What is Dry Hair? – This hair type looks dull and brittle and feels very dry and porous. It tangles very easily and is very difficult to comb especially when it is wet. Dry hair tends to be thicker at the roots, whilst being much thinner at the ends, which makes it more likely to split.

Dry Hair Causes – Dryness can be due to a deficiency of sebum, caused by a decrease or lack of secretions from the sebaceous glands. This can be due to a variety of factors, however nutritional deficiencies should not be ruled out.

The most common causes of dry hair are over-use of heat-styling equipment and hair dryers, excessive shampooing, misuse of perms and colour treatments, sun and wind damage and the use of harsh hair products.

The moisture of the hair is depleted by all of these, which causes a loss of suppleness, bounce and elasticity.

Dry Hair Advice – Dry hair should be washed with a nourishing shampoo and always conditioned afterwards, ideally with an intensive conditioner.

Furthermore, heat should be avoided wherever possible, which means leaving the hair to dry naturally instead of using a hair dryer.

In addition, ensuring there are no nutritional deficiencies is very important, as this can affect hormones that are responsible for secretion of sebum.

Dry Hair Treatments

Following good diet and nutritional supplements advice is vital for long-term health of the hair.

Hair treatments based on aromatherapy oils can be used to overcome the problem. A good remedy is to add 6 drops of sandlewood and 9 drops of rosewood to 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of vegetable oil. This mix should be applied to wet or dry hair and massaged into the scalp. This should be left for up to 5 minutes, followed by gentle washing and intense conditioning.