Is your hair dry, bristly and brittle? Whether it is a natural condition or the result of harmful habits and treatments, there are measures that allow you to rehydrate them immediately and restore their shine. Changing the way you wash and style your hair, use conditioners and lotions, and adopt healthy habits are great ways to revitalize your hair.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Changing Habits
Step 1. Wash your hair less often
Many make the mistake of washing their hair every day; this habit deprives the hair of the natural hydrolipidic film which prevents dryness. Washing your hair is obviously necessary for it to look healthy and clean, however try to wash it only once or twice a week. In a short time they will appear less dry and brittle.
- If you have the habit of washing them very often, it may take a few weeks for the scalp to normalize. At first it may continue to produce excess lipids, but over time the body will adapt to the new routine and will produce fewer oils between one wash and the next.
- To revive your hair between washes, try using a dry shampoo. It is a simple blend of powders (such as corn starch or baby powder) and essential oils. It does not clean hair, however it absorbs oils and adds a pleasant scent that makes it look freshly washed.
Step 2. Use less shampoo
Do you tend to use large amounts of shampoo to try to have clean hair? In reality, a small amount is enough, the size of a coin or a little more depending on the length of the hair. Excess shampoo can be aggressive and eliminate the protective oils that keep hair soft and shiny.
- A rule of thumb indicates that if your hair becomes "spotless", you have used too much shampoo. Once dried, you will feel them drier than they should be.
- To avoid using too much shampoo, wet your hair completely before applying it, then rub it between your palms and run it through your hair from root to tip.
Step 3. Try to air dry them as often as possible
The hairdryer makes the hair dry, it weakens and weakens it; promotes the formation of split ends and makes hair dull if used too often. Even if you are tempted to blow dry, give up and let them air dry at least five days a week. The less you use the hairdryer, the better.
- When using the hair dryer, set it on low power and a warm or cold temperature instead of turning it on at maximum speed and heat.
- To air dry your hair, pat it gently with a towel. Don't scrub hard, or you'll promote frizz. Comb them using a wide-toothed comb and, if desired, apply hair oil or styling cream.
Step 4. Don't use harmful styling techniques
Put away the curling iron, straighteners and other tools that use heat on the hair. Styling your hair regularly with heat causes dryness, breakage and split ends. Enhance their natural appearance rather than trying to tame them with various tools.
- If you want to curl or straighten your hair for a special occasion, be sure to apply a heat shield first. Never apply heat directly to unprotected hair.
- Try styling techniques that don't require heat. For example, you can create cool curls with bobby pins or by wrapping wet hair in a t-shirt.
Step 5. Avoid treatments that create damage
Dyeing, bleaching, chemical smoothing and perming dry the hair. Once they have been damaged by treatment, it is difficult to revitalize them. In most cases it will be necessary to give them a lot of attention until they grow back strong and healthy.
- If you love coloring, try a henna treatment, a natural alternative to chemical coloring. It does not dry out or damage the hair.
- If you want to lighten them, try honey or chamomile treatments. Don't use lemon juice, as it can dry them out.
- Extensions and braids that are too tight can also be harmful to your hair.
Method 2 of 3: Apply Conditioner and Other Products
Step 1. Use a good conditioner after shampooing
Dry hair is more prone than others to break or wear out. Whenever you shampoo, you need to apply a conditioner to protect the hair shaft from damage. The conditioner also gives the hair a soft and radiant appearance.
- Use a small amount to massage your hair from root to tip. Rinse well.
- Look for a conditioner for dry, damaged hair. It will have extra moisturizing properties to help replenish the natural hydrolipidic film.
Step 2. Try a homemade hair mask
Just as a face mask can give the skin an edge, a hair mask can moisturize and add shine to the hair. You can apply it in the shower after getting your hair wet; leave it on for five minutes, then shampoo as usual. Below are some DIY nourishing masks you can try:
- 1 lightly beaten egg
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of aloe
- 2 tablespoons of yogurt
Step 3. Get a thorough treatment
When your hair is dry and brittle, moisturize it deeply with an oil. It will penetrate into the hair shaft restoring shine and shine. Massage your hair with 1-2 tablespoons of an oil of your choice, focusing on the ends. Wear a shower cap and leave it on for at least an hour or overnight. Then, shampoo as usual and rinse until your hair is no longer oily to the touch. Here are some oils you can try:
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Jojoba oil
- Sweet almond oil
Step 4. Apply finishing lotion to dry hair
After washing and drying your hair, use a finishing lotion to add some shine. It acts as a leave-in conditioner, able to protect and enhance the hair all day long. In addition, it prevents frizz and electric hair. Don't use too much lotion; a sufficient amount is enough to cover the tips and give consistency. You can purchase a finishing lotion or try one of these oils:
- Coconut oil
- Argan oil
- Jojoba oil
- Grape seed oil
Step 5. Try a boar bristle brush
It is a special type of brush made from natural fibers with a texture similar to that of human hair. The brush is designed to extract natural oils from the scalp (sebum), distributing them from the roots to the ends of the hair. In this way, the hair benefits from the natural protective substances produced by the body. Use this type of brush when your hair is dry.
- Choose a brush made with natural fibers. Do not use a plastic or metal one.
- Working one section at a time, brush your hair in long strokes, from roots to ends.
- The best time to do this is about an hour earlier than when you plan to shampoo.
Method 3 of 3: Change Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Use all-natural hair products
The substances contained in many shampoos, conditioners and other products can be harmful to the hair. Although the label claims that the product will be able to repair damaged hair, it could do more harm than good. To be absolutely sure not to damage your hair, consider making your purchases in a natural products store.
- You can also save money by making your own hair products. Try making shampoo, conditioner, or lotion at home.
- Avoid products that contain sulfates, silicones, or alcohols. These substances are aggressive on the hair.
Step 2. Hydrate
If your body is dehydrated, your hair will suffer. Drink a lot of water to keep your hair looking healthy along with your skin. Generally speaking, you should always try to drink water rather than coffee or sugary drinks.
- Try bringing a bottle of water with you, so you will always have water on hand in case you get thirsty.
- Alternatively, try drinking iced tea or another sugar-free, caffeine-free beverage.
Step 3. Eat nutritious food
Diet has a big impact on hair health. If you are deficient in a certain vitamin or nutrient, your hair will be the first to show it. To make hair grow healthy and full of vitality, make sure that the diet includes an adequate amount of the following substances:
- Proteins, such as lean meats, beans, and dairy products
- Omega 3 fatty acids, found in salmon, sardines, flax seeds and walnuts;
- Vitamins of group B, which are found in meat and other products of animal origin.
- If you follow a vegetarian diet, consider taking supplements to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need.
Step 4. Protect your hair from the elements
The sun, pool chemicals, and air pollution can be dangerous for your hair. Protecting them from these elements can make a big difference when it comes to getting them back to health. Take the following precautions:
- Wear a hat when you go outdoors and the sun is very strong;
- Wear a swimming cap when swimming in a pool;
- If you live in a place with high air pollution, wear a hat or choose a hairstyle that exposes less hair, such as braids.
Step 5. Cut them regularly
Once you change your habits, your hair will begin to grow healthy and full of vitality. It may take some time before you can see a noticeable difference, especially if they were badly damaged. By trimming them regularly you will get rid of old, dry hair and you will be able to realize the progress you have made.
