Hydrating dry hair can be done using a hydrating cream or mask, a hair serum or even washing your hair with cold water. These techniques help retain water inside the strand, prevent the hair cuticles from opening and provide nutrients to keep the hair healthy and hydrated.
Hydration is essential for all hair types, especially when subjected to chemicals, such as dyeing or straightening, for example, or when constantly exposed to pollution, chlorinated water or solar radiation, as these are factors that can make hair drier. and brittle.
In addition to hydration, it is recommended to gently dry the strands with a towel, without rubbing the hair and always use thermal protector before using the dryer or straightener, to prolong the hydration effect.
The main ways to hydrate dry hair are:
1. Apply a hydrating mask
Using a hydration mask on your hair is essential, as it helps replace the water that your hair loses over time, reducing dryness and the effect of dryness. frizz. It is recommended to moisturize your hair at least once a week, especially if there is exposure to heat, such as using a hairdryer or straightener, if your hair is constantly tied up or if it has contact with constant solar radiation and dirt, for example .
Before applying the hydration mask, you must wash your hair with shampoo, to open the hair cuticles and improve the action of the mask, and then remove excess water using a towel.
Afterwards, you should untangle your hair gently, with a wide-toothed brush or comb, separate the hair into smaller strands and apply the mask (strand by strand) from top to bottom, avoiding applying the product too close to the roots. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes or according to the instructions for the mask used.
To enhance the effect of the mask, you can choose to wrap a towel around your head or use a thermal cap. Finally, you must rinse your head well and use conditioner to seal the hair.
Moisturizing cream can be purchased in a store, but it can also be prepared at home with natural ingredients such as coconut oil, honey or avocado. See how to prepare homemade moisturizing cream options for dry hair.
2. Use a hair serum
The hair serum is a concentrate of oils and vitamins that aims to recover the strands, seal the cuticles, maintain hydration and prevent breakage and split ends. Furthermore, the serum protects the hair from the effects of heat, sun rays, dirt and pollution, which can make the hair even drier.
There are different types of serum for all hair types, and can be used on dry or wet hair, before or after straightening, for example.
Furthermore, some types of serum can enhance the effect of moisturizing hair masks and can be applied after hydration.
3. Massage with natural oils
Massaging the scalp and length of the hair with natural oils, such as coconut oil, almond oil, argan oil or jojoba oil, helps to increase the hydration of dry hair. This is because oils provide nutrients to keep hair healthy, increase blood circulation to the scalp, strengthen the roots and promote hair growth. Discover other tips to help with hair growth.
Massage with oils, carried out regularly, helps to reverse the harmful effects of chemical treatments, such as dyes or straightening, for example, pollution or chlorinated water, which can cause damage to the hair, leaving it drier, dehydrated and more porous.
To perform the massage, apply the oil strand by strand, from the roots to the tip of the hair, running your fingers for about 3 minutes on each strand. You can also massage the scalp, making light, circular movements for about 10 minutes, leaving it to act for 30 minutes, and then washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner for dry hair.
When combing your hair, it is recommended to use brushes or combs with soft bristles and comb your hair when it is still damp.
4. Wash your hair with cold or warm water
Washing your hair with cold water helps retain the hair’s natural oils, close the pores and seal the cuticles, leaving the hair softer, smoother and hydrated. Furthermore, with the pores of the strands closed, the hair is less exposed to the harmful effects of pollution and sweat, for example, which can dry out the hair.
As washing your hair with cold water can be uncomfortable for some people, in these cases, preference should be given to washing your hair with warm water, but never hot, as hot water dehydrates the strands and can worsen dry hair.
Furthermore, it is recommended to wash with warm water especially before applying moisturizing creams, as it promotes the opening of the hair cuticles, facilitating the penetration of the mask’s nutrients and better hydration of the hair.
5. Use a leave-in with sun protection
Use a leave-in or leave-in cream with sun protection, is a good way to maintain hair hydration on a daily basis, as it acts as a barrier that prevents damage caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which can cause the hair cuticles to open and loss of nutrients and moisture, leaving hair dry.
O leave-in with sunscreen should be applied after washing your hair, and it is recommended to reapply whenever your hair gets wet, after using the pool or going into the sea, for example.
6. Apply a thermal protectant
Applying a thermal protector helps protect the strand against heat, forming a layer that allows water to be retained within the strand, maintaining hair moisture, reducing the risk of formation of frizz and the harmful effects of straighteners, hair dryers or babyliss.
Thermal protectors can be found in the form of sprays, serums or creams, and can be applied to wet hair, but without excess water, spreading along the entire length of the strand to the ends, gently. Then, you should let your hair dry naturally or blow-dry it before using a straightener or babyliss.
