Caring for Dry, Frizzy Hair
Many people spend their lives looking for relief from dry hair and often times dry frizzy hair. Although most frizzy hair is a matter of genetics, for the rest of us it’s a matter of “hair abuse.” Nonetheless, there are many things you can do to combat dry, frizzy hair.
Hair damage comes from many sources. A primary factor is sun or heat damage. Other causes are poor nutrition, smoke (and smoking), and harsh chemicals or cleaning products.
Starting with the last cause, select your shampoos and conditioners carefully. Choose products with hydrating (moisturizing) qualities. Conditioners containing aloe vera, panthenol, and vitamin E are particularly friendly to your hair. If you color your hair, remember that these products tend to dry your hair and make it brittle. Therefore, use a leave-in conditioner every day. For genetically frizzy hair, products containing silicone are excellent at taming the frizzies.
Although dryness is a culprit in creating frizzy hair, excess humidity over long periods of time will cause hair damage, too. Nevertheless, silicone-enhanced products will help you counter this problem. And while you are treating your hair with care, do not be rough with it. Hand-wring your hair; then, towel dry without excessive rubbing, which tends to break hair ends. Avoid over brushing your hair, and choose brushes with soft, natural bristles and combs with widely spaced teeth.
Heat damage comes from many sources. The sun is a primary factor, but so are styling tools like curling irons and hot rollers. Minimize your exposure to the sun, and apply products with UV protection for those days on the beach. Also, use heat protectors when you curl your hair and keep the settings as cool as you can. Consider alternating your heating irons with traditional sponge rollers to avoid constant exposure to heat. Finally, wash your hair in cool water. It cleans just as well, with the added benefit of adding luster to your hair.
By now, everyone should know the dangers of smoking. Lung cancer and heart disease are the most devastating diseases. However, smoking also damages your outward appearance–particularly your skin and hair. The results are more obvious in women, as their skin and hair are more delicate. Look at a middle-aged woman who has smoked for years, and you will see skin that looks like a dry river bed. Their hair will be dull and lifeless, too. A simple solution? Stop smoking, or don’t start.
Finally, think about your nutrition. Do you remember the adage, “You are what you eat”? This applies to your hair just as much as the rest of your body. Hair is primarily protein; therefore, make sure your diet has adequate amounts. Also, eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. And make sure you get beneficial oils in your diet. A well-rounded diet will help you to grow healthy hair in the first place, and that is your first line of defense in combating dry, frizzy hair.
To sum up, you do not have to lose the battle against dry, frizzy hair. Eat a well-balanced diet, avoid heat and chemical damage, handle your hair with respect, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you do, your hair will truly be your crowning glory.
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