How Do I Moisturize Dry Hair?

Dry hair can be difficult to style and easily broken.

Hair is a product of keratinized proteins that grows out of living cells from roots on the skin's surface. Hair's outermost layers are called the cuticle. These can be either opened or closed, depending on levels of heat, moisture or chemicals. Numerous factors cause hair to become dry and brittle. Chemical applications, overexposure to heat-styling tools, weather conditions, heredity and age all are factors that can cause hair to become dry. There are a number of steps you can take to keep your hair lustrous and vibrant.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Protein-based moisturizing conditioner
• Detangling comb
• Shower cap
• Hair clip, if necessary

Instructions

1. Wet hair thoroughly with warm water. Towel dry hair gently.

2. Apply a generous amount of conditioner throughout the hair. Work the conditioner thoroughly through the hair with your fingers.

3. Comb the hair gently with a detangling comb. Use caution to avoid breaking hair.

4. Protect your hair while sleeping. For long hair, twist it into a loose circle and secure it with a hair clip. Put on a shower cap prior to going to bed to protect hair while sleeping.

5. Rinse hair thoroughly in the morning with cool water. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 weekly or as needed.

References

• "Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery"; Biology of the Hair Follicle: The Basics; Karoline Krause and Kerstin Foitzik; March 2006
• Type F: How to Moisturize Coarse, Dry Hair
• Laura E. Carlson; Cosmetology Student: Rudy & Kelly Academy; Virginia Beach, Va.; July 2011