Why You Need to Moisturize Hair
Hair moisturization is important for everyone whether you have fine hair, curly hair, or textured hair. There is no reason why you should not take care of your hair and give it a little love now and then.
Hair can dry out just like your skin and as skin moisturization is a part of your skincare, moisturizing hair and scalp should be a part of your hair care regimen. Moisturized hair is essential for healthy hair. We all crave luscious, long, and healthy locks. Moisturization and constant care will take us there.
There are so many products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and oils, that promise transformation. But do they work? They might work for other people but do they work for you? You should know how, why, and when to moisturize your hair.
Importance
Hydrated hair is the key to maintaining healthy hair as dehydrated hair is the worst enemy. Dry hair means split ends, faded color, and lots of breakages which is the root of many hair issues. Just like our skin needs to be moisturized, our hair requires maintenance as well.
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The oil glands in our scalp release sebum which is a natural moisturizer. Sometimes, especially with curly or wavy hair, this natural oil does not reach the ends of our hair making it very prone to dryness. These ends require extra moisture and attention. Our scalp should also be moisturized but not as often as our hair.
Reasons for a Lack of Moisture
The winter months are very mean to our hair. The dry and cold winds strip our hair of its natural oils, leading to frizz. This weakens the hair cuticle and leaves our strands susceptible to moisture loss and damage. Dry heat from indoor heating sucks moisture from our hair and scalp. Too much heat styling, hair treatments, and coloring can weaken the cuticle. Some reasons may be out of our control such as naturally underactive oil glands, genetics, age, and texture. Washing our hair with hot water as well as over-washing can also lead to dryness. Adding a humidifier to add moisture to the indoor air and only shampooing hair daily if it is oily or dirty might help.
When to moisturize
As the season transitions from fall to winter, the moisture in our hair also changes with the season. The harsh cold air of winter and dry air of indoor heaters sucks the moisture out leaving very dull and dry hair. For healthy and nourished hair in these times, it is very important to give our hair the love it needs. Fine and straight hair may require deep treatments every 15–20 days whereas curly, thicker, or coarser hair may require deep treatments every 4–5 days as it needs continual rehydration.
How to moisturize hair the right way
Just as water hydrates our body it also hydrates our hair. It is our best friend. Harsh shampoos strip our hair leaving it unhealthy. Using just the right type of shampoo and conditioner is a great way to start your hair care journey. Every hair type needs to moisturize in its way. If you have fine hair, you may need to apply treatment from mid-length to the ends to avoid weighing down the roots. Curly hair has more demands and is more susceptible to dryness as the sebum doesn’t reach the ends properly. You may start applying from the roots and then work your way up from there. Applying treatment to the scalp is also an option if it is very dry. Hair masks, creams, and leave-ins are important to lock in the moisture leading to healthy hair in the long run. Look for products that have moisturizing ingredients in them like plant oils such as coconut, argan, olive, almond, and avocado. These products help seal the moisture in the hair cuticle.
How to retain moisture
Before using any heat tool, be sure to apply protective styling sprays to the hair to avoid any split ends. After styling, be sure to use a thermal or moisture-retaining hair spray or a sealing oil that keeps in all the moisture.
Hair protection
Wearing a hat or a silk bandanna when leaving your home is a good idea as it can help to protect the hair from the harsh winds outside. Conditioning treatments, as well as hair masks once a week, can also restore moisture. Be sure to always be careful and use a heat-protecting spray before using any heat tools.
DIY hair treatments/Remedies
There is no need to spend all your pocket money on expensive treatments. Just whisk up these DIYs from ingredients you can easily find in your kitchen and have the healthy hair of your dreams. Combine half cup mayonnaise with two tablespoons of yogurt, two tablespoons of any oil of your choice, and one teaspoon of honey. Or two bananas with two tablespoons of honey and v of oil. Be sure to blend it all to avoid any clumps.
Conclusion
Every hair needs a moisture-protein balance to be and look healthy. One treatment can improve the condition of your hair but for any significant change, you need to be persistent and try several deep conditioning treatments. You can also see your stylist or a dermatologist for professional help if this problem continues to persist.
