subject: Oily Hair Versus Dry Hair [print this page] Believe it or not, normal hair is the rarest type there is. Most people have either oily or dry hair. The secret to normal hair is balancing the moisture and natural oils without overproducing sebaceous oils or dehydrating the hair.
Dry hair is found more frequently than oily hair, because most of it is caused by styling. Heated styling appliances, such as blow dryers, curling irons and straightening irons can actually cause flash burns on the hair. These tools can damage the hair, causing split ends, frizziness and static cling, as well as breakage and hair loss.
Chemical straighteners, colourings or perms are also dyhydrating for the hair. Unfortunately, by the time we realize we've dried out our hair, the damage has already started.
You can rehydrate your hair by cutting back on the heat and chemicals you use. Appliances should only be used on the lowest setting. If possible, avoid using curling and flat irons on wet or damp hair, since the steam that rises from your styling tool is actually accelerating the evaporation of natural moisture. If you absolutely must use heat, use a heat protective spray to coat your hair beforehand.
Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to replenish dry hair. Try to avoid styling products containing any type of alcohol, such as many hair sprays and mousses, because these will further strip away moisture.
Oily hair comes with its own set of problems. If you notice the roots of your hair start to darken and look dark and damp as the day wears on, this is from the body's natural oil production. Your hair needs these natural oils to maintain hydration and protect the hair from the elements. However, if the sebaceous gland is overactive it produces too much natural sebum, resulting in oily hair.
Oily hair should be washed daily with a clarifying shampoo. Avoid using leave in conditioners, hair gels and other heavy products that will weigh down the hair. Having oily hair doesn't mean you are free to use blow dryers and flat irons all you want. Not only will this still damage your hair, but attempts to dehydrate will cause your oil production to increase to compensate.
A dry shampoo is often useful for oily hair to absorb the excess oil between washings and leave your hair fresh looking. You should also avoid too many styling products such as hair spray, because it tends to attract dirt and dust, which will make your hair look worse and can clog the hair follicles.
The best advice for hair that is either dry or oily is to look for quality organic shampoos that use natural ingredients specifically for your hair type. There are natural ingredients that will help increase the moisture levels, or alternatively slow the production of oils. All without damaging chemicals or harmful additives that will make your problems worse.
