Expert Advice

What are the Causes of Dry Hair?

Woman washing her hair in the shower with a shampoo for dry hair.

If your hair’s screaming for some serious TLC, you’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s damage from sun damage or lack of protection from heat tools, there could be various causes for dry, lackluster strands.

With a plethora of advice out there, it could be overwhelming to decipher what is actually causing it. Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers with our expert guide.

What Causes Dry Hair?

If your hair is throwing a dry spell, you might be wondering what’s causing it. Whether it’s a recurrent concern or you’ve only just started noticing it – there are a few different reasons why your stands might be feeling a little dehydrated.

Age

Sebum is the skin’s natural oil that helps to keep it moisturised. However, as you age, production naturally decreases, which could leave the scalp and strands feeling dryer.

The natural aging process can lead to a decrease in sebum production, the skin’s natural oil, which helps to keep the scalp moisturised.

Environmental Conditions

Environmental factors such as sun exposure could strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness and damage. Think of it as your hair being on a constant beach vacation without SPF. Not cool, right?

Expert Tip: Hats and heat protectants are your hair’s best friends.

Personal Habits

Love your styling tools and frequent washes? They might not love your hair back.

Over-washing could be stripping your hair of those precious natural oils and constant use of flat irons and curling wands could leave the cuticle crying for help. If this sounds like you, then it might be worth exploring options such as heatless curlers and dry shampoo.

What are the Best Ingredients for Dry Hair?

When it comes to finding the best haircare products for dry hair, we like to choose targeted ingredients that could help achieve a more moisturised, healthy mane.

Is Coconut Oil Good for Dry Hair?

Coconut isn’t just for piña coladas. It is also a popular choice for treating dry hair due to its unique chemical structure that is thought be able to penetrate the hair shaft to provide deep hydration.

Rich in fatty acids and possessing emollient properties, it is an ideal candidate to nourish and condition the strands, whilst working to provide a protective barrier against moisture loss for long-lasting hydration.

Is Almond Oil Good for Dry Hair?

Almond oil is another excellent choice for dry hair as it is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that work to seal moisture into the hair shaft, which may help to make it softer and less prone to breakage.

This lightweight oil is believed to easily absorb into the hair, helping to provide deep hydration without weighing it down.

The vitamin E content also acts as an antioxidant, to provide some protection against environmental damage.

Is Castor Oil Good for Dry Hair?

Known for its intense moisturising properties, castor oil is a go-to for dry and damaged hair. It is rich in ricinoleic acid which is believed to lock in moisture and helps you achieve shinier and more manageable strands. Bonus: Its antimicrobial properties can help soothe a dry, itchy scalp.

Are Hydrolysed Proteins Good for Dry Hair?

Incorporating products with protein could also be an effective addition to your routine. Acting like a construction worker for your hair, this ingredient could rebuild, strengthen and repair damaged locks, which could help to reduce breakage.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Dry Hair?

Hyaluronic acid isn’t just a skincare star; it’s a game-changer for dry hair too.

Known for its exceptional hydrating properties, it works to attract and retain moisture, which could help to restore balance to dehydrated tresses.

 

Whether you’ve always been prone to dryer tresses or it’s a more recent development – determining the cause of dry hair could have you well on your way to tackling it. For an extra hydration boost, explore our guide on the best leave-in conditioners that can take your hair care routine to the next level.



Melissa

Melissa

Writer and expert

Life motto: 'There's no such thing as too many beauty products'


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