Does your hair feel dry right after you shampoo it? If you answered yes, then this article is perfect for you! So many people have the same problem when it comes to shampooing their hair and, after doing a lot of research, I can help you with this.
Your hair feels dry after you shampoo it because you are over-washing it or your shampoo is too harsh. Shampoos with a high alcohol content strip hair of the natural oils needed to keep it moisturized. You should only wash your hair 2-3 times a week to prevent moisture loss and only use cool/lukewarm water on your hair; hot water strips moisture.
Keep on reading to learn more about why your shampoo may be doing more harm than good and how you can prevent your hair from drying out.
10 Steps To Prevent Dry Hair After Shampooing
The best way to prevent dry hair after shampooing is to use a shampoo with moisturizing properties such as the MoroccanOil Moisture Repair Shampoo from Amazon for only $24.00, focusing only on your scalp. Then follow up with a conditioner, applied to your hairs ends and length only. Do this every time you wash your hair (2-3 times a week).
Step 01. Change your shampoo
If you notice that your hair is unusually dry after shampooing, the first thing you need to do is change your shampoo! It is likely that your shampoo is just too harsh on your hair and has too many harmful ingredients in it. Change shampoo to a more natural formula with moisturizing ingredients.
The more natural the product is, the better it will be for your dry hair, so avoid products with sulfates and parabens in them. Look for products with ingredients such as avocado oil, jojoba, coconut oil, and argan oil as these have moisturizing properties. These oils also offer a high amount of fatty acids which is great for treating dry hair.
I recommend Salt and Sulfate-free Shampoo and Conditioner for Color Treated Hair which you can grab off Amazon!
Step 02. Focus on your scalp
Secondly, you really need to make sure you are washing your hair correctly. I know this sounds a bit silly and you may be thinking of how anyone could possibly be doing this wrong, but it is possible!
When you shampoo your hair you need to focus your attention on your scalp and roots as this area is where the grease and oils are. Many people apply a big squeeze of shampoo to their scalp AND a big squeeze of shampoo to the ends of their hair which is incorrect.
You actually only need to scrub/wash your scalp and then allow any remaining product to run through the hair when you rinse it. The ends of the hair are always the most dehydrated section as it is are from the scalp so if you are scrubbing the ends of the hair you are actually stripping it of the already limited oils it has.
Step 03. Wash your hair less frequently
Another important tip is to make sure you are not over-washing your hair. Do not wash your hair every day as this will dry it out. You should only be washing your hair when it gets visibly greasy and dirty so that you don’t strip it of essential oils.
Step 04. Deep condition your hair
Make it a habit to use a hair mask once a week to hydrate your hair and keep it healthy. Again, make sure the hair mask contains moisture-rich ingredients as these will greatly benefit your dry hair.
Deep conditioning is amazing as it helps to boost moisture levels in your hair and reduce shedding. If you can, purchase a mask that is safe to leave on your hair overnight as this will give it an extra boost of moisture.
I recommend Vitamins Keratin Hair Mask Deep Conditioner – Thin Fine Hair Keratin and Argan Oil Complex Hydrating Repair Treatment for Dry Damaged Hair and Scalp for the best results!
If your hair is feeling particularly dry on a given day you can also wet your hair and condition it before shampooing and washing your hair. This will replenish any lost moisture near the ends of your hair.
Step 05. Double up on conditioner
Tip number five is to double up on your conditioner. If your hair is feeling a bit too dry after you have shampooed it, use a double dose of conditioner near the ends of your hair and allow to sit on the hair for a minute or two. This will make your hair feel extra silky and smooth and look and feel a lot less dry when it dries.
Step 06. Do your final rinse with cold water
Once you are done washing your hair and you have rinsed out your conditioner, rinse your hair with cool or cold water. This is a great hack for making your hair look healthy and shiny and will get rid of any dull and dry looking locks.
When you’re in the shower, the steam from the hot water opens up the hair follicles, and cuticle and moisture can escape the hair if not sealed. A cold water rinse will seal the hair cuticle and trap in moisture before you step out of the shower. Doing this each time you wash your hair will make your hair stronger and healthier and hydrate it.
Step 07. Use a leave-in conditioner
Tip number seven is to add a leave-in conditioner to your hair care routine. Apply a leave-in conditioner to your wet hair once you have towel dried it and allow it to soak in. This will keep your hair protected from any drying environment or elements. A leave-in conditioner will not only hydrate your hair but will reduce tangles and make it silky and smooth!
Step 08. Limit the use of heat tools
You should also limit the use of heat tools if dry hair is a concern of yours. Heat tools can damage the hair and dry it out even more if it already dry. Instead of using a hairdryer to dry your hair, allow your hair to air dry, and instead of using a curling iron or hair straightener to style your hair, try accessorizing with some cute hair grips or scarves.
If you do have to use a heat tool on your hair, make sure you at least protect it with a good quality heat-protectant spray!
Step 09. Use a hair oil or serum
Once your hair is dry it is important to hydrate it once again so that the ends are nourished! Apply a few drops of a nourishing hair oil or hair serum to your hands and work it through the ends and lengths of your hair.
Focus on the sections that seem the most dehydrated but make sure that you don’t apply too much as this can weigh the hair down. A drop or two should do the trick! Hair oils and serums are amazing for dry hair and can actually prevent split ends from worsening.
I recommend Garnier Hair Care Fructis Triple Nutrition Marvelous Oil Hair Elixir!
Step 10. Use a dry shampoo in between washes
Finally, invest in a dry shampoo. This can be a lifesaver for dry hair! If your hair is a little bit greasy and you need fresh clean hair just spray some dry shampoo on to your roots and massage it in.
The dry shampoo will absorb the excess oil on your scalp without you having to do a full hair wash that could dry out the ends of your hair! This is a great product to limit unnecessary hair washing while still keeping the hair looking and smelling clean and fresh!
Final Thoughts
Dry hair can be a nightmare, but as long as you know how to treat it and prevent it you should have no problem sorting it out! Your hair needs a chance to recover from a wash and replenish any lost moisture and oils. As long as you are not over-washing your hair and are keeping it moisturized with the right products, you should have no problems!