How to properly moisturize hair and why it is necessary

Maintaining your hair is equally as essential as getting a manicure and pedicure. The health and appearance of your hair can significantly change if you moisturize it properly. However, why is maintaining well-hydrated hair so important? Let’s examine the causes and the best approaches for maintaining the best-looking locks.

Frizzy, brittle, and prone to breaking hair can result from dry hair. Maintaining moisture helps keep it pliable, glossy, and soft. Regular hair hydration not only makes hair look better, but it also shields it from harm. Consider moisture as a barrier of defense that keeps your hair strong and resistant to normal wear and tear.

So, how should your hair be properly moisturized? It goes beyond simply applying conditioner. Adding hair masks, oils, and leave-in treatments can give your skin an extra moisture boost. You will get the best results if you know how to use these products correctly. We’ll dissect these techniques and provide some advice on how to make hair moisturizing simple and efficient in the sections that follow.

Why Moisturizing Hair is Necessary	How to Properly Moisturize Hair
Moisturizing helps prevent dryness, split ends, and breakage, keeping your hair soft and manageable.	Use a conditioner suited to your hair type after shampooing, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil, and avoid over-washing.
Hydrated hair looks healthier and shinier, and can hold styles better.	Incorporate deep conditioning treatments or hair masks into your routine once a week for extra hydration.
Proper moisture balance helps maintain the elasticity and strength of your hair.	Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet to support hair health from the inside out.

Causes of dryness and the benefits of moisturizing hair

Moisturizing hair

The hair shafts break and lose their aesthetic appeal when there is insufficient moisture within the hair. Such dried-out curls are commonly referred to as "straw"—a disagreeable but descriptive term.

Wet, parched hair viewed under a microscope

Why does moisture disappear from hair? There are a few that are most frequently present in combination:

• Improper nutrition. A deficiency of healthy fats, as well as a general lack of vitamins and microelements, leads to dehydration of the hair shaft, causing it to become dull and brittle;
• Violation of water balance. It is necessary to drink liquid in sufficient quantities. Soups, tea and coffee are considered, but clean water is also necessary;
• Improper care. Love for stylers, drying with hot air from a hair dryer and the habit of lathering hair with shampoo along the entire length are the most common causes of dryness. All of the above actions draw moisture out of the hair, leaving it dry and brittle;
• Aggressive cosmetics. There are ingredients in cosmetics that draw moisture from the shaft and, with systematic use, can turn even luxurious hair into lifeless strands without elasticity and shine. The most common of them are ethyl and isopropyl alcohol;
• External factors. We should not discount external causes, such as temperature changes, dry indoor air, and the sun;

We will discuss dry scalp as a separate cause of hair dehydration along its length apart from this list. Insufficient sebum secretion from the sebaceous glands spread throughout the scalp is the cause of dry skin. Sebum is sebum, a naturally occurring lubricant that keeps moisture from evaporating from the hair shaft and shields hair from the elements.

Excessive or insufficient sebum production is problematic. And if the first scenario presents greasy roots that are easily contaminated and hair that puckers up along its length, the second scenario presents us with just lifeless, dry hair.

Although the benefits of properly moisturizing your hair are probably obvious, let’s recap what it will give you anyway:

• The hairs will become elastic, will not stick out and bristle;
• The shine will return. Dehydrated hair cannot be shiny – the hairstyle, on the contrary, becomes dull and even bright coloring looks pale. It is worth establishing the water balance inside the shaft, as the curls become brighter and delight with a natural, vibrant shine. More details – How to make hair shiny and smooth;
• Fragility and split ends will disappear or decrease. Both brittle hair and split ends appear as a result of a lack of moisture. The shaft becomes brittle, which is why it breaks or delaminates.

A gorgeous hairstyle depends on the hair shaft’s normal moisture content.

How to understand that hair requires moisturizing

It is visually evident when hair needs moisturizing. The previously mentioned split ends, brittleness along the entire length, and loss of shine are characteristics of dehydrated strands.

In cases where visual diagnosis of dryness is challenging, the following tests and observations can be useful:

1. Pay attention to the speed of hair contamination. If after washing they remain clean for 3-5-7 days – this is the first sign of a lack of sebum;
2. Check the hair for elasticity. After washing, pull out one hair and try to stretch it. Normal hair with optimal internal moisture can stretch by 30-50%, and then return back. If it does not stretch, breaks and does not return to its original position – there is not enough moisture in the hair shaft. This method of checking is relevant for all hair types;
3. Inspect the comb. After combing, look at the hair that has fallen out – if there are short hairs among them – the shafts are brittle, and therefore – dehydrated;
4. Analyze your hair behavior. Dehydrated locks tend to become electrified, tangled and frizzy.

It’s a myth that moisturizing is only necessary for dry hair, but this is untrue. Every hair type—oily, normal, and dry—needs to be moisturized.

There will only be a distinction in the goals that hair moisturizing seeks to achieve:

• Normal. The normal type has its own optimal moisture level inside the hair shaft, but this does not mean that it always maintains it. Normal hair is also affected by UV rays, irons and hair dryers, nutrition. To prevent the strands from becoming dry, they need to be moisturized – to maintain the moisture level and prevent dryness;
• Dry. Well, it is clear here – dry hair is a direct indication for moisturizing, since without it you can forget about a beautiful, neat and "lively" hairstyle;
• Oily. All products for oily hair – shampoos, balms, masks, are aimed at drying. This helps to neutralize excess sebum a little and prolong the freshness of the hairstyle. But such products can easily dry out oily hair and even being oily it will be dull and brittle. To prevent this from happening, moisturizing is important for oily hair, which compensates for drying.

Girls with highlighted or colored hair must also moisturize their hair because these hair shafts are already dehydrated.

Chemistry of hair moisturizing

Although there are a number of causes for hair shaft dehydration listed above, the cosmetic aspect of the issue is the only one covered in this NAILS magazine article. After discussing the moisturizing ingredients in makeup, we’ll share a helpful list of products that can be used to effectively moisturize hair.

The two types of moisturizing components are internal, which penetrates deeply into the shaft and moisturises it from the inside, and superficial, which acts from above.

Components that function from the outside of the hair are film-forming substances that coat the hair’s surface to keep moisture from evaporating. This kind of "moisturizer" is appropriate for the typical kind; the film material acts as a barrier against moisture loss, preventing moisture from evaporating.

They are concealed in the composition by the following names:

• Amodimethicone – silicone;
• Triglycerides – derivatives of carboxylic acids and glycerol alcohol;
• Dimethicone – silicone;
• Propylene glycol is a conditioning component;
• Phenyl trimethicone – silicone;
• Candelilla wax.

The second category consists of compounds that attach to and hold onto water molecules inside the hair shaft. For hair that is already dehydrated, this choice is ideal:

• Hyaluronic acid;
• Aloe vera;
• Tocopherol;
• Panthenol;
• Collagen;
• Glycerin;
• Urea;
• Allantoin;
• Plant extracts – green tea, algae, prickly pear;
• Pentylene glycol.

How to moisturize hair: TOP-11 products

Manufacturers create a variety of moisturizing cosmetics, including masks, leave-in care, shampoos, balms, and conditioners. We’ll take into account moisturizing products from various categories; all you have to do is select the ones you like.

Shampoos

Shampoo has one job to do, which is to clean; it owes no one anything else. Marketing speak, most likely, when it makes claims like "quick moisturizing along the entire length" or "moisturizes hair from the inside." Even though a dehydrated shampoo won’t moisturize, it won’t make the condition worse, so it’s still crucial to use one.

• Cocochoco Intensive – Intensive hydration shampoo

The shampoo’s ingredients, which offset the effects of the anionic surfactant sodium lauryl sarcosinate, include oils, plant extracts, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol. effectively cleans hair without drying it out.

Ideal for a normal, dry scalp.

• Moroccanoil – Hydrating Shampoo

Moroccanoil is an Israeli brand of shampoo that includes kelp extract, argan oil, vegetable glycerin, and tocopherol acetate, or vitamin E. Not ideal for oily scalps, but a great choice for normal to dry ones.

Preparing hair for the application of a mask, balm, or conditioner, it conditions hair slightly without drying it out.

• Cutrin – BIO+ HYDRA BALANCE

Shampoo containing sulfates and SLS surfactant. The aggressive surfactant’s work is offset by urea, light oils, and plant extracts. It is not advised for normal, dry scalps as it may exacerbate dryness. A functional version of an efficient shampoo for oily hair.

Balms, masks, conditioners

The inclusion of binding or moisturizing surface ingredients in the formula of wash-off balms, masks, and conditioners is a crucial selection factor.

• Cocochoco Intensive – Conditioner for moisturizing

Because Conditioner Intensive contains hyaluronic acid, keratin, tocopherol, panthenol, oils (argan and olive) and extracts (oats, nutmeg, and aloe), it will deeply hydrate hair. By working within the hair, the product makes up for the moisture deficiency.

Perfect for dry, brittle, and dehydrated hair.

• Cocochoco Intensive – Cream mask

Similar to this brand’s conditioner, the mask is made mostly of moisturizing ingredients. This contains vitamin E, aloe leaf juice, plant extracts, and hyaluronic acid. There are superficial ingredients as well as penetrating ones, such as caprylic triglyceride, which will aid in keeping the moisture contained inside the hair shaft from escaping the shaft.

Ideal for preventing dehydration in hair that is prone to oiliness as well as damaged, brittle, split ends. The curls become softer and more vibrant after the first use, and with consistent application 1-2 times per week, they undergo a noticeable transformation and appear nourished and moisturized.

• Kaaral – Hydra Conditioner PURIFY

In addition to a tiny amount of urea and plant extracts, the conditioner has an oil complex that forms a film on the hair’s surface to keep moisture from evaporating. Although the product’s composition isn’t the most natural, reviews show that it works well for moisturizing and intense nutrition.

For girls with normal hair types, we suggest using Kaaral conditioner to help with dryness and prevent dehydration—the product may even be able to help with hair rods of this type.

• Alfaparf Semi Di Lino – Curls Enhancing Conditioner

Conditioner protects dehydrated curly hair from split ends and overly fluffy hair due to the shafts’ porous structure. includes an oil complex and glycerin. There are a few dubious ingredients, but helpful additions more than offset their impact.

Ideal for both dry hair that is prone to oiliness and hair shafts with normal moisture content.

• Kaaral – Maraes Color Nourishing Doppio Elixir

A Kaaral two-component elixir is the perfect remedy for dehydrated hair that needs to be hydrated. offers complete care, including deep hydration, nutrition, and restoration. includes keratin, silk proteins, and monoi oil.

Leave-in products

• True Alchemy – Plant silicone

A leave-in product made of plant silicone is a godsend for curly hair and dry, damaged, brittle hair. softens and velvetizes hair without causing it to stick together or seem greasy.

• Mi&Ko – Ylang-ylang wax

Using wax and Don’t overdo it when it comes to oils. The wax will nourish the hair and help conceal split ends if you use the recommended amount for a single application. Functions similarly to silicone leave-in products but comes from natural sources, making it a great substitute.

Includes cocoa, coconut, myrrh, ylang-ylang, and jojoba oil. Appropriate for normal, split, dry, and dehydrated hair.

• ECOCRAFT, Mango and Pink Ginger Leave-in Conditioner Spray

If you suffer from dry scalp, which can lead to dry, dehydrated, brittle, and split hair, this product can help. Because of the provitamin B5, almond, and argan oils, it will aid in improving the condition of the scalp.

Bonus: it eliminates hair loss and promotes the growth of new strands, increasing the density of curls. Pink ginger and Jamaican pepper extract make this easier.

Moisturizing hair at home

The cosmetics listed above are all excellent at-home options for moisturizing hair. If you find that this type of care is insufficient, consider moisturizing with natural remedies.

We caution you that homemade recipes don’t always work as planned. The quality of the products used and the hair’s starting condition both affect the outcome. If you are experiencing severe dryness and brittleness, using kefir compresses and oil masks as the only solution is unlikely to be effective.

Aloe mask

• Aloe gel – cosmetic or natural, collected from plant leaves;
• Banana-1-2 fruit;
• Sour cream or natural yogurt – 2 st. l.
• Olive oil – 1 t. l.

Using a blender or fork, grind the banana, then add the remaining ingredients. Apply the mixture in a lengthwise indentation starting 7–10 cm from the roots. For 20 to 30 minutes, wear the mask. Use a tiny bit of gentle shampoo to rinse.

Avocado mask

• Avocado – half of the mature fruit;
• Banana – half;
• Fresh egg yolk – 1 pc.

Avocado and Banana Using a fork, reveal and combine with the egg yolk. Apply and leave on hair, leaving an indentation from the roots for 20 minutes. Use either no shampoo or a small quantity of it when rinsing in warm water.

While moisturizing and nutrition are the goals of both masks, don’t expect overnight transformations. We advise against using DIY masks as your only line of defense against dehydrated hair.

Questions

Which moisturizes hair the best?

Appropriately chosen makeup. Gentle cleanser, nourishing balm, hydrating mask—all brimming with beneficial ingredients. These three strategies will produce remarkable results when paired with healthy eating and altering caregiving behaviors.

If you wait until the hair is shiny and elastic, you might want to think about getting Botox, lamination, or keratinization done at a salon. Your curls will look healthier, but they won’t cure them. Alternatively, enroll in "Happiness for Hair," which employs practical and efficient compositions for a stylish outcome.

How can one comprehend that there is insufficient hair?

Examine the way your hair behaves. See a trichologist, though, if you think they’ve gotten noticeably worse, are breaking or falling out. The body could be the cause of the decline in hair quality.

How can I design a moisturizing hair care regimen?

A dehydrated hair regimen is similar to a traditional hair care regimen and consists of the following:

• Delicate cleansing;
• Moisturizing and nourishing;
• Conditioning;
• Additional nourishment and protection.

The products used are the only thing that differs. Examine the formulas and seek out moisturizing ingredients to bring back the life, strength, and softness of your hair.

Is it possible to use oils at home to hydrate hair deeply?

Oils represent a contentious aspect of moisturizing, a topic that continues to be debated among trichologists, hairdressers, and scientists. One popular belief is that oils, particularly mineral oils, can make hair drier. They produce a coating on the exterior that keeps moisture from seeping inside.

It is not advised to use pure oils for moisturizing purposes. Purchasing high-quality makeup that has a verified formula that eliminates the harmful effects of oil is preferable.

What qualities does moisturizing hair in the summer and winter have?

Summer and winter hair does not require any particular hair manipulations. The only thing that has to be done is apply masks, balms, and serums with a moisturizing effect on a regular basis during times of unusually high temperatures and dry air. Although moisturizing is particularly crucial in the winter and summer, this should also be done in the spring and fall.

Furthermore, how do you hydrate your hair? Comment with your care plans; other readers will find great value in hearing about your experiences.

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It is essential to moisturize your hair properly if you want to keep it looking and feeling good. Hair can become dry and damaged without enough hydration, just like skin. Moisturizing your hair on a regular basis lowers the likelihood of breakage and split ends while keeping it resilient, shiny, and soft.

It’s easy and efficient to add moisturizing products to your hair care regimen. Seek out leave-in treatments, oils, and conditioners that are intended to add moisture. These products aid in restoring the natural oils that your hair requires to remain vibrant and healthy.

In the end, hair that is hydrated feels and looks better and is easier to manage. You’re making an investment in your hair’s long-term health and guaranteeing that it stays strong and gorgeous by taking the time to properly moisturize it.

Moisturizing your hair properly is essential to keeping it vibrant and healthy. Moisturizing keeps the elasticity and shine intact while also preventing dryness and breakage. Through proper product and technique selection, you can nourish your hair and increase its manageability and resilience. Knowing why and how to moisturize properly will help you reach your ultimate hair care objectives and maintain the best-looking locks.

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