Blogs – by Alex Aviza
How To Treat Dry Hair Naturally
Dry hair, damaged hair can be frustrating to deal with. However, with some simple product swaps and the right routine, you can restore moisture and vitality to your hair.
If you are reading this blog post, you probably already have an interest in natural or holistic alternatives to hair products. Choosing natural hair products may be daunting; it can be difficult to know whether the ingredients are low toxic or if they will work well with your hair type. Luckily, at Live Healthillie, we carry many different hair care products with clean ingredients to choose from that actually work for a variety of hair needs.
In this post, we will explore the causes of dry hair, as well as potential treatments to help you achieve healthy, luscious locks naturally.
Common Causes of Dry Hair
Dry hair can stem from various factors, including environmental elements, lifestyle choices, and hair care practices. Poor nutrition can contribute to dry hair by depriving the hair follicles of essential nutrients and hydration. External factors such as overwashing, excessive heat usage, or chemical treatments may strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, breakage, and frizz.
Using hair products with clean, low tox ingredients can help you maintain your hair health and prevent future dryness.
Why Choose Low Tox Hair Ingredients?
Hair care can be very personal, so why opt for natural, low tox products? Hair products with clean ingredients minimize your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals that may have adverse effects on your health. High quality, clean ingredients in hair products are often derived from natural sources and are more gentle on your hair and scalp, reducing the risk of irritation, allergic reactions, or even headaches.
Remember to look at the ingredient labels of your products. Many traditional shampoos and conditioners contain endocrine disrupting ingredients such as phthalates, parabens, and certain fragrances which can interfere with your body’s hormonal system and regulation. By choosing low tox hair products, you can minimize your exposure to certain chemicals and toxins.
Tips to Fix Dry Hair Naturally
It is no secret that having healthy hair is not just about using the right products; having healthy hair requires a balanced approach to hair care that considers both internal and external factors. From nourishing your body to using natural ingredients, keep reading below to find out how you can treat and prevent dry hair naturally.
1. Hydrate From Within
The health of your hair is often a reflection of your overall well being. Eating a balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, is crucial for promoting hair growth and strength. Include real, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet to provide your hair follicles with the nutrients they need to thrive. Proper hydration and balanced nutrition is the ultimate natural dry hair remedy. Just as your body needs water to stay hydrated, your hair also requires moisture to remain soft and healthy.
If you are looking to supplement your diet, we love our Cowboy Colostrum which has simple, but powerful ingredients. This product is rich in bioactive ingredients like immunoglobulins and natural growth hormones for hair health (and also support immunity, gut health, and skin!).
2. Maintain a Gentle Shampooing Routine
Harsh shampoos and overwashing can strip your hair over time, leading to dryness and damage. The best shampoo for dry hair is one that is moisturizing and free of harsh chemicals. Avoid shampoos that have silicones, as this ingredient can seal moisture out of the hair shaft, ultimately leading to dryness. Depending on your hair type, you may want to try limiting shampooing to no more than a couple times per week, as excessive washing can further dry out your hair.
Our silicone-free Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath is great for restoring the hair follicle, leaving hair bouncy and healthy. Formulated with raw shea butter and avocado, sage, monoi and tamanu oils, this shampoo is the perfect gentle, yet effective clean hair hydration solution.
3. Prime Your Hair
Using a heat protectant spray forms a barrier between your hair and heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers. This barrier helps minimize the damage caused by the heat, which can otherwise lead to hair dryness or split ends.
Consider taking a break from heat styling tools if you can. Otherwise, the Innersense Hair Love Prep Spray is a great option for a hair protection spray with high quality, clean ingredients. Rich in Vitamin B and rice protein, this spay restores strength and shine while protecting your hair during styling.
4. Stimulate Your Scalp
Scalp stimulation, such as gentle massaging or brushing, can offer many benefits to both your scalp and hair health. Using a tool like the Kitsch Shampoo Brush and Scalp Exfoliator, may improve circulation and increase blood flow to your hair follicles, encouraging healthy hair growth. In addition, stimulating your scalp reduces product build up, allowing hydrating products to actually penetrate your hair.
If you are looking to take your hair hydration to the next level, consider using a hair oil for dry hair like the one from Bur Bur. Hair oiling is a great step to incorporate into your low tox hair care routine before massaging your scalp. Leave the hair oil on for the recommended time, allowing your hair to absorb all the nourishing benefits. This weekly treatment visibly strengthens hair, adds shine, and supports healthy hair growth.
5. Switch Your Shower Head
If you are still experiencing hair dryness despite eating well and using the right products, you may want to upgrade your shower head. Chlorine, heavy metals, and other water contaminants may be the culprits of your brittle hair. Filtered shower heads remove these impurities, leaving you with clean, healthy hair. As a bonus, a filtered shower head may also help reduce irritation on your skin and scalp.
Remember, just because dry hair is “common,” does not necessarily mean that it is “normal.” Reflect on your daily habits and routines to figure out what may be at the root cause of your hair dryness. To prevent dry hair naturally, it is helpful to maintain a balanced diet and use hair products with clean, low tox ingredients. For more serious hair-related concerns, work with your dermatologist or healthcare professional.
