How to Hydrate Hair

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Dry, brittle hair is not only difficult to manage, but it can easily turn into a bad hair day. Fortunately, it is easy to hydrate hair, and you don't necessarily have to run out to the store and buy special products. All it really takes is a few changes to your hair care regime. If you'd like to get fancy, you can make a few simple masks using ingredients from your fridge and cupboard. With some time, love, and care, your hair will be healthy, strong, and hydrated once again.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Taking Care of Your Hair

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  1. Blow drying, straightening, and curling your hair too often can cause it to become brittle and dry. Using too high of a temperature can also cause damage. If it is not too cold outside, consider letting your hair dry naturally. If you must heat style your hair, use a heat protection spray first.
    • Consider using ionic hairdryers. They infuse your hair with negatively-charged ions, which help seal moisture into your hair. [1]
    • Use a lower heat setting or temperature on your hairdryer, straightener, or curling iron. It will take longer to get the style you want, but it will be kinder to your hair.
    • Don't blow dry, straighten, or curl your hair every day. Even with a heat protection spray, too much heat can be damaging. Experiment with different hairstyles, such as natural curls, braids, ponytails, etc.
  2. Choose shampoo and conditioner intended for your hair type. In most cases, this will be dry or curly hair; if you have fine, dry hair, however, use shampoo and conditioner meant for fine hair. Look for products that contain aloe vera or apricot kernel oil for extra moisture and hydration. [2]
    • Avoid washing your hair with hot water. Hot water can strip your hair (and skin) of its natural oils and moisture, leaving it feeling dry and dull.
    • Silicones may help make your hair look shiny and smooth, but they can only be removed with sulfates. If you don't remove them properly, they will lead to build-up, which can cause your hair to look limp and dull. Sulfates are harsh, cleaning agents found in many household cleaners. They are great at removing silicones, but they also leave hair feeling brittle and dry.
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  3. It may sound gross, but washing your hair only twice or thrice a week is actually better for your hair. The more often you wash your hair, the drier it will become. If you must wash your hair every day, consider co-washing where you wash your hair using just conditioner. You wash your hair with shampoo only 2 or 3 times a week.
    • Take care of how you wash your hair. Use shampoo mostly on your scalp, and conditioner mostly on the ends of your hair.
    • If you have thick, coarse hair, consider using a regular, rinse-out conditioner first, and then applying a leave-in conditioner after you step out of the shower. [3]
    • If you have mature hair, leave a deep conditioner in your hair (under a plastic shower cap) overnight. Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner in the morning as usual. [4]
    • Co-washing is great for curly hair since it will keep your curls hydrated and make them less frizzy.
  4. All of these styling techniques use chemicals, which can cause your hair to become brittle and dry over time. While there is little you can do when it comes to doing perms safely, there are a few things you can do to dye, highlight, or relax your hair in a less-damaging way: [5]
    • Consider an ammonia-free hair color. You will likely have to go to a salon to get it professionally done, but it will be much kinder and gentler on your hair. If you have mature hair, use a hydrating/moisturizing hair dye.
    • Consider getting a balayage done instead of regular highlighting. Balayage highlights your hair only from midway down. Because the roots are left natural, you don't have to do touchups as often. It also looks more natural.
    • Consider a chemical-free relaxer. It will still be harsh on your hair, so it is best not to do it too often, but it will be gentler than the usual chemical method.
  5. Both of these can cause your hair to become brittle and dry. If it is a hot, sunny day, spray your hair with a UV protection spray or wear a hat; you can also wear a hat or hood during the winter to keep your hair from drying out. Here are some other things you should keep in mind: [6]
    • Apply a rich, conditioning cream and a swim cap before going swimming. This will keep your hair from drying out in chlorinated water.
    • Use a rich, moisturizing conditioner during the winter. Add a deep-conditioning treatment once a week to your hair care regime for extra hydration.
    Jen Atkin, Celebrity Hairstylist

    Choose products that support hair health. "It starts in the shower. With dull hair or hair that is ageing, it’s best to use products that are hydrating, it’ll help give it a little bit of life."

  6. Always brush your hair starting from the ends, and never straight down from the roots. Also, never brush your hair while it is wet, as this can easily rip or tear it. Instead, gently comb your hair out using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. Once your hair is dry, you can brush it out using a wide-toothed comb (recommended for curly hair types) or a natural, boar bristle brush (this will help redistribute your hair's natural oils). [7]
    • If you need to, use a detangling spray or cream to make brushing easier.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Making and Using Masks and Treatments

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  1. After you have washed your hair, apply a deep conditioner and tuck your hair under a shower cap. Wait for 15 to 30 minutes before washing the deep conditioner out. [8]
  2. Fill a spray bottle two-thirds of the way with water, and one-third of the way with a leave-in conditioner. Close the bottle and shake it to mix everything up. Spray the mixture into your hair until it is damp, then apply a rich, conditioning cream.
  3. Heat up 1 to 2 tablespoons (14.8 to 29.6 ml) of oil (like coconut oil or olive oil) and comb it through your hair. Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap and wait 20 to 30 minutes. Once the time is up, rinse the oil out, then wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner.
    • If you have very thick or very long hair, you may need to use more oil.
    • To make the mask even more effective, sit under the hot sun or a dryer. The heat will help your hair absorb the oil better.
    • Alternatively, you can apply the oil to your hair, wear a plastic shower cap, and sit under a hair dryer for a similar effect.
  4. Place 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of honey and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of coconut oil into a microwave-safe dish. Heat them in the microwave until the coconut oil melts, and stir to combine. Comb the mask through your hair, then tuck your hair under a plastic shower cap. Wait 30 to 40 minutes, then rinse the mask out using warm water and shampoo. [9]
    • If you don't have any coconut oil, you can use olive oil instead.
    • Honey is wonderful for hair because it helps seal in moisture.
  5. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of olive oil, 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of honey, and ¼ cup (65 grams) of plain, Greek yogurt. Apply the mask to your damp hair, then tuck your hair under a plastic shower cap. Wait for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash the mask out with warm water and shampoo. [10]
  6. In a small bowl, mash together a ripe avocado and 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of olive oil. For extra nourishment and hydration, add 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of honey. Apply the mask to damp hair, then tuck your hair under a plastic shower cap. Wait 15 to 60 minutes, then wash the mask out. [11] [12]
  7. In a blender, combine 1 ripe banana, 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of honey, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil. Keep blending until the mixture is smooth and there are no banana clumps. Comb the mixture through your hair and massage it into your scalp. Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap and wait 15 minutes. Wash the mask out once the time is up.
    • The banana in this mask will help restore your hair's elasticity and prevent breakage.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Taking Care of Your Health

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  1. One of the reasons why hair might turn dry is because it is unhealthy. You can restore your hair's strength and shine by eating enough silica, a mineral found in asparagus, bell peppers, cucumbers, potatoes, and other vegetables. [13]
  2. Meat is an obvious source of protein, but so are other foods as well, including eggs, yogurt, and beans. Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K are also very important for hair and are found in fruits, grains, and green, leafy vegetables. [14]
    • In addition to vitamins, make sure that you also get enough of beta-carotene, folic acid, magnesium, and sulfur in your diet.
  3. Essential fatty acids are mostly found in fish, including herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and tuna. They are also found in avocados, flaxseed, olives, and nuts. [15]
  4. Not only is water important to your body's health, but it is also important to your hair's health. If you don't drink enough water, your skin and your hair will be dry.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What helps dry hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Conditioning regularly and drinking plenty of water can help reduce dryness. Avoiding heat styling as much as possible is also important.
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  • Question
    Can you over moisturize your hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, hair with too much moisture will look flat, limp, and possible greasy. To avoid this, use conditioners and products designed for your hair type and stay away from your roots when applying them.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
  • Question
    How do I stop my hair from being dry?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Dry hair is usually the result of chemical treatments or heat styling, so to reduce dryness, cut back on these techniques. Try air drying your hair and reduce the chemical services you receive.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Buy products that are meant for your hair texture. For example, if you have curly hair, buy products meant for curly hair. If you have fine hair, buy products meant for fine hair.
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      • Read the ingredients labels. Avoid products that are full of chemicals, such as silicones and sulfates. Look for products that contain nourishing ingredients, such as aloe vera, natural oils, and natural butters.
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      • Hats or scarves made of silk or satin can protect your hair from the harsh, winter winds and the searing sun.
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      Warnings

      • Not every method will work for everyone as everyone's hair is different. What might work for your friend might not work for you.
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      • Give masks and products time to work. Not everything will work after the first time you try it. Give a treatment a month before judging it.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.matrix.com/blog/how-to-moisturize-hair-28-tips-on-preventing-dryness-and-hydrating-hair
      2. ↑ https://www.matrix.com/blog/how-to-moisturize-hair-28-tips-on-preventing-dryness-and-hydrating-hair
      3. ↑ https://www.matrix.com/blog/how-to-moisturize-hair-28-tips-on-preventing-dryness-and-hydrating-hair
      4. ↑ https://www.matrix.com/blog/how-to-moisturize-hair-28-tips-on-preventing-dryness-and-hydrating-hair
      5. ↑ https://www.matrix.com/blog/how-to-moisturize-hair-28-tips-on-preventing-dryness-and-hydrating-hair
      6. ↑ https://www.matrix.com/blog/how-to-moisturize-hair-28-tips-on-preventing-dryness-and-hydrating-hair
      7. ↑ https://www.matrix.com/blog/how-to-moisturize-hair-28-tips-on-preventing-dryness-and-hydrating-hair
      8. ↑ http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/807453/5-tips-to-keep-hair-hydrated
      9. ↑ http://theeverygirl.com/feature/coconut-oil-honey-hair-mask
      1. ↑ http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-hair-masks/
      2. ↑ http://www.curlynikki.com/2015/04/3-moisturizing-hair-masks-to-nourish.html
      3. ↑ http://helloglow.co/homemade-hair-treatments/
      4. ↑ http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/807453/5-tips-to-keep-hair-hydrated
      5. ↑ http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/807453/5-tips-to-keep-hair-hydrated
      6. ↑ http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/807453/5-tips-to-keep-hair-hydrated

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Dry, brittle hair can lead to frustrating bad hair days, but revitalizing it doesn’t require special products; simple adjustments to your hair care routine can make a significant difference. Limit heat styling and use lower settings to prevent damage, and consider air drying when possible. Opt for the right shampoo and conditioner free from silicones and sulfates, and wash your hair only two to three times a week. For hydration, use deep conditioners or co-washing techniques, especially for curly hair. Protect your hair from environmental damage by applying UV sprays or wearing hats, and always brush gently from the ends to avoid breaking strands. Incorporating weekly deep conditioning treatments, homemade conditioning sprays, or hot oil treatments can also help restore moisture and health to your hair. For tips on taking care of your hair using conventional products, read on!

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