Dry hair is a problem for all naturals for many reasons stemming from the environment, manipulation and over exposed ends to just the basic shape of the hair strand. The curlier your hair the harder it is for moisture to travel down the strand, and to add one more complication our strands tend to tangle…a lot!
So how can we cure dry hair forever? It is easier to just have a set plan of action regardless of your hair type or porosity so that you know what to do when your hair is dry.
Here are three sure fire ways you can eliminate dry hair problems forever:
1. Co wash when you need moisture
Its one thing to get your spray bottle and add moisture with a few little sprays, but if you have hair that is prone to dryness, get in the shower and drench your hair with water and conditioner.
Use a conditioner that does not have cones so that you can avoid build up and leave some of the conditioner in your hair. I am not a fan of washing every single bit of conditioner product out of my hair after my cowash* especially if I am using a conditioner that can double as a leave in. (Tresseme Moisture Rich Conditioner, is a great example)
After you cowash*, use your cream to coat your strands and then your favorite oil which is the basis of the LCO method.
2. Deep condition weekly
Do not even begin to ask the question about how to deal with your dry hair if you are not a fan of old school 20 minute deep conditioning.
Go into your pantry get an old clean plastic bag if you do not have a deep conditioning* cap, drench your hair with your deep conditioner* and cover your head with it. Sit under your dryer for about 20 minutes, the heat will open up your cuticles and allow your moisture products into the hair shaft.
This is great for women with low porosity hair who find it hard to get moisture into their hair.
3. Over night deep conditioning
This is another great way to deep condition your hair especially if your hair is really dry. Get a deep conditioning* cap or plastic bag cover your saturated, conditioned hair and cover with your silk scarf* in preparation for bed.
The heat from the plastic cap and your scarf will allow the conditioner to really get into your strands and eliminate dryness all together.
The most important thing to remember when you are battling dryness is that you should always use water based products (water is the first ingredient on the ingredient list) and to not be afraid to go hard with your method.
Moisturizing on dry hair with a spray bottle can work in some cases, but for some of us we need to just start fresh and a good old co-wash is what it will take.
Have you had dry hair lately?
Great article for me. I will be sharing this! Thank you!
I have been dealing with dry hair pretty much since the start of my journey. I was getting so tired of trying and buying products that were helping but not truly or consistently. A little over a week ago I started doing the Greenhouse Effect method. What a difference!!! I chose this method over the baggy method because it seemed more simple and used less products. I had to think back when my hair was at it’s longest (bra strap length) and it was when I kept things simple. The GHE was miraculous. I used some water (mixed with Natty Naturals ACV mist, I wanted to use up the product. I think it works much much better mixed with water), jojoba oil, plastic conditioning cap, headscarf and that is it! I’ve done it during the day and then taken it off at night to sleep. I initially did it for moisture retention but if I get faster hair growth then that is a plus. I’ve done it at night and take it off during the day. I’ve seen the method discussed on many blogs and articles but I decided to go to the source of the method. If you do a search for Real Queens Greenhouse Effect Method you’ll be able to find the site.
She looks like Denice Huxtable. (Forgot her real name)
Hello I may have missed the post, but I am looking for a cream or oil to control my dry hair. I have very short hair but it is thick and dry. Right now I use coconut oil it works to soften my hair right at the first but after some hours it gets super dry and tangled. I use Dr. Bonner’s castile soap for shampoo and acv in water to condition. Thank you for your advice.