It’s a tent pole of clean beauty:sulfate-free shampoos.
When you switch to sulfate-free shampoos, just note that you will not get the same foamy feeling.
(So prepare for a different sensorial experience.)
And also, lathering is not an indication of effectiveness.
“Co-washing allows the gentler cleansing without the drying detergents that can harm the scalp and hair.
Along with skipping sulfates, you should look for shampoos that have natural emollients.
Lean on your conditioner.
Conditioners do just what the name implies: They condition your strands.
“Think of when you add softener to your clothes after washing them.”
Opt for regular masks.
For extra moisture, add in a mask weekly or more often.
Think of deep conditioners as a five-star meal for your hair.”
Mix up some DIY treatments.
If you want a list of inspiration, see our favoriteDIY hair maskshere.
Try a pre-shampoo treatment.
Some favorites arecastor oil,coconut oil, andargan oil.
Apply hot oil treatments.
Hot oil treatments are a popular, time-tested tradition used in many, many cultures.
It’s a hair care method in which slightly warmed oil is used to coat and mend dry hair.
The oil is heated because it is thought to help initiate the cuticle and let the oil penetrate deeper.
For our guide, read oil treatmentshere.
Adjust your wash schedule.
How often should you wash your hair?
And one way that you may see that your wash schedule isn’t working for you is dry hair.
See, over-shampooing or shampooing with too harsh of a product will cause dryness of the scalp and hair.
A dry scalp usually feels tight, itchy, and might come with small dry flakes.
If you suspect this is your issue, wean yourself off your shampoo schedule.
Use leave-in conditioners.
“They are useful for controlling frizz, detangling strands, and keeping curls smooth.
These conditioners are normally light lotions, creams, or liquids.
See some of ourfavorite leave-ins here.
Seal in water with oils.
Oils have natural occlusive properties.
A reminder: Occlusive ingredients are ones that create a thick, impenetrable barrier around your hair.
They are also many types of oils, likejojobaor olive oils.
After you slick on an occlusive,anything layered on topisn’t getting past it.
Layer and cocktail ingredients.
Avoid silicones.
Silicones are a class of compounds that add slip and silky texture to hair and skin care products.
“They are the extra filler that helps a product feel more luxurious.”
However,silicones are hydrophobic1, meaning they repel water.
Over time this will dry out your hair.
Skip hot tools altogetheror at least don’t use every day.
(I mean, a blow-dryer’s job is literally to dry your hair, no?)
It not only causes dryness, but it causes damage to the hair shaft.
How to apply moisturizers to your hair.
How to use hair moisturizers entirely depends on what your specific product is.
Here, we break down best practices per product
Conditioner.
Conditioners should be applied on freshly shampooed hair.
Co-washes can be used several times a week in place of your normal shampoo and conditioner routine.
Just be mindful of how many times you co-wash before adding in an actual shampoo again.
Leave-in or oils.
Leave-ins or oils should be applied to damp hair post shower as to help trap in the water.
What causes dry hair.
The takeaway.
Getting soft, hydrated hair is totally possibleit just takes some extra love and attention.
