A day doesn't go by that I don't see another skincare product or spa treatment with moisturizing or hydrating skin on its list of benefits, so there's plenty to choose from for glowing complexions. Hair and keeping it hydrated may be another story. Every client who books a thirst-quenching treatment for face or body likely has similar needs for their hair, as well. Here are a few tips from Antonio Corral Calero, who deals with many unruly heads of hair throughout fashion week as artistic director at Moroccanoil:
What are some tell-tale signs of dehydrated hair?
Some of the most obvious signs of dehydrated hair include frizzy or brittle hair and breakage. These are all “symptoms” that you need to be aware and treat immediately to avoid dehydrated hair.
What causes hair to lose moisture?
Environmental stressors (pollution, sun/UV exposure, etc.), chemical processes (dyeing, keratin, etc.) and harsh shampoos are some of the most common causes of moisture loss. Overexposure to any of these factors strips the hairs’ protective layer (the cuticle) of its natural oils and the cuticles layers separate and peel away from hair, leaving moisture compromised and hair weakened and dry.
Is there a ritual you practice daily or weekly to keep hair hydrated?
In addition to daily hydrating products for styling, I recommend adding a hair mask to your ritual once a week. This will deliver deep conditioning and restorative benefits to improve hair’s texture, elasticity, manageability and shine. For thick, coarse hair I recommend using Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, and for fine/limp hair I recommend using Moroccanoil Weightless Hydrating Mask. For extremely dry hair, use a mask bi-weekly for two weeks and then decrease use over time as hair texture improves.
If you have a dry scalp, I recommend adding the Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment to your weekly routine. It works to restore scalp imbalances, relieve irritation, dryness and flaky itch and revitalize hair from root-to-tip.
Is there a difference between dehydrated ends and split ends?
Dehydrated ends are caused by various external factors (hot tools, environment, etc) while split ends are caused by a weakened hair shaft that splits. The only way to fix split ends is to cut it, but dehydrated ends can be fixed with products that replenish moisture such as the Moroccanoil Treatment.
For more on keeping clients' manes sleek and shiny, check out Mane Management and It's a Wash.