We all love that lush, soft and full hair. But sadly, most African women often experience dry or damaged hair, split ends, and even breakage. It’s frustrating to deal with these issues. Fortunately research has uncovered some essential tips and tricks to restore your hair’s vigour, boosting the confidence that great hair brings. But first, let’s explore why you often experience dry or damaged hair.
Causes of dry, damaged hair
The fact is, there isn’t always a clear-cut answer. Dry hair can result from a variety of internal and external factors that affect the hair’s ability to retain moisture. The most common causes are: lack of natural oils, style preference, weather and seasonal changes, treatments, hair porosity, hormonal fluctuations, and general health.
For a better understanding, it’s essential to explain each in detail so you know how to restore moisture and strength to your hair.
Lack of natural oils
Natural oils produced by the scalp play a vital role in maintaining hair hydration. Factors such as over-washing, using shampoos with harsh sulphates, or naturally low sebum production can strip these oils, leaving hair dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage.
READ ALSO: 6 Tips To Maintaining A Great Hair Care Routine For Men
Environmental factors
Overexposure to sunlight weakens the hair shaft and reduces moisture retention, leading to dryness and increased vulnerability to split ends. Windy conditions, too, cause tangling, while humidity exacerbates frizz, further damaging hair strands over time.
During harmattan, with its dryness and low humidity, your hair can suffer even more. In contrast, while we love a good swim, swimming in chlorinated water also strips moisture from hair.
Heat styling and chemical treatments
Using tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers frequently can deplete moisture. Chemical treatments — bleaching, perming, and colouring — break down the cuticle, leaving the hair porous and more susceptible to dehydration.
Also, style preference is another issue. Excessive plaiting, especially with cornrows, can damage your edges, cause breakage, and lead to tangled hair.
Hair porosity
Hair porosity plays a crucial role in how your hair absorbs and retains moisture. With low porosity, the cuticle layers are tightly packed, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. While this minimises moisture loss, it also means that hydration products may not absorb effectively. Medium porosity is considered ideal, as it allows moisture to be absorbed and retained efficiently. On the other hand, high porosity—often caused by damage—features widely spaced cuticle layers, causing moisture to enter quickly but escape just as fast, leaving the hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
Hormonal changes and health condition
Fluctuating hormones due to pregnancy, menopause, thyroid imbalances, or other hormonal conditions can lead to changes in scalp oil production. Additionally, other health concerns like anaemia often correlate with dry, lacklustre hair.
Effective treatments
Treating dry or damaged hair requires a blend of the right products, targeted care routines, and healthy habits. Here are tried-and-true methods to combat dryness.
Scalp Massage
Experts recommend a scalp massage to stimulate hair follicles and promote thicker hair. This can be done without oil, though you may use one if you prefer. A typical scalp massage is similar to a massage for your neck, back, or body. However, it is done a little more gently—usually without oil, but you can include it if you prefer. A typical scalp massage uses the fingertips or a massaging device that mimics the pressure of your fingertips.
Moisturising hair masks
A weekly moisturising hair mask can work wonders. Choose masks that provide a deep resurfacing treatment for damaged hair without weighing it down, delivering up to 77% less surface damage and up to seven times more shine. Some experts even suggest that rice and onion water can help restore hair texture and prevent further damage.
Gentle shampoos and conditioners
Switch to sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners formulated for dry hair. These products cleanse without stripping essential oils. Organic shampoos with aloe vera are also beneficial and are often available in local markets.
Limit heat and sun exposure
Excessive heat can damage hair, so limit heat styling and embrace air drying whenever possible. When heat styling is necessary, always apply a heat protectant spray. Furthermore, remember to protect your hair from the sun’s harmful UV rays by wearing a hat or using leave-in treatments that contain UV filters.
A proper hair care routine
Daily care can make a big difference. Consult experts who understand your hair type for personalised treatments. Additionally, lightweight organic oils such as coconut oil, sheer butter, avocado oil can be very effective.
READ ALSO: Soybean Oil in Hair Care: Benefits and How to Use
Avoid over-washing your hair
Washing hair two to three times a week helps preserve natural oils. Between washes, opt for dry shampoos to maintain freshness without over-cleansing.
Maintain a healthy diet
Consuming a healthy diet can improve your hair and prevent dryness or damage. Ensure your diet includes foods rich in protein, biotin, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and zinc.
