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Profile: Dry Hair

Definition: Hair that has high porosity, meaning the cuticles are open and detached, struggles to retain water, which excessively evaporates. This is due to an insufficient production of sebum by the scalp's sebaceous glands (sebum excretion level below 120 mg/cm²). Therefore, dry hair is essentially hair lacking in nutrition. It can be identified by its split ends, dull appearance, lack of shine, brittleness at the slightest brush stroke, and its rough texture (a "straw-like" effect).

Internal and external causes: The inherent nature of the scalp and hair (such as kinky or very curly hair), heredity, age (around 45 years, the hair fibre ages and its hydration decreases), excessive use of heat appliances (hairdryers, straighteners, curlers), repeated colouring and bleaching, prolonged exposure to the sun, use of stripping shampoos, overly aggressive shampooing, excessive use of styling products (hairsprays, gels, waxes), weather conditions (wind, winter, cold), pollution, overexposure to pool chlorine or sea salt, certain bodily conditions (iron deficiency, thyroid gland dysfunction, Cushing's disease...).

How to reduce or eliminate: Apply a daily care product rich in fatty substances to strengthen the hair cuticles and soften the hair; wash your hair a maximum of twice a week with a nourishing and repairing shampoo, followed by a conditioner; apply a hair mask at least once a week that is rich in lipid-replenishing active ingredients on washed and towel-dried hair (leave on for at least 20 minutes); use vegetable oil treatments to "nourish" the hair more intensely (leave on between 30 minutes and an entire night).

Preventative steps to take: Apply a hair oil to all lengths before shampooing to protect the hair; space out shampoos and only wash hair once to twice a week; avoid hot water and favour lukewarm water; limit hair dyeing; apply a UV-protective oil to dry hair or wear a hat to limit sun damage; perform scalp massages several times a week; choose combs and brushes made of natural materials (wood, bamboo, boar bristles); choose hair ties without metal parts; reduce the use of heat (hairdryers, straighteners...); when drying your hair, set the hairdryer to a medium temperature or the "cool air" setting, and hold it about twenty centimetres from the roots; before using a hairdryer, straightener or curling iron, always protect the hair with a heat-protective treatment; opt for a straightener with ceramic or tourmaline plates; ensure a good intake of essential fatty acids and vitamin E by consuming fatty fish (salmon, sardines) and vegetable oils (rapeseed, flax, grape seed, olive); drink 1.5 litres of water per day; opt for hair supplements containing, for example, phytokeratin, vitamins B6 and B8, or zinc.