Moisture Retention in Dry Climates

Living in a dry area such as Phoenix can take a toll on your hair, skin, and even nails. Our hair in its natural state is already prone to dryness therefore it’s important that naturals in low to no humidity climates learn to properly moisturize their hair.

Below are my top five tips for retaining moisture in dry climates.  

1.      Avoid ingredients that dry out your hair.

Humectants -

Humectants are very popular in hair care products. A traditional humectants works by adhering to moisture in the air. Unfortunately living in a dry environment such as Phoenix there is little to no humidity. The humectant will instead draw moisture from your hair thus leaving your hair dry. My recommendation would be to avoid them all together.

Examples of humectants:

a.    Glycerin

b.    Propylene glycol

c.    Honey

d.    Agave nectar

e.    Sorbitol

f.     Sodium PCA

g.    Panthenol

h.    Hydrolyzed silk protein

i.      Fructose

 

Sulfates -

Sulfates are a cleansing agent found in many shampoos. Too many sulfates in a product can leave you hair feeling stripped and dry. Try using a shampoo that is sulfate free or has only one sulfate listed.

 

Alcohol-

Many of the hair gels and styling products contain alcohol. Alcohol can be very drying though especially with no moisture in the air. It’s no surprise that I struggle with a basic wash n go style. Instead use products or hair gels that contain aloe very juice/gel.

 

2.      Use a great leave in conditioner.

Finding a great leave in conditioner can be frustrating. Why not make your own? I’ve been using the Kimmaytube’s leave in for three years now. Listed below is the recipe.

When shopping for a leave in, make sure the first ingredient is always WATER. Water is the best way to moisturize natural hair. Read the product label and ingredients to ensure that the product doesn’t contain humectants.

3.      Use a hair steamer

Using a hair steamer is a great way to add moisture back into your hair. You can also use a heat cap.  To steam my hair, I stay in the shower an extra five minutes.

Visit Huetiful for a list of their steamers:http://www.behuetiful.com/

4.      Consider a protein treatment

 Protein treatments are great for dry brittle hair. There are plenty of products marketing as protein reconstructors. I personally like to use a cholesterol. If you’re more mindful of ingredients, try a banana/avocado or yogurt deep conditioner.

                  DIY Protein Treatments

5.      Learn how to properly seal in moisture

Oil or butters are a great way to seal in your hair. I'm pretty sure most of you have heard of the L.O.C method. There is also the L.C.O. method and bagging. Regardless of which method you choose, make sure you are wetting your hair prior to applying a leave in or oil. The molecular structure of oil makes it harder to penetrate the hair. If the hair is wet however, the cuticles open and this will allow the product (oil, butter, or leave in) to penetrate the hair strand. In the winter I like to use a heavier oil such as castor or olive oil. Don’t be afraid to mix your oils for a great sealant cocktail.

Other things to consider

- Understand your hair porosity

- Know that if you do color your hair, you will have a harder time retaining moisture

 

Recipe 1: Kimmaytube’s leave in

2 tablespoons of YOUR preferred conditioner (silicone free)
2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera Juice
2 teaspoons of Castor Oil
2 teaspoons of Jojoba Oil

Instructions: Pour ingredients into an applicator bottle. Shake the bottle slightly, but not too hard, until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together.  Store the bottle in a refrigerator.

Recipe 2: Aloe Vera Juice Spritz

¼ cup water
2 tablespoons of aloe vera juice
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
a few drops of an essential oil (your favorite)

Instructions: Pour ingredients into a spray bottle.  Shake the bottle slightly, but not too hard, until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together.  Store the bottle in a refrigerator.