Hair normally has a moisture content of approximately 10%. If your hair's moisture content drops below this level the key is to increase the hair's ability of attract and retain moisture. This is accomplished by using moisturizers. Good one have "humectants" that not only replace lost moisture but actually attract moisture and retain it in the cortex of the hair. Essential fatty aids (EFA's) are great moisturizers. t. Now since "genes" have given me dry hair, I have done some research on the big Dos and Don'ts for dry hair and some treatments that they claim actually work. Not that I'm admitting to doing anything harmful to my mane, I vow to try some, maybe even all, of these Dos and Don'ts. Can't hurt right! Feel free to do the same and please let me know your results so we can compare notes.



Dry hair should be washed with a gentle shampoo. Massage the scalp to stimulate the follicles and loosen dandruff/dirt that may be clogging the pores. This will allow sebum, produced by the sebaceous gland, to be released from the pores and hydrate each strand of hair. After massaging the scalp, roll a clump of hair between your hands from the root downward to the ends to cleanse properly. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and follow with a conditioner to remove all shampoo residue.

Dry hair is often caused by too much time in the sun, chlorine, salt water, over-shampooing, permanents, heat styling, or neglect. Protection from the elements is the next step in treating dry hair. Consider using a conditioner with an SPF of at least 15, or even better, wear a hat when out in the sun. Use a swimming cap while in pools or salt water, and always rinse hair thoroughly after swimming.

Heat styling such as hair dryers, curling irons, and hot curlers all cause dry hair. Perms, bleaching and color treatments cause dry hair as well. Although we like our curls and colors, going natural is one of the best ways to avoid dry hair.

Lastly, consider what goes on with the rest of your body. Many times dry hair indicates a poor diet or even mild dehydration. Always drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet of good proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and consider vitamin and mineral supplements. Vitamins A, C, E, and calcium are all good for treating dry hair.

How to treat Dry Hair

- Mayonnaise makes a great conditioner. If you have enough time, leave it on for an hour and you will like the results. If you are in a hurry, even 5 minutes of this goo will help.

- Limit washing to once every four days and use a high-quality conditioner to treat dry hair problem.

- A natural leave-in solution is to take a couple of drops of safflower oil and run it through dried hair from roots to ends.

-Jojoba oil or coconut oil work as a great deep conditioner. For that matter you can use just about any oil. Apply the oil, wrap your hair with plastic wrap and cover with a towel to keep the heat in. Rinse with cool water, shampoo, condition and voila.

- Condition your hair: Dry hair can be benefited greatly by the use of conditioners after shampooing. The outer layers of the hair or cuticles peel away the shaft, resulting in split ends. Conditioner glues these cuticles back to the shaft and lubricates them. It also prevents static electricity, thus preventing its frizzy appearance.

- Avoid heat: Heat appliances like blow-dryers, electric irons and curlers damage the hair. Instead of blow-drying the hair, you can pat dry with a towel. Replace electric curlers with unheated plastic rollers that were used in a bygone era. Straighten the hair by wrapping the slightly damp hair around the cold rollers and leave them on for about ten minutes. To curl the hair or to give them a wavy appearance, use sponge rollers overnight or sleep with moist braids.