When it comes to healthy, glossy hair, hydration is the key. It helps colored locks glow, keeps frizz at bay, and leaves every strand feeling touchably soft. However, dry hair is a common complaint about any type of mane – and it becomes even more troublesome when the heating cranks up and the cold winter winds sweep in.
Here, we break down dry hair treatments and routines to breathe new life into a dehydrated mane.
There are two types of dry hair
The first is caused by a slowed-down production of oils, which can happen as we get older or because of genetics. The scalp produces sebum that moves its way down from the roots to the tips of each strand. The less sebum produced at the root, the less moisture there will be through the ends. Hair can also be dry by nature. Often, coarse and curly hair types can feel dehydrated, leaving them in need of a moisture boost.
The second type of dryness is consequential. It’s a symptom of damaged hair, whether from under-conditioning, too much bleaching, or exposure to heat. The trick for fixing this type of dryness is breaking bad hair habits, then finding the right routine to restore moisture and leave locks feeling smooth once more.
Day-to-day treatment for dry hair
Are you washing your hair often? Then it’s best to use gentle, conditioning shampoos. The right washing routine is unique to everyone – some can hold off for a week, while others need to shampoo daily. If hair feels dry, it can be beneficial to wash less often or take a closer look at your routines.
Bridge the gap between washes
Start adding an extra day or two between washes. This can take some getting used to; especially if you’re conscious of an oily scalp. However, dry shampoo will make the transition far easier. Mist it directly into roots, then massage with fingertips for a quick pick-me-up.
Treat waves and curls to a micellar wash
Waves and curls need extra care, which is why we recommend a micellar shampoo for a deep yet delicate wash, which harnesses clever molecules called micelles to trap impurities and send them down the drain – all without stripping away essential oils.
Alternate with a cleansing conditioner
Have you heard of co-washing? This is a method that those with curly hair will love. While you don’t have to say goodbye to traditional shampoos for good, alternating with a cleansing conditioner (or co-wash) offers a gentler way to purify your scalp. All you do is smooth it through from root to tip and rinse – just as you would with your usual shampoo.
Dry hair caused by under-conditioning
Under-conditioning doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not using a conditioner at all. It simply means you may need to change your products and add some extra moisture to your regular hair wash. Try these rehydrating hacks to level up your conditioning routine.
Find the right hair mask
A hair mask is a must for dry hair; you just need to find the right formula for you. If locks are thin or fine, try a lighter treatment, and if you have thicker or coarser hair that’s prone to breakage a mask will plump and strengthen.
Towel-dry
Once you’ve chosen the right hair mask, it’s important to gently towel-dry your hair before you smooth it on. Most people simply squeeze out excess water, but if you don’t use a towel to dry your hair, it will still be too wet. This means any conditioner or mask you apply will either be diluted, will slide off strands and down the plughole, or will not be able to penetrate your locks effectively.
Leave-in conditioner
Enhance hydration further with a leave-in conditioner. This is especially useful for treating crispy waves or curls between washes, so they go back to their bouncy best. Simply add Nutri-Enrich Nourishing Anti-Static Spray to your kit, then lightly spritz through lengths whenever you need a moisture top-up.
Caring for colored hair starts in the salon
Whether you’re booked in for highlights or a glossing service, ask your colorist to add WellaPlex to your chosen color formula. This bond-strengthening treatment helps to reinforce the structure of your strands throughout the coloring process, so hair feels stronger, healthier, and moisturized.
Use a strong shampoo and conditioner duo that’s designed to maintain your shade, and not only are they specially formulated to keep your hue looking glossier for longer; but the conditioner is also infused with the WellaPlex bonding agent for enhanced strength.
For an extra dose of nourishment, apply a mask once per week, massaging it through mid-lengths and ends before leaving it on for 10 minutes. Rich and buttery soft, it pampers sensitized strands. Just remember: a little goes a long way, so start small and add more only if you need to.
If you’re styling your hair without protection, we have one word for you: stop. Applying heat to ‘naked’ locks will fast-track damage, leading to dry, frazzled ends. That’s why to prevent future wear and tear, it’s essential you start leaning on nourishing styling products that will a) safeguard your strands, and b) add moisture back in.
Heat protection spray
Start every heat styling session with a heat protection spray, whether you’re using a diffuser to dry your curls or styling hair smooth with straighteners.
It’s not just heat styling that dries out your hair; the sun can damage it, too. So, to protect your lengths, spray from root to tip before you head outside. Just a light misting will be enough to veil locks in a little extra protection.
Rehydrate with an oil
To complete the look and add extra shine, layer a hair oil over the top. Applied to the mid-lengths and ends, tames frizz and tempers stressed-out strands. Plus, because it’s beautifully lightweight, it doesn’t weigh fine or thin hair down. Simply use a full pump on damp or wet hair, and just half a pump to revive dry, freshly styled locks.
