Why is my hair dry?
The reasons your hair may be dry…
Dryness can cause hair breakage. Dry hair often has split ends and can be caused by a number of things.
Product Buildup. Some hair products contain ingredients called silicones, petroleum, or mineral oil. These are used to make hair appear shiny however using too many of them will cause a build up on the hair and will not allow moisture to penetrate the hair. Using a clarifying shampoo once a month can combat product buildup and can allow your products to work better.
Diet. A poor diet will produce hair that is dry and weak. Eating a balanced diet that includes healthy proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables will ensure that the hair coming out of your scalp is healthy. If you are not drinking enough water or you are lacking in essential fatty acids, these might be reasons your hair is dry.
Chemicals and Heat. Hair that has undergone a chemical service is more likely to be drier than hair that is not. Perms, bleaches, and dyes work by lifting the cuticle (the outer layer of the hair). Using these chemicals too often or leaving them on for too long can result in the hair being over processed and the cuticle being lifted and therefore moisture cannot stay in the hair strand. When this occurs hair has poor porosity. Porosity refers to the hair’s ability to retain moisture. Damaged hair can have a lifted cuticle which will cause hair to always feel dry because it cannot retain moisture. Using heat appliances too frequently can cause damage to the cuticle layer as well. Using a light protein conditioner can help mend the scales along the cuticle and allow the hair to retain moisture better.
Hard water. Water that is hard contains minerals such as calcium that can leave a buildup on the hair. A chelating shampoo works similar to a clarifying shampoo but is especially made to remove buildup cause by minerals in hard water.
Sulfates. Shampoos contain ingredients called sulfates that are used to remove dirt and oil from the hair. Ammonium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate are two sulfates that very harsh on the hair. While they do help remove buildup on the hair, they can leave hair feeling very stripped and dry. Clarifying shampoos usually contain these sulfates and their purpose is to remove buildup from the hair. However, using shampoos that contain sulfates daily or even weekly can cause your hair to become dry. When you are not using a clarifying shampoo aim for a shampoo that is sulfate free. Applying conditioner to your hair before you wash it or diluting your shampoo with water can reduce the drying effect of sulfates on the hair.
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