Moisturizing 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 within the strand, prevent the hair cuticles from opening and provide nutrients to keep the hair healthy.
Hydration is essential for all hair types, especially when the hair is exposed to chemicals from hair dye or permanent straightening. The hair can also become dry and brittle when constantly exposed to pollution, chlorine water or solar radiatio.
In addition to using moisturizing techniques, it is recommended to gently dry the strands with a towel, without rubbing the hair and to use a heat protector before using a dryer or straightener.
The main ways to moisturize hair are:
1. Apply a hydrating mask
Applying a hydration mask on your hair is essential, as it helps to replace the moisture that your hair loses over time, reducing dryness and frizz. It is recommended to moisturize your hair at least once a week, especially if it is frequently exposed to heat from a hairdryer or straightener, if your hair is constantly tied up or if it has frequent contact with constant solar radiation and dirt.
Before applying the hydration mask, you must first 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, detangle 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. Avoid 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 wrap a towel around your head or use a cap. Then rinse your hair well and use conditioner to seal the hair.
Moisturizing hair masks can be purchased already made, or prepared at home with natural ingredients such as coconut oil, honey or avocado.
2. Hair serum
Hair serums are a concentrate of oils and vitamins that aim to recover dry strands, seal the cuticles, maintain hydration and prevent breakage and split ends. Serums protect the hair from the effects of heat, sun rays, dirt and pollution, which can make the hair even drier.
There are different types of serums available for all hair types, and can be used on dry or wet hair, before or after straightening.
Some serums can enhance the effect of moisturizing hair masks and can be applied after hydration.
3. Massage with natural oils
You can massage the scalp and total length of the hair strands with natural oils, such as coconut oil, almond oil, argan oil or jojoba oil. These help to increase the hydrate dry air and keep hair healthy, increase blood circulation to the scalp, strengthen the roots and promote hair growth.
Routine massaging with oils helps to reverse the harmful effects of chemical treatments, such as dyes, chemical straightening, pollution or chlorinated water. These factors can cause damage to the hair, leaving it drier, dehydrated and more porous.
To perform a hair 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, using 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 to comb your hair while 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. This can leave 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, at least opt for just warm water. Avoid using very hot water, 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 this can promote the hair cuticles to open, facilitating the mask's nutrients to penetrate and hydrate the hair.
5. Use a leave-in product with sun protection
Using a leave-in cream with sun protection is a great way to keep your hair hydrated on a daily basis. It acts as a barrier that prevents damage caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which can cause splitting and loss of nutrients and moisture.
Leave-in with sun protection should be applied after washing your hair, and should be reapplied whenever your hair gets wet, after using the pool or swimming in the ocean.
6. Apply a heat protectant
A heat protectant forms a layer on the hair strands that allows water to be retained within the strand. It helps to maintain hydration, reducing the risk of frizz and the harmful effects of straightening irons and hair dryers.
Heat protectants can be found in the form of sprays, serums or creams, and can be applied to damp hair by applying them along the entire length of the strand up to the ends. You should let your hair dry naturally or blow-dry it before using a straightener or curling iron.