Best Hair Treatments For Dry Hair
“Bad hair days” cause mortal
worry to people who respect their looks. Instead of trying to hide it under a
scarf or cap it is better to prevent it. Oily hair is limp and does not
allowing styling. Dry hair becomes frizzy, stands due to static and has to be
tightly held done. It is also weak and breaks easily leading to hair loss.
Chemically treated water, harsh weather, dry winds, use of wrong shampoos, hair
styling products etc. cause dry hair and hair loss.
If hair is smooth, it reflects light and shines. However loss of
sebum and ceramides in hair due to above reasons make it dry, dull, coarse and
fragile.
First and foremost we should try to prevent dry hair before
looking for a treatment. Good nutrition retains the shine and bounce of hair. A
healthy diet and drinking enough water will do wonders. Generous helpings of
fresh fruits and vegetables cooked in healthy oils provide the necessary
vitamins and minerals.
After a healthy diet comes nourishing the scalp. Sebum
produced by scalp moisturizes hair which can be replaced by massaging with
jojoba oil. A good massage of the scalp and application down the hair is a
must. A towel soaked in hot water is squeezed and wrapped around the hair for
half an hour followed by a shampoo and rinse.
Care should be taken to keep the hair cuticles healthy. Chemicals
in shampoos tend to destroy the natural ceramides or fat cells that bond hair
cells to strengthen it. If the cuticle loosens, hair becomes dry and brittle.
Wheat germ oil mixed with shampoo will prevent this.
Oil treatments taken twice a month prevent dry hair. A home-made
treatment is as good as a salon visit or purchase of oil treatment kits from
stores. Two tablespoons of almond oil or olive oil should be warmed and applied
on the scalp and hair, down to the ends. A warm towel wrapped around the hair
for 30 minutes retains the effect. A mixture of olive, castor and coconut oil
and other Ayurvedic combos give good results.
After oil treatments and for normal use also, a good moisturizing
shampoo fortified with proteins is essential. Proteins will fuse split ends and
strengthen individual hair. It will retain moisture preventing dry hair caused
by shampoos containing lauryl sulphate and those with conditioners.
Separate conditioner with humectants is applied on scalp and down
the hair to the tips. It will moisturize hair and is applied only after towel
drying the hair as water causes dryness. Conditioning is a must in winters as
hair becomes too dry. The final rinse is done with cold or warm water. Hot
water is avoided all together as it makes hair dry and brittle.
Finally a special rinse routine can be added to give that extra
shine. Herbal tea of Rosemary, Sage, Stinging nettle or Calendula is used for
dark color hair while Chamomile tea or the grandma recipe of lemon juice in
water is used for blond hair. Few drops of Rosemary,
Lavender, Thyme, Lemon grass or Peppermint oil in a cup of warm
water will serve as an antiseptic cum antioxidant herbal rinse.
Using shampoo frequently is not advisable as it dries hair
removing moisture from the scalp. But herbal rinse often is recommended.
Rinsing hair after a swim, using a soft bristled comb and protecting it from
harsh weather prevent dry hair and hair loss.
Hairfear
