Dry hair Care

Dry hair is defined as the lack of adequate moisture and oil content associated with sheen and smoothness of the texture.



Typically, there are about 150,000 individual hairs in the human head, give or take a few hundred. Damage results are insufficient dry hair care and the hair becomes weakened in a process called weathering, and it loses elasticity and shine.

Dry hair is a result of many factors. Some people are born with naturally dry hair that may be aggravated by improper dry hair treatment with the use of harsh detergents, excessive washing and blow-drying.



Vigorous brushing and combing while the hair is wet and weaker can cause the cuticle to break off and expose the cortex, especially when using a metal comb.

Other cases of dry hair could be a result of metabolic disorders such as hypothyroidism and Menkes kinky hair syndrome. It can also be due to malnutrition as a direct result of anorexia nervosa or deficiency in some nutrients that induces kwashiorkor and marasmus, but these are extreme cases. Dry hair can result from environmental dryness and overexposure to sunlight, which strips away keratin. It can also be exacerbated by exposure to salty water or “hard” (chlorinated) water. Frequent dips in a swimming pool, for example, will dry out hair and make it “fly-away.”  

Use of chemical treatments, such as permanent waving and straightening, actually breaks down the disulfide bonds of the hair in order to change the structure. This also weakens the hair up to the point of brittleness. Bleaching and dyeing requires penetration into the cortex of the hair in order for the color or bleach to be integrated, and chemical damage is inevitable.

If it is necessary to have these treatments done, regular conditioning ensures dry hair treatment will provide some protection of the hair from further damage. Opt for hair color that has no ammonia and less peroxide, and space treatments every six weeks at the minimum. Frequent treatments, and worse, several different treatments within a short period is too much for the hair to handle, even when it is healthy to begin with. For dry hair, such treatment is suicide. Be on the lookout for excessive hair loss, scalp irritation and discolored hair. It may mean that the products used by your hairdresser have a problem even when used as intended. 

Dry hair care is not really complicated. Avoid excess heat and treatments such as blow-dryers and hair irons. Wear scarves or hats when you need to go out into the sun or when the day is windy, such as at the beach or when skiing. Refrain from washing hair everyday because shampooing not only eliminates dirt it also washes away protective oils from the hair. Thrice a week should be sufficient to prevent build-up. While conditioning is recommended, avoid overloading your hair with heavy conditioners. Experiment with products until you find a combination that works for your particular hair. Leave-on conditioners are not recommended; try silicone serum to seal in moisture. It is the height of irony that dry hair can be paired with an oily scalp; in this case, keep conditioners away from the scalps. In the summer, sporting a shorter hairstyle may reduce the effects of sun exposure.