Dry and Brittle Hair Care Tips

Author: Molly Kane
Published: 2009/03/22 - Updated: 2012/04/06
Topic: Hair and Scalp - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Hair care tips for those who suffer with dry brittle or frizzy hair because the scalp hair is deficient of moisture.

Introduction

Main Item

In healthy conditions, hair's moisture content is approximately 10%, but sunlight has the same damaging effect as a hot blow dryer on your hair.

Restoration Tips for Frizzy Dry and Brittle Hair

Summer is approaching, time to wear short hairstyles and pay special attention to your hair care, because the sun and humidity is the worst enemy of your hair's cuticles, causing damage that results in split ends, dry hair, frizzy hair or brittle hair. In healthy conditions, hair's moisture content is approximately 10%, but sunlight has the same damaging effect as a hot blow dryer on your hair.

Dry hair is typically the symptom of either environmental exposure or lack of adequate sebum (hair oil) production. Sebum is secreted from sebaceous glands associated with follicle pores. Overactive or under-active production can cause oily or dry scalp, respectively. Warm, humid weather often excites sebaceous glands and increases hair oil. Colder temperatures and low humidity slow sebum production; combined with increased wind and decreased humidity in offices or homes, hair can become excessively dry.

90% of us suffer with dry brittle or frizzy hair because our hair is deficient of (moisture) WATER!

There is a certain preconceived notion that has been passed on from generation to generation. That is the idea that our hair is dry, because we are lacking in natural oils. We are told that if we nurture our hair by brushing vigorously 100 times a day, with an all-natural bristle brush, or if we pamper our hair with hot oil treatments or smother out hair with cholesterols. If we do all of these things, then we are sure to be blessed with beautiful, shiny and healthy locks. This might be the case, if you have young virgin hair. However, most of use has already abused our locks to a certain extend.

Wavy Hair

Those of us with naturally curly, wavy or frizzy hair, or those of us who chemically treat our hair. Will need to give our hair extra nurturing by supplying our hair with the necessary nutrition and moisture that it needs.

Chemical treatments (I.e. perms, hair dyes or bleaches.), will deplete the hair of moisture. bringing the hair moisture level own to as low as 2%. When this occurs you will start to notice split ends. If these are not repaired forthwith and the moisture level not restored to 8%, Your split ends will turn to breakage. This obviously needs to be avoided at all costs.

Those of us who live in hot, sunny or arid climates; need to make sure that our hair care product contain sunscreens to protect our hair from the damaging affects of the UV rays. Always try to get a sunscreen with the highest SPF levels.

Moisturizing Your Hair

To make dry hair silky and manageable, add six drops each of lavender, bay and sandalwood essential oils to six ounces of warm sesame or soy oil, suggest Greenwich, Connecticut, aromatherapist Judith Jackson. To apply the oil, says Jackson, part your hair into one-inch sections and apply the mixture to the scalp with a wad of cotton. Wrap your head in a towel and let the oils penetrate for about 15 minutes, then shampoo twice, she says. Alternatively, you can use flax seed oil which is also an excellent moisturizer.

Hair Treatment for Dry Hair

Dry, weak and brittle hair are prone to breaking and require a conditioner for breaking hair developed to repair protein structure and infuse moisture. Sun-damage, hair coloring, chemical treatments like straightening, relaxing and perms, and heat-damage from styling, deplete hair of moisture and break vital elastic protein cellular connectivity.

Argan Oil is a naturally-derived oil from the Argan plant indigenous to Morocco. It has been "discovered" as one of the best hair treatments available for its natural ability to infuse moisture, is absorbed quickly and adds instant shine. Several brands - "Morrocan Oil", "Marrakesh Oil" - provide 100% pure Argan oil, but we have seen improved results (and customer feedback) with formulations that include Hemp Seed Extract and Dimethicone. Argan Oil provides nourishing benefits, reduces frizz, and helps protect from heat damage while styling.

Use conditioning products before using heated styling tools. "A gel or mousse alone isn't enough to protect the hair," he says. "If you normally use a gel before blow-drying, apply a repair cream, heat-protecting cream or leave-in conditioner first." Use it sparingly, especially on the ends, but don't forget it. "You don't want to make your hair heavy or gunky," he says, "but more importantly, you don't want hot rollers applied directly to the ends of your unprotected hair."

Jojoba Oil is also naturally-derived, developed from a shrub indigenous to the western U.S. Jojoba Oil mimics sebum in its properties and is used to enrich hair products for increased cleansing and moisturizing strength. Though considered most useful as an added cleanser in tis pure form, it is also helpful for fighting dryness by increasing hydration.

Emu Oil - Used for thousands of years by the Australians, Emu Oil is a deep penetrating, natural moisturizer. It is found commonly in the best shampoos and conditioners, but it can be used alone or with Vitamin E additives as a hair treatment. It is an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial and is often used to treat scalp psoriasis, eczema, irritation and inflammation.

Rice protein and corn protein are two of the most effective protein active ingredients because they target different objectives. Rice protein is capable of penetrating the shaft and supplements the bulb and root by strengthening and aiding to rebuild damaged hair. Corn protein focuses on protection and adds shine and smoothness to the follicle. Each have different molecular weights and different jobs.

Brittle hair can be improved by avoiding the use of shampoos that contain alkaline or alcohol. It is also best that you protect your tresses from excessive heat especially exposure under strong sunlight because this can dry your hair and make it even more brittle.

Regular trimming is the best way to get rid of split ends. Aside from that, it is necessary to use a leave-in conditioner frequently and deep conditioner at least once a week to keep your hair healthy and moisturized.

When swimming, protect your hair from chlorine from swimming pools by wearing a swimming cap. Do not forget to rinse before and after going into a pool to minimize absorption of chlorine in your hair.

Eating For Great Hair

Lastly, consider what goes on with the rest of your body. Many times dry hair indicates a poor diet or even mild dehydration.

Always drink plenty of water

Eat a balanced diet of good proteins, fats and carbohydrates

Consider vitamin and mineral supplements. Vitamins A, C, E, and calcium are all good for treating dry hair.

The state of our hair depends very much on our overall health. Treat out bodies right and you will be rewarded with stunning hair.