Hair contributes a lot to our personality and physical appearance. It enhances our looks when maintained, healthy and stylish, but can be equally degrading if not maintained properly.
Dry hair is one of the major cosmetic problems faced today. The hair becomes dry when it lacks moisture. Hair has three layers of which, the outermost layer protects the inner two. Each hair grows from a follicle that has sebaceous glands. The secretion from these glands call sebum helps to keep hair naturally moisturise and condition. If the sebum levels fall due to any external factors, the outer protective layer of hair is damage. This results in dry, rough hair and makes the hair appear dull and lifeless. Hair loses its sheen and texture and becomes fragile.
Dry hair can be seen in people of any age and any gender. It is obvious for a person with dry skin to have dry hair. Let us look at some of the other causes of dry hair which will better help us to understand and how to get rid of dry hair.
Causes of dry hair:
The type of hair one has and the lifestyle we lead, all play a part in causing dry hair. The following are the most common causes of dry hair.
Excessive washing:
Washing the hair too frequently with too much shampoo makes the hair lose its moisture. Using permanent colors and hair dyes that have harsh chemicals also has disastrous effects on your hair.
Over styling:
Over styling of hair is damage it a lot. Excessive use of heat from blow dryers, electric curlers and curl straightening irons all make hair very dry and damage the strands making them weak and prone to breakage.
Environmental exposure:
Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold make the hair dry. When the hair is exposed to the sun or harsh winds for prolonged periods, it becomes dry and prone to breakage.
Chlorinated waters:
Chlorine is a murderer of hair. Swimming in chlorinated waters or washing hair with local water high in minerals, damages the hair and makes it extremely dry.
Dehydration:
When our body is not properly hydrated, it is obvious that it cannot maintain enough moisture in the hair and as a result, the hair becomes dry.
Genetics:
Dry hair is not always heredity and can be caused by various external factors. But, it can be inherited just as other traits like hair colour. In such cases, it may not show up in infants and children and becomes prominent only with growing age.
Malnutrition:
The phrase “you are what you eat” is apt for hair. People who are malnourished and survive on an unhealthy diet have dry and brittle hair.
Illness:
Our health is reflected in our hair. When one has severe cold and flu, hair becomes very dry. Anemic persons also develop dry hair, as do people with overactive thyroid glands. In this case, one develops hair that is dry and brittle at the roots.
Also Read: 20 Tips on How to Make Your Hair Shining and Silky
How to get rid of dry hair using home remedies
Dry hair can be easily get rid of by taking proper care. Dry hair is mostly cause to lack of knowledge or personal negligence.
The following home remedies and preventive measures can help to combat dry hair:
#1. Oil massage:
Not oiling the hair regularly is one of the reasons for dry hair. Massaging with a variety of oils provides the required moisture to the hair and nourishes it. This helps to treat dry hair and even helps prevent the condition. Oils like coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil are good for hair. When we massage our scalps with these oils, the nutrients in them get transferred to our scalp and hair, thus providing nourishment. Gentle massaging increases blood circulation and stimulate the production of sebum by sebaceous glands. Using hot oil for massage gives better results as this improves the oil penetration.
#2. Vinegar:
Vinegar is a natural hair conditioner that has been in use since ages. It protects the cuticle which forms the outer covering layer of the hair, cleans up any dust or residue in the hair shafts and helps to get rid of an itchy scalp by maintaining the pH levels. Considering all these advantages, it is beneficial to rinse your hair with vinegar after washing with shampoo. Apple cider vinegar gives best results when used on dry hair.
#3. Avocado:
Avocado is known to be a super food as it is highly nutritious. It contains vitamins A, D, E, K, proteins and minerals. It also contains vitamin H or biotin that is essential for healthy hair. Applying an avocado hair mask for dry hair gives very good results and protects them from further damage.
#4. Banana:
Banana is a rich source of potassium, iron, zinc, manganese, carbohydrates and vitamins including biotin. It makes the hair soft and retains its natural elasticity. It also helps to get rid of problems like split ends and dandruff.
#5. Eggs:
The principal component that makes hair is protein. Hence, feeding hair with proteins works better than any other treatment. Egg is a rich source of proteins and hence, can be used on dry hair. Egg yolk moisturises hair while the egg white cleanses hair. Applying egg on hair gives shining, bouncy hair. Due to the rich enzymes present in eggs, in can do some real damage control and fix your dry hair problem for good.
#6. Yogurt:
Yogurt has innumerable health benefits and is hence, it is always wise to include it in your diet. It is beneficial for hair and can be either consume or use to apply on the hair as a hair mask. It is rich in lactic acid and fats. The lactic acid cleanses the hair while the fats moisturise it. Beauty salons use yogurt and egg for protein treatment of hair.
#7. Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera has many health benefits including for hair and scalp. Its sticky gel acts as both conditioner and moisturiser and makes the hair smooth and silky. It also nourishes and helps to get rid of dry and brittle hair.
#8. Milk:
Milk is rich in nutrients and works as a wonderful beauty aid. Un-boiled milk can be applied on hair to get rid of dry and rough hair. Milk also strengthens the hair. It can be use as a substitute for your conditioner.
#9. Honey:
Honey is highly nutritious and gives very good results when used on dry hair. It can be applied as a pack in combination with various other products like yogurt, coconut oil or olive oil for better results.
Preventive measures:
The following measures help a lot in avoiding dry and rough hair:
- Filtered water should be use for washing hair. This helps to prevent the chlorine and Sulphur present in the water, from attacking the hair and making them dry and brittle.
- Very hot water should not be use for washing hair. Cold or warm water should be use. Hot water strips the moisture from hair causing it to become dry.
- Herbal hair products should be use instead of those with chemicals. A healthy balanced diet should be eaten as it helps more than anything to maintain healthy hair. Drinking plenty of water not only keeps the body hydrated but also keeps your hair moisturise.
- Do not tie your hair very tightly. This strains the hair and weakens them from their roots.
- Do not comb wet hair. The hair are more prone to damage and breakage when they are wet.
- Avoid excessive use of hair dryers. Protect your hair from harsh sunlight and pollution by wearing a cap, hat or a scarf over your head before stepping out in the sun.
- It is better to regularly trim the tips of your hair and this ensures proper growth and lowers the chances of split ends.
These home remedies are all made of things that are within your reach and are easy to use. As always, they have absolutely no side-effects either. So go ahead, try them and solve your problem of how to get rid of dry hair!
