Hair gets exposed to a great deal of daily wear and tear, in addition to the effects of some nasty environmental elements. Both the environment and personal habits can make your hair more vulnerable to dryness and breakage, unless you keep it in top condition. Hair needs nutrients and moisture, and when it doesn’t get enough of either, dryness, split ends and frizz are often the result.
Trim Hair Regularly
Get your hair trimmed about every six to eight weeks. Hair is healthier when you stop split ends that can make it frizzy over time. According to the Hair Finder website, split ends are often a problem with longer hair. Fortunately, trimming the ends of your hair removes any splits before they get worse. Get at least one-half inch of hair trimmed each time, and still keep your hairstyle at the length you prefer. You may need to lose up to an inch or two if the ends have a really frayed look. Since hair grows 3 inches on average every year, trimming off a bit more can give dry, frizzy hair a smoother, healthier look.
Shampoo Less Often
Frequent shampooing can strip hair of its natural oil, causing it dry out. Michelle Hanjani, M.D., assistant professor of Clinical Dermatology at Columbia University, recommends not washing your hair more than two or three times a week. People with curly hair can usually go a little longer between shampoos. Use warm water to rinse your hair after lathering it with shampoo. Warm water helps to open hair cuticles so that your hair can absorb a conditioner. Apply hair conditioner after each shampoo. Hair that lacks moisture becomes brittle and breaks easily. Conditioner provides the moisture needed to prevent drying and frizz. Chemical hair treatments, such as coloring, perms, bleaches and relaxers, can also have a drying effect as they remove the natural oils that the hair needs to remain healthy.
Protect Hair From Damaging Elements
The sun, wind and humidity can make your hair dry, causing it to frizz. Members of the American Academy of Dermatology stress the importance of protecting your hair from sun and wind exposure, in addition to the damage that swimming in chlorinated water can cause. Cover up your hair with a hat when you go outside, especially for extended periods of time. Another technique is to apply olive oil to your hair before going out in the sun. It’s a cheap conditioning treatment that can help protect your hair from the sun’s heat. Excessive blow-drying and over styling can also lead to dryness, making hair more prone to breakage and frizz. The best option is to let your hair air dry. When you use a blow dryer, hold it 6 inches away from your hair. Start at the roots and work your way down to the ends, lowering the heat setting.
Choose Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Eat a well-balanced diet to give your hair the nutrients it needs. Foods that contain protein and iron help make hair stronger and healthier. Andrea Giancoli, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, explains that omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important for a healthy scalp, which can prevent dry hair. You should also drink plenty of water, and limit consumption of alcohol and caffeine, as these are diuretics that can make your body lose more fluids. Less moisture for your hair can result in more damage and frizz.
Photo Credit
- straightening hair image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
