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. Preferably, use a rubber cap that prevents water from getting into your cap and wetting your hair.

Avoid Hot Blowers

Dry hair is caused by heat, an open cuticle, chemicals applied to the hair, and poor maintenance. 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. If you must have your hot blower, try to limit to only once a week, and not daily.

Home Remedies for Dry Hair

1) Less or no heat. When blow drying, use a cooler setting and do not blow dry until the is completely dry.

2) Use acidifiers. Acidifiers close the cuticle down and lock in moisture. Acidifiers have a pH of 2.5 to 3.5. They have a lower pH than hair does in an aqueous solution.

3) Color, perms, relaxers, and other chemicals are sometimes a necessary evil. They rob the hair of humectants. Humectants attract and retain moisture (water) in the cortical layer of the hair. Try to use low ammonia -low peroxide color. Do not leave neutralizer on too long with perms. If possible avoid relaxers.

4) Treat your hair. Replace lost humectants with essential fatty acids (lipids), acidify your hair, use low pH products, use cool water. Replace what was taken out to make your hair dry. Also eat a diet full of essential fatty acids (in moderation and non-animal {no cholesterol}).

Hair Care Conditioners

You need to give your hair lots of TLC, with product that are designed to restore your hair's moisture level to its optimum 8%. Look for shampoos that contain natural humectants (magnet like properties to attract moisture), that will work together will your natural oils, to restore your hair's moisture level to its optimum 8%. Treatment conditioners that contain wheat, rice or corn proteins will repair damaged cuticles, improve porosity, elasticity and general health and appearance of your hair. There is a reason why salon brands are more expensive, they often contain higher grade ingredients and are free from silicone as most cheap shampoos contains.

Avoid Hot Blowers

Radiator heat, blow-dryers, deodorant soap and dehumidifiers can all rob you of the moisture you desperately need. That can leave your hair brittle and strawlike and your skin flaky and dry, especially in the winter.

Get Your Stunning Hair Back!

The natural remedies here, used with your doctor's approval, may help relieve dry hair and skin, according to some health professionals.