Why Is My Natural Hair Always Dry? Here’s How to Fix It.
Why Your Natural Hair Is So Dry: Common Causes
1. Curl Pattern Makes Oil Distribution Difficult
Curly and coily hair types have a natural structure that makes it harder for your scalp’s oils (sebum) to travel down the hair shaft. This leaves the mid-lengths and ends vulnerable to dryness.
2. Product Buildup Prevents Moisture Penetration
Using too many products, especially those with heavy oils, silicones, or waxes, can cause buildup on your hair and scalp. Product buildup creates a barrier that blocks water and moisturizing products from being absorbed, making your hair feel dry no matter how much product you apply.
3. Split Ends and Dead Hair Hold You Back
Holding onto dry, split ends can make it seem like your entire head is dry, even if the roots and mid-lengths are healthy. Damaged ends also tangle easily, leading to breakage. It’s essential to **cut away dry, dead split ends**—there’s no benefit to holding onto them. Trimming your hair when needed will keep it looking fresh and ensure healthier growth.
4. Using Harsh Cleansers That Strip Natural Oils
There’s nothing wrong with using a sulfate shampoo occasionally to give your hair a clean slate. Just keep in mind that frequent use of shampoos with sulfates or drying alcohols can strip away your natural oils, leaving your scalp and strands feeling dry. If you notice dryness after every wash, it might be time to switch to a more moisturizing shampoo for regular use.
5. Skipping Deep Conditioning Treatments
Natural hair thrives on moisture, making deep conditioning essential for restoring and maintaining hydration. Without deep treatments at least once a month, your hair can lose moisture and elasticity, leading to dryness and breakage.
Moisture alone isn’t enough—your hair also needs protein to stay strong and protect your hair While some naturals avoid protein or consider themselves protein-sensitive, your hair cannot thrive or retain length without it.
6. Environmental Stress and Weather Changes
Cold, dry air during winter or sun exposure in summer can pull moisture from your hair. Protective styles help to reduce exposure, but your hair still needs consistent moisture to battle environmental stress.
7. Inconsistent Nighttime Care Routine
Sleeping without a satin or silk bonnet (or pillowcase) allows moisture to escape into cotton fabrics, leaving your hair drier in the morning. Protective nighttime routines are key to maintaining hydration.
How to Fix and Prevent Dry Natural Hair
1. Clarify to Remove Product Buildup
If you’ve been using oils, creams, or gels consistently, it’s important to clarify your hair with a gentle clarifying shampoo. This will remove buildup and allow moisture-rich products to penetrate your strands more effectively. A clean scalp and hair shaft are essential for hydration, and our Lemon & Rosemary Clarifying Shampoo is a great choice.
2. Use Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners
Switch to shampoos that cleanse without stripping your hair. Follow up with a rinse out or deep conditioner featuring ingredients like vegetable glycerin, agave nectar, or marshmallow root to restore moisture and soften your hair
3. Regularly Trim Dry, Split Ends
Letting go of dead, split ends will make your hair healthier and more manageable. Trimming prevents breakage from traveling up the shaft and ensures your styles look fresh. Remember, **there’s no need to hold on to dead hair**—healthy growth starts with regular trims.
4. Deep Condition Weekly or Biweekly
Deep conditioning provides essential moisture that regular conditioners might not offer. Treatments like our Agave Nectar Moisturizing Treatment or Mixed Fruit Nutrient-Rich Deep Conditioner are excellent for keeping your hair soft, smooth, and hydrated, helping you maintain moisture over time.
Don’t forget to incorporate a light protein treatment into your routine at least every 8 weeks. Your hair needs protein to maintain its strength, structure, and shape, ensuring it stays healthy, resilient, and able to retain length.
5. Seal in Moisture
After washing your hair, you must lock in moisture. Moisturizing hair means to lock water and hydration into the hair shaft. To keep hair from getting dry, you need to both hydrate and moisturize it. Use a true leave-in conditioner or moisturizer that has water as the 1st or 2 nd ingredient and contains oils and/or butter. You can also use the LOC or LCO method.
6. Protect Your Hair at Night
Wrap your hair in a satin or silk bonnet before bed or switch to a satin pillowcase. This will prevent moisture from escaping and reduce friction that causes breakage and dryness.
7. Hydrate from the Inside Out
Staying hydrated internally plays a big role in the health of your hair. Drink plenty of water, eat hydrating foods, and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins to support healthy hair growth.
Keeping natural hair moisturized can be challenging, but with the right routine, it’s absolutely achievable. Including biweekly or monthly deep conditioning treatments, occasional clarifying shampoos to remove buildup, and light protein treatments every 8 weeks will help your hair stay hydrated, strong, and resilient. Don’t forget—healthy hair starts with consistency and listening to what your strands need. With proper care, you’ll keep dryness at bay and enjoy soft, manageable hair that thrives!
