Did you know that your shampoo can make the difference between healthy, moisturized hair and dry, straw-like hair? Really!
What is strawy hair anyway?
Before we go into depth, we would like to briefly explain what straw-like hair actually is. Straw-like hair is, so to speak, and enhancement of dry hair. They often curl up on the head and look like they are fluffed up. Straw-like hair feels inelastic, stubborn, and dry. They frequently lack shine, stand out, and are difficult to style.
What is dry, straw-like hair?
- Environmental influences
You’ve probably noticed that both your hair and skin are drier in the winter. Due to the cold temperatures in winter, the humidity is lower, which causes the moisture in your hair and skin to escape.
- Heat damage
Using heat styling tools without any type of heat protection for hair damages the hair cuticle and allows moisture from the hair to escape.
- Hair type
Some hair types are simply more prone to dry hair. In general, the curlier your hair, the more likely you are to have dry hair.
- Chemical damage
Chemical treatments such as bleaching, coloring, straightening, and perming can also damage the protein structure of the hair and dry out your hair.
- Using the wrong types of products
Using hair products with harsh ingredients can also dry out your hair. That’s why it’s so important to use moisturizing shampoo (more on that later).
Did you know that certain types of sulfates can strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils, leaving you with dry hair? Learn more about which sulfates you should avoid if you suffer from extremely dry hair or scalp in the blog post below.
- Inadequate nutrition
If you don’t consume enough vitamins and minerals, your scalp may have trouble producing enough oil to provide enough moisture for your hair.
- Cotton
Believe it or not, using cotton towels and pillowcases, can dry out your hair. Cotton has rough fibers, and when these fibers rub on your hair, they can damage your cuticle and allow moisture to escape from your hair. This is a common cause of dry hair that not many people know about!
- Age
As we get older, our scalp produces fewer natural oils. So if you’ve just developed dry hair, this could be the reason! To counteract this aspect of aging, it is important to use shampoo for very dry hair.
Related Post: What Makes Your Hair Not Grow?
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Why your shampoo can cause dry, straw-like hair?
One of the biggest causes of extremely dry, straw-like hair is using the wrong shampoo. Many shampoos on the market have a relentless effect on the hair. These shampoos contain drying ingredients that strip the hair and scalp of their natural protective and moisturizing oils. This is why it is so important to choose a shampoo for very dry hair.
Washing your hair too often can also be the reason you have extremely dry and straw-like hair. Most people should strive to wash their hair two to three times a week.
The only exception to this is people who exercise vigorously on a daily basis. If you exercise frequently, you should rinse the sweat out of your hair (sweat can also lead to dry, straw-like hair). However, you only need to use shampoo every other day. This doesn’t mean that washing your hair less than two or three times a week is necessarily better. Just as you can wash your hair too often, you can also wash it too little.
How to choose a shampoo for dry hair?
Now that you know how your choice of shampoo will affect your hair, it’s time to select the best shampoo for dry hair. We recommend looking for a moisturizing shampoo that contains the following ingredients:
- Shampoo for very dry hair Ingredient #1: Organic Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is rich in enzymes, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients that provide essential moisture to the hair and scalp. In addition, aloe vera helps maintain an ideal pH level of the scalp to support healthy hair growth.
- Shampoo for very dry hair Ingredient #2: Glycerin extracted from vegetables
Glycerin is a natural humectant, which means it draws moisture into the hair. This is an ideal ingredient for extremely dry and straw-like hair, as glycerin helps the hair retain its moisture for long periods of time.
- Shampoo for very dry hair Ingredient #3: Organic mango extract
Mango extract has hydrating properties that moisturize parched hair. Mango extract is also rich in antioxidants that protect damaged hair from environmental factors such as UV rays and air pollution.
- Shampoo for very dry hair Ingredient #4: Organic Blueberry Extract
Like mango extract, blueberry extract is rich in protective antioxidants. Blueberries also contain compounds called proanthocyanidins, which improve hair elasticity and shine.
- Shampoo for very dry hair ingredient #5: organic olive oil extract
A potent source of essential fatty acids, olive oil not only provides moisture for dry hair but also infuses it with vitamins and antioxidants.
There are also some ingredients you should avoid when buying a moisturizing shampoo:
- Parabens — Parabens are used as preservatives in beauty products. Parabens are considered potential endocrine disruptors, which means they can mess with your hormones. Parabens have no place in a shampoo for dry, straw-like hair.
- Sulfates — Sulfates are added to shampoos to make them lather better. Sulfates can have many names, including sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), Laureth sulfate sodium, and lauryl sulfoacetate sodium. Sulfates strip the hair and scalp of their natural moisturizing oils, which can lead to dry hair. That’s why you should avoid certain types of sulfates when buying a moisturizing shampoo.
- Phthalates — Like parabens, phthalates are considered endocrine disruptors and should be avoided when choosing a moisturizing shampoo.
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8 tips to combat dry, straw-like hair
Besides using shampoo for dry hair, there are several other ways you can improve the condition of dry and straw hair.
1. Take care of your hair with conditioner
Always use conditioner after washing your hair! Conditioner provides long-lasting moisture and nourishment to your hair. Use the mask once or twice a week in place of your regular conditioner. This hair treatment provides an extra dose of moisture for the hair and protein for healthier-looking hair.
2. Get a haircut
Extremely dry and straw-like hair tends to cause split ends. If this is the case with you, it may be wise to get a trimmer to remove those broken ends and “fluff” your hair back up.
3. Use a pre-shampoo balm
If you have extremely dry and straw-like hair, you can also lock moisture into your hair before using a moisturizing shampoo by using a pre-shampoo treatment. Choose intensely nourishing treatment made from 100% naturally moisturizing ingredients such as olive oil and shea butter, and soften the hair while ridding it of frizz.
4. Change your hair washing routine
As we mentioned earlier, the best hair washing routine for dry hair is to wash and condition your hair every two to three days. And FYI, using dry shampoo does not count as washing your hair.
Another smart move is to lower the temperature in the shower. While hot showers feel good, they have a drying effect on your skin and hair. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to take cold showers! Using lukewarm water will help you avoid extremely dry and straw-like hair.
5. Protect your hair from heat
While we always recommend avoiding heat styling tools as much as possible, w know that sometimes you want a look that you can only achieve with the help of a curling iron! So if you’re going to use heat styling tools, protect your hair with a Hair Strengthening & Protection Oil first. Thanks to its high content of antioxidants, this treatment naturally protects hair from heat.
It is also advisable to lower the temperature on your heat styling tools. There’s no need to fry your hair at a high heat setting when you can achieve the same result at a lower temperature! In general, the finer your hair is, the lower the temperature you require to use. Experiment to find the minimum temperature required to achieve the look you want.
6. Protection against the sun
Just as UV rays can damage your skin, they can also damage your hair. Choose hair products with antioxidants. It helps to protect your hair against high temperatures and can also protect your hair against UV rays. If you plan to be in the sun for an extended period of time, it’s also a good idea to wear a hat to protect your hair and skin.
7. Take your vitamins
As we mentioned earlier, your scalp requires a certain blend of nutrients to produce sebum. This natural oil moisturizes your hair and provides protection.
To make sure you’re consuming enough nutrients for healthy hair, choose vitamins that are formulated with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, biotin, folic acid, silica, and zinc, which have been shown to promote healthy hair.
8. Protect your hair overnight
Sleep your way to healthier hair! Swap out your traditional cotton pillowcase for the bamboo pillowcase for frizz-free, hydrated hair. A bamboo pillowcase has much smoother fibers than a regular cotton pillowcase. Your hair and skin can glide effortlessly over the pillowcase all night long, which means you’ll wake up with a “bird’s nest” on your headless often and soft skin more often!
Styling tips for brittle hair
What to do about dry hair when styling? In order for your hair to become soft and supple again, it is important to avoid the heat, as this further dries out your hair and puts it under unnecessary strain. You should therefore give your brittle hair a break from curling irons, straightening irons, and hot blow-drying air. It’s best to simply let your hair air dry. If that is not possible, blow dry on a low-heat setting. In summer, it helps to apply for UV protection against the sun.
Wet hair should also always be combed only with a comb and not brushed directly. Proceed as carefully as possible, and always start by combing out the tips. For dry hair, it is recommended to use a soft brush made of natural hair bristles, for example, wild boar hair. If you have brittle, dull hair, you should use greasy products such as wax, gel wax, or styling cream to style your hairstyle, if possible. Also, make sure that any products you use do not contain alcohol, as alcohol dries out the hair and helps brittle hair to develop.
Besides, if you have very dry hair, refrain from coloring or bleaching, as it puts a lot of stress on the hair. If your ends are already very damaged and split, the only thing that usually helps is to go to the hairdresser. If you have dared to take this step, use our hair care tips to ensure that your hair now remains permanently healthy and beautiful.
FAQ — Straw hair
❓ Why is my hair so dry and wiry?
Some people are born with naturally dry, wiry hair, while others may cause their hair to become this way through chemical damage, heat styling, and overuse of hair products. When hair is dry and wiry, it may become brittle, dull, and frizzy. Wash and condition your hair using products designed for dry, damaged hair.
❓ How do you rehydrate dry brittle hair?
- Choose a shampoo that is designed for dry hair.
- Skip the daily shampooing.
- Waterproof your hair with a thick conditioner cream before taking a dip in the pool.
- Ditch the chemicals when taming frizzy hair.
- Deep condition hair overnight as a daily moisturizer.
- Lay off the excess hair color.
❓ Why is my hair not shiny anymore?
Dull hair tends to lack moisture, shine, and body. It can be caused by many factors, like using the wrong products, not getting enough nutrients in your diet, or overusing harsh chemicals or techniques.
