Do you have dull, rough, electric hair? You have tried a lot of care, but nothing helps? It may be that they are not suitable for your hair type. To be beautiful and resistant, they need different active ingredients: proteins, fatty ingredients, and other watery ingredients. The problem is that the amount between the three is very variable from one hair to another. But often, we forget to moisturize the hair.

Depending on the humidity, the hair “swells” or becomes “sparkling.” This is because the hair fiber is porous, i.e., it has the ability to absorb water: up to 30% of its weight. As you have noticed, hair reacts to ambient moisture.

This is one of the challenges of hair beauty: it must have enough water, but not too much! Because our manes have a very ambivalent relationship with water…

More concretely, it should be remembered that the goal is to increase or maintain the moisture level of the hair fiber. So in this article, I explain why your hair is dry and how to moisturize it.

Why is my hair dry?

Sebum: the best natural hair care

Some people, seeing their rough and damaged lengths, are mistaken about the nature of their hair. The first step is to understand what hair is and how it works. As soon as it comes out of the scalp, Hair is a dead matter, i.e., no new cells are created there. Lengths and even more tips do not have the possibility, like the skin, to be nourished and hydrated from the inside. These elements will therefore have to be brought in from the outside.

As nature is well made, the scalp has among its functions that of producing sebum. You know, this oily substance that you curse when you have greasy hair…

Yet it is the best treatment, which is also natural and free, that exists for your hair. You then understand the meaning of these long brushes of our ancestors: they understood well that it was necessary to spread the sebum of the skull towards the lengths. Not only does this release the scalp and prevent it from suffocating (sebum is very rich), but it nourishes and seals the hydration of the lengths.

Dry hair goes hand in hand with a dry scalp that does not produce enough sebum. Thus, from the moment of its “birth,” the hair fiber is in a deficit of this shield that is supposed to give it what it needs. This problem worsens with the length, which is older, more damaged, and therefore even drier. Therefore, this hair will need moisturizing care, especially if it is curly, curly, or frizzy.

However, it is quite possible to have dry hair by having a balanced scalp because many bad gestures and bad products will cause dehydration, i.e., a hair that will lose its moisture.

The causes of dry and dehydrated hair

Moisturize hair: stop irritating shampoos, heaters, and chemical stains.

The causes of dry hair are diverse, but it is not a scoop that modern products and appliances dry the hair fiber. First of all, the heating devices (thanks to the “head in the oven” effect), smoothing (natural, you said “natural”?), coloring, and discolorations are very large aggressions that we inflict on our hair. When we look at how these practices work, we realize that the hair can’t emerge unscathed.

However, there is no need for a curling iron or blond Marilyn to have dry hair since the first of the attackers and often shampoo, repeatedly used. The strong sulfates in most shampoos (including organic labeled and others sold in pharmacies) strip the scalp. The silicones will mask this effect thanks to their slinging side. Sulfates are a real calamity for hair AND scalp. If we can consider that “ugly” lengths are only an aesthetic discomfort, I am personally more worried about the condition of the scalps, which are in the order of comfort and dermatology. It is for this reason that from the beginning of my accompaniments, I pay special attention to your 🙂 skull.

So I would advise you to choose a shampoo without sulfates and silicones like those below, for example, which are among the best on the market. This, my article on the best organic shampoos for normal, greasy, dry mixed, and curly hair.

Also, be careful when you visit the hairdresser! Few hairdressing professionals are introduced to natural methods and products, so I recommend turning to an organic hairdresser. There are many organic hairdressers in Paris, but you can now find them all over France.

Most of the products presented here are affiliate links, i.e., I get a small commission (which helps pay the technical fees of this site) when someone validates an order from shampoing-bio.fr. But you can also get discounts with my sponsorship:

Dry and damaged hair: the problem of solid shampoos

I’m going to risk making some enemies, but I’m not at all convinced of solid shampoos. Well, most of them anyway. Indeed, the majority of solid shampoos are made from SCI at much higher doses than liquid shampoos. In addition to not being environmentally friendly in its manufacturing method, the SCI goes on the medium/long term, irritates the scalp, and damages the lengths. And we could see quite a lot of damage…

So I’m not saying that all solid shampoos are discarded, but I think those based on SCI or SLMI are too irritating. For more information, see the article I wrote about solid shampoos.

To return to our sheep, if you want to care for your dry hair, start by looking at the composition of your shampoo before considering any care. Especially since a natural care routine can’t do anything if the base (the shampoo) is bad, with a little luck, going natural can even release your scalp and cause it to return to normal sebum production, which would be of great benefit to your hair in general and will automatically moisturize your hair fiber.

Sun and heat dry out and dehydrate hair.

However, hair is exposed daily to factors that also dry out the skin: the sun, for example.

Various manipulations such as rubbing on the pillow or clothing will also contribute to the drying of the hair fiber, especially in thin and fragile hair.

Beyond appliances and chemicals, certain hairy natures are particularly affected by dehydration. Curly, curly, or frizzy manes are naturally drier.

Should hair be nourished or moisturized?

There is a tendency to make a clear distinguo between “hydrating” and other “nourishing” ingredients to respond to hair symptoms that would be different in the capillary-natural sphere. This is one of the most difficult subjects on which my opinion has evolved a lot over the course of my research and experiences. I now think that the reality is much more complex, and I explain my opinion in the article “feed or moisturize your hair” because it would be far too long here.

This is an essential question because to be beautiful; the hair needs both, but not in the same proportions.

Although in natural cosmetics, “hydrating” and “nourishing” are distinctly separated, they have in common the goal of maintaining a fair rate of hydration of the hair. But they each have a different role and are complementary.

The “hydrants,” which are actually humectants, will really bring or attract the hair fiber.

The “nourishers,” who are mostly fats, will have two functions. The first will be to strengthen the hair deep into its very structure. The second will be to make a light greasy film around the hair to prevent moisture from evaporating and create protection from external aggressions. It aims to reproduce the perfect hydro-lipid film provided by the sebum.

Very good for theory, but in practice, how do we recognize if we need to do more oil baths or put aloe vera? In fact, it depends on a lot of factors.

Well-hydrated hair – tight cuticles

In any case, a damaged hair will be dry because its outer layer keeping hydration will be degraded or absent. This barrier is the cuticles, which are stacked like tiles on a roof. When they come to be damaged (heat, coloration, various aggressions…), they are no longer aligned, break and rise. The hydration of the hair fiber is no longer retained, and moisture leaves the hair, which becomes dehydrated.

It should be remembered that in all cases, hair beauty – cuticle care – hydrated hair.

Porosity, texture, density, and hair history

With the natural experience, one gets to know one’s hair and know what suits them. It is not a question of symptoms but a question of hair type. Hair history (frequency of use of heating devices, coloring, and discolorations), porosity (which actually describes the condition of cuticles), texture (smooth, curly, frizzy hair), hair size, and density will clearly help us get on the right track. Depending on your hair type, it will require more or less rich care.

When you’re on “healthy” hair, the articulation between moisturizers and nourishers can also change depending on your goals. Thus a well-lubricated hair, very soft and shiny, will be heavier and less voluminous. If, on the contrary, you prefer more frothy hair, more airy, and with more volume, you will have to have a light hand on this type of care.

How to moisturize curly, curly, or frizzy hair

Why moisturize frizzy and curly hair

Pretty curls have a price! In fact, frizzy, afro, and curly hair is more likely to need more moisturizing care. The spiral effect means that the hair cuticles are mechanically less smooth and can retain less moisture than smooth hair that will be more hydrophobic.

There is no miracle recipe, but the same as for dry hair, generally explained below but at a higher dosage and frequency.

The good news is that organic and quality brands are emerging in the natural market to offer products specifically dedicated to curly hair. A godsend if you don’t want to concoct your own care. More info on the brands in question in choosing its organic shampoo without sulfates without parabens, and silicones. But here are some examples with the Black Natural range whose compositions are impeccable, and The Secrets of Loly, whose products include quats. Whether you are embarrassed or not, the question is very personal. In any case, their products are very effective on curly hair. On the other hand, I have chosen to present only products containing quaternary ammonium in this article.

Reforming your curls with moisturizers

The hair fiber is composed of hydrogen bonds that will give the hair its shape. They don’t matter much on smooth hair, but it makes all the difference on curly to frizzy hair. Thus, moistening the hair will help it to recreate these bonds and thus reforms pretty curls.

This is why it is advisable to “refresh” your curls by spraying water (although, as such, it is not necessarily a true friend for hair). Here are star natural products to moisturize and re-form your curls.

Moisturize mixed hair: greasy roots and dry tips

When you have long hair, the tips have more life than the part that just grew on the skull. It is also exposed to friction and does not benefit from the scalp sebum. Logically, it is more dehydrated than the top part. It is, therefore, quite normal to have oily roots and dry tips from a certain length of hair and up to a certain degree of dryness. But when you have a glowing skull two days after your wash on a straw boot in a length guide, know that this is not normal at all.

This case is not a hair profile per se but rather the result of mal abuse. It is indeed a hair with a greasy tendency at the base that will have been dried out later: colors, discolorations, heating irons of all kinds are involved. But the very first element to study is the composition of your shampoo: the sulfates by attacking the scalp, and the lengths manage to grease more the first and dry the latter. Silicones also have the ability to amplify or cause a similar phenomenon.

On the other hand, if you regularly have oily hair, tights with a poorly rinsed effect, I redirect you to reading my article on sticky hair. It will tell you in more detail the causes and solutions to this problem.

Mixed hair: Look for the products and appliances you use

In short, if you have greasy roots and dry tips, look for one side to calm your scalp and, on the other, to heal the lengths and tips with the recipes below. Carefully brush your hair as soon as it is greasy to at least benefit from this seborrhea that bothers you so much. But keep in mind that the problem will never get better as long as you use an overly aggressive shampoo that will constantly “tickle” your sebaceous acorns. However, avoid any fatty care on the scalp so as not to add a layer. He doesn’t need it anyway.

And I’m sorry to say it, but when it’s over, there’s nothing to do, you have to cut! But if there is still to be saved, here are a couple of products that I recommend, natural there too: the care of Propolis to nourish and moisturize your lengths and the shampoo First Moss to purify your scalp.

No-poo, transition, natural routine: the free guide to take the plunge!

If you start totally in natural hair, there are a few concepts to know. First of all, the no-poo, which inevitably emerges when talking about doing its homemade shampoo since it is a matter of eliminating any harmful oil-chemical substance from your head. For more information, please read this article that I dedicated to the no-poo method. Then the natural routine is simply all the recurring gestures that you will operate to wash and take care of your hair naturally.

How to deeply moisturize dry hair?

Trying to revive sebum production.

In the same logic as what has been said previously, a dry hair of nature is a hair that does not have enough sebum. It grows without being fed enough sebum at its root, so already “in need.” And it won’t have much more after that so that it will be drier and drier along its length.

To treat this type of hair, it will be necessary on the one hand to compensate by bringing nutrition and hydration to the lengths and roots while trying to revive the production of sebum of the scalp (without becoming fat, however, we agree).

Limit dry hair by using a gentle, organic, and natural shampoo if possible

I can’t say it enough, but powerful detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate or ammonium lauryl sulfate (allowed in some organic labels) strip the scalp to such an extent that it is either too weak to produce sebum (hair not fed enough from their “birth,” it is the dry trend), or seeks to defend itself by a frantic production of sebum, its only weapon (greasy hair, seborrhea). Silicones that attach to the hair should also be removed.

Whether it’s too greasy or too dry, the solution for your hair will be the same: wash it with the softest possible product.

Bringing water

To have well-hydrated hair, you need to do moisturizing treatments… Now I’m not telling you anything! Except it’s something relatively unknown. I remember very well that after a hair disaster following a coloring, a hairdresser (well-advised) had advised me to find a moisturizing treatment. It was the first time I heard about hair hydration.

How to choose an after shampoo or moisturizing mask

And I had a hard time finding care of this type, at the time conventional. Indeed, if you want to stay on ready-made products, you should know that there is no mask (to my knowledge anyway), a mask, or after shampoo 100% moisturizing, but just mostly moisturizing. There is a simple explanation for this: commercial hair products are emulsions, i.e., a mixture of water in oil (mostly “nourishing,” richer) or oil in water (mostly “hydrating” and lighter). If this surprises you, it is not a problem because hair needs actives of both types, and emulsions are a great way to respond.

To find a mostly hydrating product, look at the composition. You have to find water first (aqua/water), and then humectants type aloe vera, glycerine, as is the case of centifolia shampoo below, a star in the field.

It is one of the most popular organic shampoos because it corresponds to different types of hair and untangles well. It is a fairly complete treatment, but it remains light without weighing down the curls and fine hair. If I have to recommend an effective after-shampoo without knowing too much about your hair profile, I will definitely direct you to this one.

If your hair is dehydrated, I’ll direct you instead to the other two treatments that are richer.

Home-made moisturizing hair care

If you have a small budget or a fan of DIY, know that your closets already have much to pamper your hair. I’ll let you refer to the lower recipes as well as the detailed ingredients.

Seal hair hydration?

What is it, and what is it for?

Seal hydration… This is a notion that must seem very abstract to you!

Let’s go back to our history of basic hair function: in the beginning, it is sebum. One of the main functions of sebum is to form a wonderful protective film around the hair fiber, protect it from external aggression, and smooth the scales (cuticles) of the hair to prevent moisture from leaving. It is the hydro-lipid film, as for the skin, and is essential for both.

Unfortunately, most shampoos, even very mild, contain tensioactives that will remove this hydro-lipid film. An after shampoo and/or one or two drops of oil will help to reform this natural shield (and make the hair shine, which is not unpleasant!).

How to seal hydration?

This involves placing a minimal amount of fat, often a light, non-penetrating oil, on damp hair. This is initially only nourishing and non-hydrating, but oils and butter can help the hair close its scales or make a light protective film (far from the impermeability of silicones, we agree). Often the hair fails to keep the water because its scales remain open, and the moisture leaves quickly. Without yet bringing water, the fat body will make that the hair keep the one it will find when taking care or simply in the air. This is a significant gesture for hair that does not keep hydration, porous hair.

Which “hydrating” hair oil to choose from?

Jojoba oil is one of the most popular with all hair; I use it a lot myself. There is also broccoli oil that works particularly well. Broccoli oil is particularly sheathing; it is very popular with curly hair curly to frizzy that tend to make frizz.

Why use a pillowcase for well-hydrated hair?

Silk is softer to preserve hair fiber.

One of the causes of water loss (and general damage) of hair is the friction of daily life. We move, dress, so our hair comes into contact, sometimes in a rather rough way, with other materials. If we often think about clothes, we must not forget that we spend a significant part of our time in bed. Bed in which the hair is pressed on the pillowcase.

Since I use silk, I have less breakage (and yet with my hair a little porous and thick, I do not have a particularly fragile hair fiber).

This is easily explained by the fact that the silk “slides” on the hair and skin (or the opposite!) without hanging. But not only.

Garder l’hydratation des cheveux (et de la peau!) grâce aux propriétés de la soie

Silk has the property to help the hair fiber to limit the loss of hydration that makes it beautiful. Indeed cotton has a much greater absorption capacity than silk. So the Tai is not going to take the hydration of your hair and the sebum, which is the protective barrier of hair fiber (and skin!).

Not inconsiderable aspect also, silk does not conduct static electricity like cotton. As a result, it greatly reduces electric hair (happiness in the morning!).

My silk pillowcase for hair: Emily’s Pillow

After trying satin, I wanted to take it to the next level and give my hair a silk tussle. After some research, I selected the French brand Emily’s Pillow, which sells mulberry silk ties. I immediately liked the color “champagne” of the Tai, but above all, the sweetness is incomparable. The sought-after slip is perfect for the skin and hair. It is unquestionably a level above my satin cases while remaining in an affordable price range for this very noble material.

So if you have dry skin and hair and/or sensitive skin, I advise you to look for materials with which you are in prolonged contact…

How to moisturize your hair with homemade recipes

If the oil doesn’t change your straw boot much, you’ll have to test something inherently hydrating, i.e., water-based. Several tracks are available to you, and some of them will amaze you…

A non-exhaustive list of moisturizing ingredients:

Those in your kitchen:

applesauce: sugars in general;
yoghurt, crème fraîche;
yogurt and vegetable milk (coconut milk is a must);
honey, agave syrup, molasses: strangely, even if it’s scary to put it in your hair, sugar has strong moisturizing potential;

Mucilages are essential to have in organic and natural cosmetics. Many, if they are suitable for you, will also be able to do great services to your skin:

the star: aloe vera. The virtues of aloe are no longer counted. A must-have at home, in my opinion, both for the skin and the hair (farewell Biafine for burns);
Aloe vera: a sure value of hydration for the skin and hair! Picture: www.nuoobox.com
Flax gel: economical, you can straightforwardly do it yourself;

Still others…

some emollients, such as vegetable glycerin, are very effective. But beware of the dosage, In too much, it dries;
you will also find most hydrolats and floral waters.

Examples of moisturizing recipes

From there, it’s just the way you want it! If you are initially advised to test the ingredients individually, you can then assemble them, pair them with nourishing ingredients or even add them to your homemade natural shampoo. In the end, the recipe list of moisturizing and infinite care so much can be played on composition and dosages.

Again, your hair will have “favorite” assets according to their needs. Indeed, the moisturizers mentioned above do not act in the same way: some are emollient, some humectant, and some associations are more beneficial than others. To know what your hair needs, you must first analyze it.

But to begin with, I’ll give you some of my favorites here. You can also add essential oils for a more important effect, such as the most famous ylang-ylang, much-appreciated hair.

You can let these moisturizers put down for 30 minutes, no more!

Moisturizing mask recipe with compote and honey

Surprising as it may seem, honey is much appreciated by hair. You can mix a portion of fruit compote (depending on your length and thickness) with a tablespoon of honey. This will deeply moisturize your hair. As these two ingredients also have a washing power, it is possible (it is said well, it is possible because it does not work for everyone!) that you do not need to make a shampoo afterward.

Moisturizing hair care with homemade coconut milk

Coconut milk is ideal for hair: it nourishes and moisturizes at the same time. On the other hand, it tends to disgorge colors and hennas. Make this mask, choose very concentrated coconut milk (about 90% coconut pulp), and apply it to wet or dry hair.

Be sure to rinse thoroughly as it is rather greasy hair care (natural shampoos made from powder or eggs may be insufficient).

Moisturizing lotion treatment without rinsing with homemade aloe-vera

Aloe-vera is a kind of cactus with very interesting virtues for man. It would take a long time to make a list, and I’ll settle for hair (but it also works for the skin). To naturally moisturize your hair, spread a little aloe-vera over your dry or damp hair. Be careful not to put too much under the pain of seeing a cardboard effect.

Aloe-vera also has a fibrogenic effect of keeping hydration.

How to naturally moisturize your hair daily?

Recipe moisturizing hair without daily rinse

You can also dilute the aloe-vera in a moisturizing hydrolate and put it all in a spray bottle: ideal for regular and easy use (provided you stir well before). However, it is important to remember that aloe-vera can be stored in the fridge. So here, you can replace it with flax gel or vegetable glycerin (about 10% of the total at the maximum, otherwise it has the opposite effect) or add a preservative to your spray (Asgard or grapefruit seed extract up to 1% of the maximum preparation). To seal the hydration or feed, you can add oil (in small amounts) to the mixture. You will then get a two-phase lotion.

For the base of your homemade moisturizer, you may very well use water but beware that of the faucet that remains too limestone. Use distilled or mineral water or hydrolat. Whatever your choice of ingredients, here is the generic recipe.

You’ll need:

a base to the tune of about 60-90%: pure water, hydrolat;
20-30% moisturizers: flax gel, aloe vera. If vegetable glycerin, 10% maximum, if not drying in sight!
1 pump bottle: remember to keep the bottles empty. If new, prefer glass;
(optional) 10% of a nourishing asset (to choose according to your hair): olive oil, coconut oil, castor…
(optional) a few drops of ylang-ylang;
(optional) a few drops of a preservative especially if you use aloe vera: grapefruit seed extract or Asgard;

I have voluntarily indicated forks for dosages because this is not per gram (except glycerin and essential oils, very powerful) close. It will then be up to you to customize the dosage according to your hair.

You can apply this spray without rinsing daily or after your shampoo.

Recipe magic mask moisturizing and nourishing home

If your hair is dehydrated, so very porous, here is the recipe for a shock treatment that should put them back on top, and all the ingredients are in the local supermarket if you are not already in your fridge. If it ‘sharks’ them, you can always try the components in isolation to determine what they like the most.

This mask has remade my hair in a few applications after having abused them a little.

How to make a banana hair mask, olive oil, egg, avocado, and honey?

What you’ll need:

1 ripe banana;
1 tablespoon honey;
1 lawyer;
1 egg;
1 tablespoon olive oil (or other vegetable oil).

The amounts have to adjust according to your hair, but you can always freeze the rest to repeat the treatment a few days/weeks later.

Mix (or crush very finely) all the ingredients and apply the mixture to wet or dry hair. Leave for 1 hour under charlotte or a hot towel and wash with your usual (soft) shampoo.

How to moisturize your dry hair for the long term and naturally

It can never be repeated enough, but whether they are greasy or dry, the number one rule of beautiful, healthy hair and the cessation of products and gestures too aggressive. Organic or natural shampoo, but above all, contains no irritating sulfates and occlusive silicones. You will then be able to start on a better footing. Also, keep in mind that natural care will be totally useless on a chemical wash routine. A clean shampoo is an essential base.

For lengths, the most effective is not to try to determine if they need hydration or nutrition because dry hair needs both (see my article nourishing or moisturizing her hair)but not in the same proportion depending on the dry state (porosity), diameter, and shape of your hair.

Commercially-made products such as shampoos or moisturizing masks will be your best allies as they combine moisturizing agents (to attract water) with conditioning and filmgoers to help them stay hydrated.

Indeed, we must not lose sight of the fact that well-hydrated hair is a hair whose cuticle is intact and smoothed.

Similarly, if your spikes are too damaged, i.e., forked (they split into several parts), do not go after and cut. This is indeed irreparable anyway.

How to Moisturize Your Hair Naturally and Deeply?