Understanding why natural hair is prone to Dryness and Effective Moisturising techniques

Natural hair is prone to dryness due to its structure and the way natural oils travel along the strands. Here’s a breakdown of why this happens and how to effectively keep it moisturized.

Prior to getting into the various techniques of moisturising natural hair, it is important to understand the causes and While these causes can differ for everyone, here are some common factors.

Causes of Dryness in Natural Hair

Curl Pattern

To begin with the curl pattern of wavy, afro or curly hair usually averts the natural oils sebum naturally produced by the scalp from traveling down the hair shaft. Straighter hair tends to be more easily hydrated from roots to ends. This is why many curly-haired individuals often find that their roots are well-moisturized, but the mid-shaft to ends tend to be drier.

Exposure to extreme Heat

Another common cause of dryness in natural hair is exposure to extreme temperatures such as heat styling, washing with hot water, indoor heating, exposure to cold dry air, or spending a lot of time in the sun (without protection) can strip the hair of its natural moisture.

Not Sealing Properly

Not sealing moisture properly- When the hair and cuticle are healthy, the cuticle opens up to let moisture in and then seals to retain it.

An easy oil to seal with is extra virgin olive oil and for added guard add a butter to the ends. I love to use my ayurverdic infused mango and avocado butter.

https://payhip.com/b/EBaS0

However, if the cuticle is compromised, it might either stay open or never open at all, leading to dry hair. This where protein treatments play a huge part, they help to keep the cuticle’s integrity in tact.

Other factors which can contribute to persistent dryness are:

Chemical Treatments

Treatments such as colouring, relaxing, and perming can damage the hair cuticle, making it harder for the hair to retain moisture.  The important thing is to adapt your routine if you adopt any of the above mentioned chemical treatments.

Product Build-Up

Using heavy products that sit on the hair can block moisture from entering the hair shaft, leading to dryness. It makes no sense to consistently use heavy products and assume using a sulphate free shampoo consistently will do! No mam! You must clarify atleast once a month or twice.

Not Clarifying

 Clarifying shampoos are highly recommended at the very least once a month. Clarifying shampoos are formulated to deeply cleanse and remove product build up, restoring the hair back to its natural state. 

However where you insert clarifying shampoo also depends on your lifestyle, how often you wash your hair and the use of heavy products such.

Skipping Deep Conditioning

Skipping regular conditioning, using harsh shampoos, and not protecting the hair at night can contribute to dryness. 

I love the sleep bonnets and scrunchies from

https://crownedbyroyalty.co.uk/

Scalp Health

 A healthy scalp is essential for producing natural oils that moisturize the hair. Scalp conditions like dandruff or dermatitis can disrupt oil production and lead to dry hair.  It is important to note oiling the scalp is not necessary, if anything it leads to complications mentioned above.  

To maintain scalp health in between wash days keep your scalp clean using scalp pads from Orilifestyle.  after sweating from a workout we often allow the sweat to dry which can contribute to scalp issues! it is important to wipe the sweat before it has a chance to dry to your scalp.

https://orilifestyle.com/products/funfun-cleansing-pads

Some solutions/ practises to adopt:

Effective Moisturizing Techniques

So how should you stay on top of your moisture/conditioning? Here are some effective Moisturizing Techniques that can be a game-changer for maintaining moisturised, hydrated healthy hair.

1. 1. Wash your hair regularly atleast every 7-10 days, maximum 14 days! The condition of your scalp and how active you are will determine this
   2. Using a Leave-In Conditioner After washing your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair hydrated until you next remoisturise ( no longer than 4 days on average). Look for products that contain moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, marshmallow root, slippery elm, emollients, silicones yes! especially if excessive dryness is a major issue. 
   3. Deep Conditioning Treatments: Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine at least once a week. Use a deep conditioner with rich, hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, avocado oil, hyaluronic acid to nourish your hair from the inside out. currently loving the one from Ori lifestyle which combines moisture, hydration and protein

CHIEF DEEP CONDITIONER – Ori Lifestyle

4. LCO Method: This popular method involves applying a liquid (L), Cream (C), and O (oil or butter) to your hair in that order. Start with a water-based leave-in conditioner or distilled water, followed by a cream ( be your creamy leave or a water based moisturiser cream) and finish with a sealing oil, butter or grease to lock in everything

5.Protective Styles: Styles like braids (without extensions), twists(without extensions), and buns can help protect your hair from environmental stressors and reduce moisture loss. Make sure not to make them too tight, as this can cause breakage.

Our go to has always been twists, they’re versatile, simple to install and style

6.Avoid/Minimise Heat Styling: Minimize the use of heat styling tools like blow dryers and flat irons, as they can strip your hair of its natural moisture. If you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant beforehand.

7.Satin or Silk Accessories: Use satin or silk pillowcases, bonnets, and scarves to protect your hair while you sleep. These materials help retain moisture and reduce friction, preventing dryness and breakage. love the scrunchies from https://crownedbyroyalty.co.uk/ .

For an even more dressy occasions checkout the hand beaded ones from Orilifestyle 

https://orilifestyle.com/products/hand-beaded-scrunchies?_pos=1&_psq=scrunchies&_ss=e&_v=1.0

8.Hydrate from Within: Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Your hair reflects your overall health, and staying hydrated internally can have a positive impact on your hair’s moisture levels.

Key Takeaway Points