How to care for dry hair

The cold weather itself does not have a lasting effect on the structure of the hair or the health of strands— it’s the things which are well within your control that can affect the life and lustre of your hair throughout the colder months.

To help mitigate winter’s wrath, here are a few simple tips to nourish hair and get that mane looking healthy again.

The problem: Dry or damaged hair 
The solution: Use a nourishing shampoo

If your scalp is struggling, you may suffer from split and damaged ends, dandruff, skin dehydration and flaking, and as a result your hair will struggle to grow. Some shampoos are formulated with harsh chemicals. Using this to cleanse your scalp strips it of its natural oils and dries your hair. 

Use nourishing shampoos with natural oils like argan, avocado, Monoi, Macadamia, Jojoba, coconut and olive oils (to name but a few!) as well as nourishing shea butter to help, condition, rehydrate and restore hair. 

TRY:

- L'Oreal Elvive Nourishing Shampoo (is enriched with 6 micro flower oils that transform and nourish dry hair leaving it smooth and perfectly tamed.
- Hask Monoi Oil Nourishing Shampoo helps replace lost moisture in hair that's dry, damaged or colour-treated, leaving it stronger and looking healthier.
- My Natural Hair Nourishing Shampoo made with a blend of jojoba oil and shea butter to nourish a dry and itchy scalp was specially formulated for natural and relaxed hair, and helps to effectively remove dirt and product build-u

The problem: Flaky and itchy scalp
The solution: Hydration

While a dry scalp can be embarrassing, it’s not uncommon. Inclement weather, environmental pollution and a build-up of shampoo and hair products such as styling waxes, pomades and gels are all enough to throw your scalp off balance. If you’ve noticed small, dry flakes sliding off your hair or have been experiencing mild irritation and itchiness, then it’s possible that your scalp is thirsty for a hit of hydration.

TRY:

- Gill Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Oily Hair combines zinc pyrithione and a MoistureCell complex in an effective formula that helps with a dry, itchy, and flaky scalp, while conditioning hair. It also contains menthol and lemon extract to invigorate and wash away excess oils.
- Sorbet Man 2-In-1 Shampoo and Conditioner is formulated with charcoal to absorb dirt and banish build-up, leaving your hair impeccably pure.
- Eucerin DermoCapillaire Calming Urea Shampoo is a mild, fragrance-free shampoo that helps prevent scalp irritation and drying out.
- Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Moisturising Scalp Care is made with a formula that helps fight the causes of dandruff. It also helps balance out scalp moisture for stronger, healthier hair.
- Cantu Cleansing Cream Shampoo is loaded with the nourishing and hydrating power of shea butter which helps prevent breakage. Its gentle formula also cares for hair by being completely free of sulphates, silicones, and paraben.

The problem: Lifeless hair
Solution: Wash your hair less

Daily shampooing can rob your hair of its protective oils. Try washing your hair once or twice a week instead. Applying hair oils or leave-in conditioners to add lustre and softness will also minimise dryness and flaking while keeping your hair manageable and healthy looking.

TRY:

- Jamaican Mango and Lime Black Castor Oil Xtra Dark is an all-purpose soothing oil made from manually ground, roasted Jamaican castor beans. This versatile natural oil seals in moisture and deeply conditions your hair, leaving it stronger.
- BLM Natural Oil Mix Hair & Scalp is a unique blend of sweet almond, black castor seed, coconut and rosemary oils. This oil mix is ideal for moisturising, fortifying, and restoring your natural hair shine. 
- Afri True Jojoba & Argan Oils Polishing Serum is enriched with jojoba and argan oils to smooth, detangle and fight frizz. This nourishing serum controls flyaway hair gives shine to weaves and natural hair.

Grooming tip:

If your hair is too dry, it might need a reset in the form of a fresh cut. Even if your hair isn’t very long, split ends can make hair hard to style and contribute to it feeling dry.

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com