Dryness tends to be a common problem among those of us with natural hair. I have type 4C hair, and my hair can get very dry at times. Because of the texture of my hair, it can tend to look very dull as well.
When your hair is kinky, like mine, it is harder for the natural oils in your scalp to travel to your hair strands. This will cause your hair to look less shiny and dull.
If your hair is prone to dryness, with proper care and treatment, you can certainly revitalize your mane. Here are some possible causes of dry hair, and ways that you can keep your natural hair moisturized.
Moisturizing Incorrectly
Using the correct type of moisturizer is important to keep your hair moisturized. Water-based moisturizers are best when it comes to moisturizing your hair. Stay away from those products that have water listed near the bottom of the ingredient list.
I have found that plain water is the absolute best moisturizer for my hair. I like to mix ½ cup of water and 1 tbsp of vegetable glycerin in a spray bottle and I mist it onto my hair daily. If I am using a styling product(s) on my hair, I always apply water right before I add any product.
Too Much Clarifying
Are you overdoing it with the clarifying shampoo? I have learned that shampoo, in general, can be drying, but clarifying shampoos are especially drying on natural hair.
I co-wash my hair weekly, and I use a clarifying shampoo once a month. If I have an excessive amount of build-up in my hair then, I will shampoo with a clarifying shampoo or do an apple cider vinegar rinse when needed.
If you use a clarifying shampoo often, or are doing frequent ACV rinses, and have noticed that your hair is very dry, you should cut back and/or space out the clarifying products.
When it comes to shampoos, you should also consider using a sulfate free shampoo. Sulfates can strip your hair strands of their much-needed natural oils. My favorite sulfate free shampoos are Giovanni and Creme of Nature.
Don’t Forget The Deep Conditioner
Deep conditioning is a step that a lot of naturals tend to overlook. Even if your hair is not damaged, you can benefit from a good deep conditioner.
To prevent dryness and damage I deep condition my hair on a regular basis which is typically once a month. If my hair is feeling a bit dryer than normal, I will add a deep conditioner to my weekly wash routine for a couple of weeks.
Some of my favorite deep conditioners are The Mane Choice Tropical Moringa Sweet Oil & Honey Endless Moisture Mask, SheaMoisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Masque, and Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner.
Hot Oil Treatment
Give your hair a little TLC by doing a hot oil treatment. The heat from the oil will open the cuticle of the hair and allow moisture to penetrate the hair shaft.
You can use any natural oil of your choosing. My favorite oils to use when doing a hot oil treatment are olive oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil.
Here is how I apply my hot oil treatment:
Instructions
1. Heat water on the stove. (Turn off just before water starts to boil). Add your oil to an applicator bottle or container of your choosing, and place in water until it is warm. (DO NOT heat oil in the microwave. It will lose its nutrients).
2. Divide your hair into 4 sections for easy distribution.
3. Apply the oil to each section of your hair.
4. Massage oil into your hair from roots to tip. Don’t forget your scalp. Massage the oil into your scalp as well.
5. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and let the oil treatment sit on your hair for at about 15 – 20 minutes.
6. Shampoo and condition your hair as you normally would.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Be sure to nourish your hair from the inside out. Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Make sure that you are staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Add A Sealant
After moisturizing your hair, be sure you are applying a sealant to help seal in the moisture. Use a thick butter or oil to seal the water/moisture in your hair. Oil by itself will not moisturize your hair, but it will do a good job in helping to seal in moisture.
If your hair texture is kinky, you may benefit from a thicker moisturizer and sealant. I like to use pure shea butter to seal my hair. I also like using olive and grapeseed oils as sealants.
What are some of the things that you do to moisturize your natural hair?
This winter has been horrible on my hair, scalp and skin. I know I haven’t been drinking as much water as I should either. I had to restock my products. I’m going to add aloe Vera gel also. Enjoyed your post!