No matter if you have relaxed hair or natural hair, the hair that grows from our scalp is in its natural state. Knowing how to care for that hair is key to dealing with dry natural hair. This post highlights various ways I keep my hair properly hydrated.
Shower Filter
Many of us have hard water in our homes. An attachable shower filter in an inexpensive way to filter sediments that are drying to our hair. The shower system that I use requires little maintenance as it only requires a filter change every six months.
Related: Sprite Water Filter
Humidifier
The air in my home is drying. Therefore, I purchased a humidifier to hydrate my skin and nasal passages but noticed my hair retained moisture longer as well. Running the humidifier when my hair feels dry is a neat way to indirectly add moisture to my hair.
Greenhouse Effect
The “greenhouse effect” is the term used for the method that promotes growth by increasing natural sebum to the scalp.
How To:
- Apply oil or hair butter to my hair.
- Securely pace a plastic cap on my head for an extended period.
- Optional: Cover the plastic cap with a scarf or bonnet.
The body will produce heat and moisture will form underneath the plastic cap like a greenhouse would for plants. The time limit varies based on the temperature in the home so I just use judgement…but usually, one to two hours is how long I keep the plastic cap on my head. The increased blood flow that happens during this process is said to accelerate grow. An indirect benefit is moisturized hair.
Related: Using Scalp Massaging to Repair Thinning Edges
Baggy Method
The “baggy method” increases moisture without having to complete a full wash day regimen. I apply moisturizer or conditioner (either works) to my dry natural hair and place on a plastic cap on my head for a few hours. Much like the greenhouse effect, the body will produce heat and moisture will form under the plastic cap. When finished, my hair is damp and I seal that moisture in with oil or a hair butter.
Thermal Conditioning Cap
Piling on conditioner and not using heat is ok if that’s what you prefer but allowing it to penetrate into your strands by using a heat source offers better hydration. The Evolve disposable conditioning cap is body heat activated and a great option when on travel. It’s also a great option without taking hit to the budget.
Related: Hot Head Deep Conditioning Cap
Heat Cap
In addition to the thermal conditioning caps, I also have a Gold n Hot Heat Cap. It’s the first heat cap I ever owned. This type of cap is commonly found in hair salons. It’s great for hot oil treatments, protein treatments and deep conditioning.
Hair Steamer
I own multiple hair steamers – Huetiful Hair Steamer (tabletop steamer); Q-Redew (handheld); and a stand-up hair steamer (resembles a salon hair dryer). Although the designs differ, they offer the same benefits – deposit water droplets onto the hair to increase and intensify deep conditioning sessions.
Related: Q-Redew Handheld Steamer
Reverse Dry Natural Hair with DIY Steam Treatment
On a budget, not a problem! Check out this DIY recipe to hydrate your hair in a steamer-like fashion.
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