best oil treatments for natural hair growth. It prevents hair dryness and breakage, paving the way for uniform growth and fuller hair.
How to apply onion oil on natural hair
Onion oil is one of the best oil treatments you can give to your natural hair. And you can get your homemade onion oil by extracting the juice from onion slices. Do not add any chemicals. The juice itself is the oil.
To apply onion oil on your hair, mix it with coconut oil, warm the mixture, and then massage generously all over your scalp and hair length.
Keep the hair that way overnight, and then rinse it the next morning with a mild shampoo.
Onion oil conditions, moisturizes, and strengthens your hair, prevents breakage, and boosts hair growth.
How often should you oil your scalp?
People with healthy hair shouldn't oil more than once or twice weekly. But if you have dry hair, you can oil your scalp daily or every other day for a week. After that, you can then apply the treatment once or twice a week.
How to moisturize natural hair
The following are best practices for moisturizing natural hair:
- Use a true moisturizer (one having water as its first or second ingredient).
- Seal in moisture using a natural oil such as Shea butter, onion oil, or avocado oil. Allow the oil to stay for about 20-40 minutes before shampooing.
- Avoid excessive heat
- If you have low porosity hair, moisturize more often and keep the sealant on for longer.
- For high porosity hair, moisturize less often, at most once a week, and leave it on for a shorter time.
- Use the yoghurt + liquid protein + baking soda "Cherry Lola Treatment." You shouldn't do this more than twice a month as too much amino acid isn't very good for your hair.
Final Words
Now that you know why your hair is dry and all you can do, it's time to take action!
Get the right products, apply them correctly, and you'd be well on your way to growing that long hair that never stops inducing compliments.