5 Ways to Fix Dry Hair
It is easy to become susceptible to dry hair in the winter months, where your hair feels dry and brittle to the touch. You might even experience an extra amount of static electricity and have your dry hair stand up and pull away from your head. While staticky hair is only mildly embarrassing, it is a sign of damaged hair craving attention. Help your poor hair by following these tips.
- Avoid shampooing every day – Shampooing can provide a feeling of cleanliness that few other routines can surpass; it plays a key role in drying out your hair. Not only does shampooing remove dirt, everyday pollutants, and sweat from your hair, it also removes the natural oils that your scalp produces to protect your skin and hair. If the thought of not washing your hair for a day makes your skin crawl, then use a shampoo designed for dry hair or even baby shampoo because it’s gentle.
- Take care of how you dry – When you wash your hair, your hair could be losing valuable moisture when it is drying. We all know that blow-drying your hair damages it over time, but if you allow your hair to air dry or rub your hair with a towel, it could cause the same amount of damage as blow-drying. Wrap your hair with a cloth or a towel and allow it to dry to keep your hair from losing moisture.
- Consider your diet – What you eat has a direct impact on your body’s overall health and hair. When you are looking to improve your hair, feed it by eating foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as cold-water fish, flaxseed, walnuts, and canola oil. Talk to your doctor about incorporating a multi-vitamin as part of your daily routine to help your body absorb more vitamins and minerals.
- Get a haircut – Sometimes, your hair is past the point of return, and it is time to get a haircut to start fresh. Consult with your stylist about the length that should be removed and any tips about keeping your hair healthy for your specific hair type.
- Think about an essential oil treatment – Essential oils are highly concentrated oils distilled from a specific plant; each plant type can provide different benefits. When it comes to using essential oils, you should be aware of the carrier oils that can dilute essential oils to make them safer to use. Some essential oils to consider include chamomile, cedarwood, clary sage, lavender, rosemary, and sandalwood.
You can use essential oils by merely adding a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner, or you can mix your own with 2 ounces of a carrier oil. A combination you might want to try is lavender and sandalwood in jojoba oil as a carrier. Always test how your skin will react to the oils by applying a small amount to a small area. When you are ready to use the oil treatment, apply it to damp hair and cover with a towel or a shower cap; after 30 minutes (or overnight), shampoo the oil out. Try different combinations to find what works best for your hair.