As you’re standing in the haircare aisle at the beauty store, you’re probably overwhelmed by the abundant amount of shampoos. Although the label says the shampoo is “hydrating,” there’s more to this than meets the eye.
A dry scalp and hair are extremely common. Dry hair is caused by many factors, but you can achieve healthy hair with these tips.
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Causes of Dry Hair
A variety of factors can lead to dry hair such as environmental conditions and how you take care of your hair. Below are factors that contribute to dry hair and scalp.
- Blow-drying hair too often
- Hot and dry climate
- Spending too much time in the sun
- Swimming in salty or chlorinated water
- Using shampoos, conditions, and styling products with harsh ingredients
- Using heat styling tools
- Washing hair every day
Examine your haircare routine and see what might’ve contributed to your dry hair and scalp.
Tips to Treat Dry Hair
Dry hair can be annoying to manage, but don’t fret! You can achieve healthy hair with a few lifestyle changes. Here are a few tips to treat your dry hair and scalp:
Shampoo less frequently
Excess shampooing will strip away your scalp and hair of its natural oils. It’s important to wash your hair based on your hair type and climate. If you live in a hot climate or sweat easier, you may need to wash your hair more frequently than what is recommended.
Fine hair will be flat over time, which means the strands will get oily quicker. If you have fine hair, you should wash your hair every other day.
For those with greasy hair, you should wash your hair daily as grease builds up more than the other hair types.
If you have thick hair, aim to wash your hair once or twice a week. If your roots get greasy, spray dry shampoo to make it look like you just washed your hair. No one will know!
Use shampoos with hydrating ingredients
With so many eye-catching labels and packaging that may mislead you from picking the right shampoo, check the ingredient list to see if it suits your hair type.
The key is to use shampoos that are meant for your hair type with moisturizing ingredients like:
- Aloe Vera
- Argan oil
- Coconut oil
- Sunflower oil
- Honey
- Hyaluronic acid
- Shea butter
- Vitamin E
My go-to shampoo is Prose Shampoo! After speaking with a consultant online to determine my hair and scalp needs, the consultant helps formulate the ideal shampoo formula based on my hair goals, lifestyle, environment, and ingredient preferences.
My personal shampoo contains many moisturizing ingredients like honey, sunflower oil, argan oil, and CBD powder.
Avoid harmful shampoo ingredients
In contrast to the hydrating ingredients, you should avoid the harmful ingredients listed below.
- Alcohol
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
- Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA)
- Formaldehyde
- Parabens
- Polyethylene Glycols (PEG)
- Sodium Chloride
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
- Sulfate
- Synthetic Fragrances
Specifically, sulfate is a commonly used ingredient in beauty products that lathers up to remove oil and dirt from your hair, but it is way too harsh for your hair and scalp. Sulfate-free shampoos is ideal for preventing irritation and will keep your hair soft and silky!
Let your hair air dry after shampooing
Air drying your hair after shampooing is a great way to achieve and maintain healthy hair.
Pro tip: Add hair curlers or rollers to your hair while it is drying to get cute, curly hair. You’re using less electricity and preventing hair damage at the same time. Score!
Get a hair trim every six to eight weeks
Nothing beats a fresh trim that will remove dead ends and add some oomph to your locks.
Conclusion
If you have a dry scalp and hair, it is a sign of hair damage.
Pay attention to your hair and take the proper precautions and treatments to achieve and maintain healthy, shiny, and soft hair!
