Dry, brittle hair that feels like straw is something most of us have faced at one time or another. Much like our skin, our hair is dependent on holding adequate moisture to stay supple and strong. Without it, frizz, split ends, dullness and hair fall are likely to follow. Well hydrated hair has that unmistakable healthy look — glossy, bouncy, and full of life. The difference between lacklustre strands and lush hair often comes down to hydration. But how do you know if your hair is crying out for moisture, and what are the most effective ways to put that hydration back?
Why Hydrated Hair Matters
Moisture levels can dictate everything about how hair behaves. Water alters the very structure of our locks, improving its flexibility and reducing brittleness. Hydrated hair bends, stretches and has bounceback ability. Dry hair is weak and very prone to breakage. Making sure our tresses remain hydrated will create natural shine and helps the cuticle layer lie flat (making it easier to style!). A well-nourished scalp, with the right moisture balance lays the foundation for healthy hair growth too.
Is My Hair (And My Scalp) Thirsty?
The tell-tale signs (they can be subtle) are dullness instead of shine, frizz, split ends and tangles. And of course, strands that turn into split ends and break at the slightest tension. The scalp also gives out some signals, with signature tightness, itching and flaking. All these signs indicate that the hair and skin are desperate for a dose of hydration.
Why Is My Hair So Dry?
As with most hair-related issues, there are many causes of dry hair, and they can have an effect individually or working in tandem. Here are some of the most common culprits:
- Environmental factors: when our hair is exposed to harsh weather conditions and pollution, dryness can result. UV light from the sun strips moisture from hair quicker than you can say split ends! If you live in a hard water area, then dry hair can result from the hair coming from your tap!
- Heat styling: we’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – heat styling tools are a hair hydration killer!
- Shampoos and conditioners: the harsh chemicals and sulphates in many products eat our hair’s natural oils.
- Chemical dyes: bleaching hair, especially when done at home, significantly damages the hair structure, making it dry and brittle.
- Ageing: as we move into our late 40s and beyond, hormonal changes can substantially alter our hair texture.
- Medical conditions: hypothyroidism, diabetes and Covid can all cause dry hair. Scalp conditions like eczema, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis can compromise the scalp, leaving hair dry and weak.
- Genetics: some people simply inherit hair that is naturally coarser, more porous and less oily. So sometimes our parents are to blame!
How Can I Improve My Hair’s Hydration?
Getting the hydrated hair we all want isn’t always straightforward. As we know, the causes of dryness can be complex. A holistic approach to combat it works best. But you don’t need to throw the kitchen sink at it! Smart tweaks to your lifestyle and the choices you make each day can create the conditions for moisture to reach both strands and scalp.
Lifestyle Habits That Improve Hydration
The fight for hydration starts from the inside. Drinking enough water is vital. Everyone’s needs are different, but 6-8 glasses a day is the received wisdom. Diet will also help you maintain adequate moisture. Nutrient-rich foods like oily fish, leafy greens and the proteins found in beans and lean meat are ideal.
Lifestyle changes can make a huge difference. Stop daily heat styling (or turn down the dial at least!) and sleep on silk or satin pillowcases to reduce friction on easily snapped strands. Regular scalp massages boost blood circulation to the scalp. It also helps spread natural oils up and through the hair shaft. Our Scalp Massager is the perfect tool for the job.
Keep showers as cool as possible and if you live in a hard water area, invest in a water softener shower head. This can reduce the damage caused by mineral-heavy water.
Picking The Right Products For Hydrated Hair
Again, we are all different, and one size all usually doesn’t fit! The often-layered causes of dry hair mean that the solution should be too. Hydrated hair comes from using the right products that support both our locks and our scalp. Using healthy hair products for a hair hydration treatment adds an extra protective layer, locking in moisture for lasting results.
Shampoo & Conditioner
There are many shampoo and conditioner products out there. The right pairing will cleanse gently and help hair lock in moisture. Harsh or low-quality products will likely strip more moisture than they add. Only use hair and scalp friendly items and find the washing routine and schedule that works for you and your hair type. The Hair Gain Peptide Puff™ Dry Shampoo is a fantastic, scalp and hair supporting way to freshen your hair between washes.
Double Down With A Hydrating Hair Mask
For a major weekly hydration hit, our Hair Gain Hair Mask delivers intense moisture. Armed with the signature AnaGain™ ingredient, the Hair Mask protects and strengthens the hair whilst promoting growth. Meanwhile, using our amazing Scalp Foam will soothe and nourish the scalp, reducing hair shed. Using both products together can reduce hair breakage and fall by up to 60% from the first use.*
Support Your Locks From Within
Even the healthiest diet can leave nutritional gaps, and your hair will often feel the impact first. Hair Gain Hair Capsules and Hair Gummies are designed to plug those leaks, delivering key nutrients and hair vitamins. Powered by AnaGain™, they are scientifically proven to reduce hair loss.
Supporting Hydrated Hair
Hydration isn’t just a surface problem – it runs deeper. That’s why a targeted, holistic approach works best. Hydrated hair is strong hair – less prone to breakage, easier to style and with that amazing shine that indicates great hair health. The good news? Giving you hair and scalp the moisture it craves doesn’t require a drastic overhaul – just consistent habits and wise product choices.
Read More
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Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth: What You Need to Know
*Independently tested May 2023, results achieved when tested together as a regime.
