Moisture is critical for the growth, health and strength of natural hair. But it can be elusive for some. You apply moisturizing products to your hair in the morning and find your strands are dry by the late afternoon. Well, there are many internal and environmental factors that contribute to moisture depletion.
Excessive Shampooing
Shampooing hair multiple times a week, especially with shampoo containing Sulfates can strip our hair of its natural oils causing dry and brittle hair. Using shampoos that contain sulfate is a definite no-no, but if you MUST, try a two in one conditioning shampoo or make your own by mixing one part shampoo with one part conditioner. Perhaps an even better option is skipping the shampooing all together and just go with a Co-wash only. Co-washing, is basically the same process as shampooing except with conditioner only. Try it! You’d be surprised by the lather and cleanse you get from just co-washing.
Failing to Moisturized Hair with Oil.
It makes no sense to go through all of the trouble of conditioning if you are not going to seal in the moisture with an oil. WATER, moisturizer, conditioners or leave-ins without an oil to seal them in will only EVAPORATE from your hair. Say it with me now…CLEANSE…MOISTURIZE… SEAL.
Environmental Factors
The environment in which you live could also take a toll on your hair moisture. Think about it, if humidity can ruin your sleek hair style, don’t you think the hot sun and harsh wind can suck it dry? In extremely hot and cold months, help protect your hair from the elements by wearing hats, beanies and protective styles that have the ends of your hair tucked in.
Sleeping Without Protection.
Not wearing a satin scarf or bonnet while sleeping can also lead to dryness. to refresh you hair before bed spray it with a moisturizing spritz or leave-in and apply a small amount of water based moisturizer and seal it with and oil or butter such as olive oil or shea butter.
These are just a few of the basic ways you can combat Natural Hair Dryness. One thing to always remember when taking advice on you Tresses is that results may vary. If you feel as though your continuously trying things to no avail, please consult with a dermatologist. You may have a more serious issues going on.
Naturalistas, have you experienced any of these “moisture robbers”? What would you add anything to this list?
