Generally, dry and brittle hair is ugly to look at and difficult to keep in order. Fortunately, there is a solution and that is to hydrate them thoroughly. Fear not, you will not have to go to the hairdresser and shell out large sums to buy expensive products, just make small changes in the way you take care of them day after day. For example, at the weekend, you can pamper them with a DIY mask prepared using simple products that you keep in the refrigerator or pantry. Thanks to time and your loving care, your hair will be healthy, strong and shiny again.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Taking Care of Your Hair
Step 1. Use the hair dryer, straightener and curling iron at a low temperature and only occasionally
If you use styling tools too frequently to dry, straighten or curl your hair, it will inevitably become dry and brittle in the long run. The same is true if you use a temperature that is too high because the intense heat damages them. If the weather permits, it is best to let them dry naturally. Also, use a heat protection spray on occasions when you can't help but style them with heat.
- Consider purchasing an ion hair dryer. The negative ions released by the hairdryer seal the moisture inside the hair.
- When drying, straightening or curling your hair, do it at a low temperature. It will take longer to get the look you want, but you will be able to contain the damage.
- Do not stress them every day with a hair dryer, straightener or curling iron. Even if you apply a heat protection serum, the intense heat will inevitably damage them. From time to time leave them natural or do a ponytail, braids or a bun.
Step 2. Use products that suit your hair's needs and make sure they don't contain sulfates or silicones
Choose the shampoo and conditioner based on the characteristics of your hair (curly, frizzy, dry, fine, etc.). Since they need hydration, you can look for products that contain aloe vera or apricot oil, which are highly nutritious.
- Don't use hot water when shampooing. Hot water removes natural oils that keep hair and scalp protected and hydrated. From now on, use cold or lukewarm water to prevent your hair from looking dry and dull when dry.
- Silicones have the ability to instantly make hair smoother and shinier, but the only way to get rid of them is to use a sulfate-based shampoo. If you use a sulfate-free shampoo, silicones build up on your hair and make it dull, dull and heavy in the long run. Sulfates are the main ingredients in cleansers, so they work well for removing silicones from hair, but over time they make them dry and weak.
Step 3. Don't use shampoo every day
This may seem unsanitary, but it is best to wash your hair no more than 2-3 times a week to keep it healthy. The more you wash them, the more they dry out. If you think you can't help but wash them every day, try using the co-washing technique, which involves using only conditioner. You can wash them with shampoo two or three times a week.
- Also pay attention to how you wash them. The shampoo should be used mainly on the scalp, while the conditioner especially on the tips.
- If your hair is thick and frizzy, consider using a leave-in conditioner in addition to the traditional one. Apply it on the lengths and ends after the shower.
- If your hair has weakened with age, apply a mask and leave it on overnight (wear a shower cap to keep your pillow from getting dirty). The next morning, wash your hair as you normally do and moisturize it further with conditioner.
- The co-washing technique is particularly suitable for those with curly hair because it keeps them hydrated and reduces frizz.
Step 4. Limit the frequency of treatments
Whenever you dye, chemically straighten or perm, you expose your hair to various harmful substances that make it dry and weak in the long run. Unfortunately, there is no way to make perm less harmful, but you can reduce the damage caused by dyeing, ironing and highlights:
- Consider using ammonia-free hair dye. The best products are those available at the hairdresser and can sometimes be expensive, but there is no doubt that they are much gentler on the hair. If you have thin or age-thinning hair, use a hair dye formulated to nourish and moisturize it as you color it.
- Brighten your hair with the balayage technique instead of highlighting. It is an innovative method that allows you to obtain a very natural effect, as if the hair had been kissed by the sun. The strands are only lightened from half length onwards, so you won't have to frequently touch up the roots.
- Gently straighten your hair. Choose a formaldehyde-free treatment. It will still contain chemicals that can damage your hair, so it's best to reduce the frequency of treatment to the minimum possible, but they will certainly be less aggressive than formaldehyde.
Step 5. Protect your hair from the elements, especially the sun and wind
Both can make hair dry and brittle. On hot, sunny days, wear a hat or use a spray that protects them from ultraviolet rays. When it's very cold or windy, cover your head with a hat or hood to prevent your hair from drying out. Here are other tips to take into consideration:
- When you go swimming in the pool, apply a nourishing conditioner to your hair before putting on the cap. It will protect them from chlorine and thus prevent them from drying out.
- Use a rich, moisturizing conditioner during the cold months. Once a week nourish your hair deeply with a mask.
Step 6. Be careful when combing your hair
Start brushing or combing from the ends to get rid of knots and never directly from the roots. Do not use the brush on wet or damp hair as it can break or tear easily. The ideal is to comb them with your fingers or using a wide-toothed comb. Once dry you can brush them with a boar bristle brush that allows you to effectively distribute their natural oils. If you have curly hair, only use the wide tooth comb even on dry hair.
You can use a cream or spray formulated to detangle the knots to make it easier to comb your hair
Method 2 of 3: Using Wraps and Masks
Step 1. Use a hair mask once a week
Apply it after shampooing and then put on a shower cap. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes and then rinse your hair thoroughly.
Step 2. Create a moisturizing spray
Take a spray bottle and fill it two-thirds full with water, then pour a leave-in conditioner into the remaining space. Screw the dispenser cap onto the bottle and shake it to mix the ingredients. Spray the mixture into your hair until it is evenly moist, then apply a rich, nourishing conditioner.
Step 3. Get a hot oil treatment
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil (e.g. coconut or olive oil) and spread it over your hair with the comb. Put on a shower cap and let the oil sit for 20-30 minutes. After rinsing your hair thoroughly, use the shampoo and conditioner as usual.
- Dose the amount of oil according to the thickness and length of your hair, if they are very thick or long you may need more than two tablespoons.
- You can make the treatment even more effective by spending the time in the sun or using a hair dryer. The heat improves the absorption of the oil by the hair.
- Alternatively, you can apply the oil, wear a shower cap, and use the hot air from the blow dryer to warm your hair.
Step 4. Make a moisturizing mask with coconut oil and honey
Pour one tablespoon (15ml) of both ingredients into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them until the coconut oil dissolves, then stir to blend them. Spread the mask over your hair using the comb, then put on a shower cap. Leave the oil and honey on for 30-40 minutes, then rinse your hair with warm water before shampooing.
- If you don't have coconut oil at home, you can use olive oil.
- Honey is great for moisturizing your hair because it seals the moisture inside the shaft.
Step 5. Moisturize and strengthen your hair with a yogurt, oil and honey mask
Pour half a jar of yogurt, a tablespoon of olive oil (15ml) and a tablespoon of honey (5ml) into a bowl. Apply the mask to damp hair, then put on a shower cap. After 15-20 minutes, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water and finally wash it with shampoo.
Step 6. Nourish dry, brittle hair with avocado
Mash the pulp of a ripe avocado in a bowl and add a tablespoon of olive oil (15 ml). Also add a tablespoon of honey (15ml) if your hair needs an extra boost of hydration and nourishment. Apply the mask to damp hair and wear a shower cap. Let the ingredients sit for 15 to 60 minutes before rinsing your hair and shampooing.
Step 7. Moisturize your hair with a banana and honey mask to keep it from breaking
Blend a ripe banana with a tablespoon of honey (15ml) and a tablespoon of olive oil (15ml). Keep blending until you get a lump-free blend. Distribute the mask on the hair with the comb and massage it into the scalp. Put on a shower cap and let the ingredients sit for 15 minutes. At the end of the exposure time, rinse your hair and then wash it with shampoo.
The banana restores elasticity to the hair and in this way prevents it from breaking
Method 3 of 3: Keeping Fit for Healthier Hair
Step 1. Fill up with silicon to keep hair healthy
One of the areas where hair tends to get dry is that it is not healthy. You can get them back strong and shiny by meeting the body's need for silicon through your diet. Silicon is a very important mineral for our body, which is rich in asparagus, peppers, cucumbers, potatoes and various other vegetables.
Step 2. Make sure you are getting enough protein and vitamins
Meat is an important source of protein, but many other foods are also rich in it, such as eggs, beans and yogurt. Vitamins A, B, C, E and K are also relevant for hair health and are contained in fruits, grains and green leafy vegetables.
In addition to vitamins, the body also needs beta-carotene, folic acid, magnesium and zinc, minerals and compounds that you can easily get through a healthy and balanced diet
Step 3. Keep your hair strong and hydrated with essential fatty acids
They are mainly contained in fatty fish, such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, tuna and herring. Essential fatty acids are also contained in avocados, flax seeds, olives and dried fruit.
Step 4. Drink about two liters of water every day
Water is very important for the health of the whole body and hair is not excluded. If you don't drink enough, the water shortage will also be reflected by the skin.
Advice
- Choose products formulated for your hair type. You will find shampoos and conditioners designed for curly, straight, frizzy, thin, thick hair, etc.
- Read the labels on products and avoid those that have a high chemical content, including silicones and sulfates. Go for those with nourishing ingredients, such as aloe vera and essential oils.
- Use a satin or silk hat or scarf to protect your hair from the cold winds of winter or the sun's rays.
- Consider using different hair products depending on the season. In summer it is better for them to be light, while in winter they need to offer more nourishment and hydration.
Warnings
- Not all methods are effective for everyone as hair differs greatly from person to person. A technique that might work for a friend or family member may not work as well for you.
- Give the products time to act. Not all treatments offer visible results from the first application. It is a good idea to wait a month before issuing a judgment.
