Dry hair: the facts by Kerastase

 

Dry hair? What are the causes?

There are multiple factors that cause dry, brittle hair. Among these factors are recurrent blow dries, as well as oxidative aggressors such as the sun, pollution, water, and even oxygen.

How to detect dry hair?

Dry hair will be noticed from the mid-shaft down towards the ends. Dry hair combined with split ends can look dull and is usually tangled. To find out if your hair is dry you can simply do a dry hair test: pull a fine toothed comb through a small section of dry hair from mid-ends down the hair shaft. If the comb pulls or gets stuck, this is an indication of dry hair.

Normal hair versus dry hair…

For normal hair, the cuticle is healthy. Healthy cuticles have smooth scales that are perfectly assembled.

In contrast, dry hair is damaged. The scales are lifted and therefore the surface is rough.

The secret beauty routine for dry hair…

When shampooing your hair choose rich formulas that have a lot of nourishing ingredients. Apply the shampoo on your scalp from the nape massaging upward in a circular motion without causing friction. Along with the shampoo, it is important that you apply a dry hair treatment. A deep conditioner tames, detangles, but most importantly repairs dry hair. For dry, dehydrated hair, it is recommended that you do a deep conditioning treatment masque at least once a week and that you leave it in your hair for at least 10 minutes. I have dry, over processed hair, as I change the color of my hair frequently as well as use heat to style it. A tip that I would recommend is when you apply the masque to wrap your hair in a warm towel while the masque nourishes your hair and to wait for about 10-15 minutes. It works wonders and afterwards you will have no problem untangling your hair. After your masque processes, the secret is rinsing your hair. It is important that you use lukewarm or cold water (cold is even better) as this helps close the hair cuticle and seal in nutrition. Also, did you know that this gives your hair extra shine?

When styling your hair try using as little heat as possible, as this is your biggest enemy and causes your hair to be dry. Preferably if possible wait for your hair to air dry instead of using a hair dryer. Believe it or not, the hair dryer causes more damage to your hair than the flat/curl iron. Always apply a heat protectant spray or styling lotion recommended for dry hair. If possible use a wide toothed comb or boar bristle brush so that you will not pull your hair.

Never over detangle your hair. Yes, this happens frequently among many. Only brush your hair twice a day: in the morning and at night before going to bed. Brush your hair when it is fully dry, never brush your hair while wet. When your hair is wet, you can use as mentioned above a wide toothed comb.

I did not want to hear this, and I know maybe many of you that are growing your hair will not, but your hairstylist is one of your best friends. It is recommended to go in regularly for tiny trims so that the damaged  part of your hair gets cut off instead of expanding upwards the hair shaft and causing the hair to ultimately break. It is also recommended that you go every two weeks to get conditioning treatments at your salon as they are stronger and will provide more nourishment.

The secret product

My new favorite product that I would highly recommend is the Kerastase Nutritive Touche Perfection,which is a replenishing balm for dry ends. To apply you work in with fingers and leave in. This product provides immunity from dryness, its nourishing action provides softness and shine, as well as it smooths and controls frizz. It has many properties that are all combined in one. It is a soft formula that will not leave your hair oily.

 

More dry hair facts…

• dry hair symptoms: dull, dry, and brittle, hard to detangle
• “second day dry hair”- hair that dries out 2 days or less after using a hair care regimen
• dry ends –  your ends are the “oldest” part of your hair that have been through a lot as they have experienced many changes. They are also the most sensitive part
• 40 hours –  is the longest your hair will last before oxidative damage causes it to be dry again

 

Protect your hair and try the product! Not only it can protect and prevent your hair from being dry, but it also prevents split ends 🙂