[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dry hair can be such a drag—especially when your outfit is a 10/10 and your makeup is on point (you glow, girl!). Whether the mop on top is
frizzy, fluffy, flat or has
frayed ends, it’s just
not the look and can certainly influence even the most outgoing of girlies to skip out on brunch or happy hour. And newsflash, you’re beautiful and can totally rock it (may we suggest a slicked back topknot?).
But, we get it. We all want healthy hair.
Ready to make bad hair days a thing of the past? Here’s
what causes dry hair, plus a few simple ways to create the luscious locks you long for.
What to do for dry hair: Eat these foods
Let’s start with what we’re putting
in rather than what we’re putting
on. Before considering the thousands of hair care products on the market, it’s ideal to start with diet. The following foods pack a powerful punch to benefit not just hair, but your skin and nails as well.
Seeds
Don’t be fooled by their size! Seeds, such as
pumpkin,
flax and
chia, are rich in plant-based protein, iron, magnesium, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids. Amino acids from protein contribute to
collagen production, which is a key component to hair, skin and nails. And iron, which supports healthy blood flow and oxygenation, is critical in ensuring that nutrients are being delivered properly throughout the body – from your scalp to your toes.
Green vegetables
These emerald-hue eats are good sources of vitamins A, C, E and K, which support collagen production and healthy cell function. Try spinach,
kale, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
Orange root vegetables & citrus fruits
Veggies such as sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin and carrots contain lots of vitamin C, which helps protect hair follicles
and works to prevent collagen, elastin and keratin proteins from breaking down. The same goes for citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit.
Oats
High in silica, AKA the “beauty mineral,”
oats are a versatile and affordable whole grain you can use to make baked goods, oatmeal, granola, veggie patties and more. Silica can help reduce breakage and split ends and increase collagen production, which helps form hair structure and can help strengthen fine hair.
What to do for dry hair: Consider how often you wash it
The answer isn’t necessarily black and white. It depends on factors such as hair type, styling habits and your activity level. What
is true for most of us is that shampooing too frequently can cause damage to hair—and can also cause irritation (i.e. rashes and itching) for those with sensitive scalps. On the other hand, leaving
too much time in between washes can also irritate the scalp due to excessive oil buildup (dandruff? No thanks!).
According to The Cleveland Clinic, curly,
coarse hair tends to be much drier than straight silky hair. In the case of curly hair, the oil needs to travel along corkscrew-shaped strands to moisturize to the ends. If you have drier hair, wash less often.
If you engage in intense physical activity on the daily (or really whenever), there’s no need to shampoo afterward. While not necessary, you may prefer to simply shampoo your roots to clean your scalp and remove excess oil from sweat. It’s more important, according to dermatologist
Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, to consider your hair type, texture and the amount of oil production you usually experience.
Be on the lookout for signs of over-washing: brittle hair, breakage and a dry, irritated or itchy scalp.
“A dry scalp can lead to increased hair shedding,” Dr. Khetarpal says.
Styling products, like gels, hairspray, creams and serums, can cause buildup on hair and scalp. If you use often, Dr. Khetarpal suggests using a
clarifying shampoo one to two times per month to remove buildup.
What to do for dry hair: Take care with heat styling
Similar to above, the extent to which hair can endure heat styling without significant damage depends on a variety of factors, including hair type and its current condition. Although, a good rule of thumb for most is to limit heat tools to a maximum of three times per week—perhaps even less for individuals with straighter, finer strands.
It’s important to remember to apply
heat protection to your hair before blow-drying and/or styling. Check out
How to Protect Hair from Heat Damage (Plus, 3 DIY Heat Protectant Recipes) for more pro tips.
5 more things you can start doing now for healthier hair
Here are a few more effective, yet underrated, tips for maintaining healthy hair:
- Sleep on a satin pillowcase to reduce tangles and knots.
- Get a trim! For short hair, every 4-6 weeks. For medium hair, every 6-8 weeks and 8-12 weeks for long hair.
- Use a soft fabric scrunchie (not an elastic tie—this can cause breakage) to tie hair into a loose, low pony tail.
- Go to sleep with dry hair to minimize damage. Wet hair is far more fragile. Soaked strands can stretch up to 30 percent longer than dry hair, which leads to breakage and split ends if stretched too far.
When it comes to your hair, YOU are in control. That’s the good news! Start incorporating the necessary steps into your routine to turn dry and damaged tresses into the hydrated, majestic mane you deserve.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="177637" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1724803374006{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/petal-fresh-anti-frizz-conditioner-lavender"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="177638" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1724803391667{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/tree-to-tub-ultra-gentle-unscented-shampoo-for-sensitive-scalp"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="177639" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1724803407390{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/alaffia-beautiful-curls-coil-sculpt-deep-treatment-mask"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
