After a month of getting glam for back-to-back events, my hair needed a little R&R.
I was abusing my heat tools and my hair is paying for it. A little dry and frizzy, I decided it was time for an intense deep conditioning to get it back on track. After all, sporting the same do as Harry from Dumb and Dumber isn’t a good look.
I have packed my heat tools away for a little bit and I’ll be focusing on my hair’s health over the summer. I’m thinking heat-free styles, braids and maybe a weave or two. Hey – I’ve always wanted mermaid hair…
In the meantime, I’ve rounded up five reasons why you could be suffering from dry hair and some measures to take care of the problem. Using very hydrating products will help you out, such as Shea Moisture’s Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil line, a line that I just so happen to be testing out right now to great results. Before we get started with the hair facts, I’ll review this new Shea Moisture line for ya.
Shea Moisture’s Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo
I really love Shea Moisture’s shampoos, especially the Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo. I used to stock up on this stuff each time I went to the States. Fortunately for us Canucks, Shea Moisture is now available at your local Canadian Walmart.
Anyhoo, the Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Shampoo is lovely. It left my hair soft and manageable, and not stripped like so many other shampoos I’ve tried along the way.
The formula is thick, opaque and creamy, which is a sign that it is moisturizing (clear shampoos tend to be a little harsher). After washing, I used an old t-shirt to squeeze the excess water out of my hair (more gentle than towels), and noticed that my hair was super shiny. Off to a good start!
This shampoo’s main ingredients are Mafura oil and Baobab oil, two oils that revitalize and soften hair. The fig and Manuka honey help to boost hair’s shine and overall health.
This shampoo is sulfate, paraben, phthalate, mineral oil, petroleum, DEA, formaldehyde and propylene free, along with all Shea Moisture products.
Shea Moisture’s Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Conditioner
I hold good conditioners close to my heart. I have a ton of hair and detangling it after washing can be a nightmare, so a rich conditioner is key.
The Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Conditioner is super thick, only slightly less thick than the masque which I will get to below. It coats the hair beautifully allowing for easy comb-through. It has a really nice slip too, leaving hair feeling very soft and hydrated immediately.
This conditioner is perfect for dry/coarse/curly/colour treated hair. If your hair is on the thinner side, apply this conditioner to your ends only.
Shea Moisture’s Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque
Shea Moisture’s Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque is my favourite of this trio! It’s beyond hydrating…moisturizing hair effectively and quickly.
I applied this masque to my hair after squeezing out the excess water after shampooing, coating it generously. I then left it on for about an hour and rinsed. The results were fantastic! My hair was so soft and easy to manage, it was a dream to comb out. Zero tangles.
After I dried my hair completely, I flat-ironed it on low (use a good heat protectant with flat irons) and it felt like silk. Super happy.
For most people who don’t have a ton of thick hair, a little of this product goes a long way. I found the same, but since I’m an addict, I applied a generous amount to hair. Overdosing wasn’t really necessary, so I will go less crazy next time.
This product is perfect for repairing damaged or very dry hair, but consistency is key. Use it once a week, leave on for at least five minutes, and if you want to go that extra mile, cover with a cap and apply heat (sit under a bonnet hair dryer or use a steam cap – those are genius).
5 Reasons Why Your Hair Is Dry
Your Scalp Is Dry
In order to have healthy hair, you need to start with a healthy scalp. If your scalp is dry, chances are you aren’t producing enough oil to hydrate your hair.
If you have thick, coarse hair, massage a little coconut oil into your scalp gently using the pads of your fingers, not your nails! If you have fine hair, massage a little coconut oil into your scalp a few hours before washing your hair. This will prevent a greasy, heavy look.
FACT: Curly Hair Is Drier Than Straight Hair
The oil from your scalp needs to work that much harder to work its way through curly strands. This leads to frizzy dry hair.
You’re Washing Your Hair Too Often
I meet so many women of all hair types who wash their hair way too often. Unless you are using a lot of styling products daily (which is also drying!), there is no need to wash 7 days a week.
Many shampoos are loaded with harsh sulfates and other chemicals that sap moisture from your hair. I wash my hair once a week to great results. If you have fine hair or are prone to greasies, do yourself a favour and try out a good dry shampoo.
Deep Conditioner Is Your Best Friend
I love deep conditioner like I love my little puppy. When I started deep conditioning my hair on a regular basis (once a week), it thrived! It was much softer and easier to manage, which led to real growth for me. I went from having hair just past my shoulders to mid-back length. Also, my hair is much shinier too, which I love.
Get Healthy
Look…you can’t have healthy hair if you are subsisting on Cheetos and Coke. Trust me…I love both, but they don’t feed your body. If you want a great head of hair, you need to start from the inside out. You need good fats (salmon, nuts, avocados, etc), lots of water, and fresh veggies. Sure, broccoli doesn’t get me going like meat lovers pizza does, but a head full of shiny, healthy hair is worth the absolute disappointment of a side of cauliflower (just kidding…sort of).
Bonus Tip: Step Away From The Heat Tools
Flat irons, curling irons…any hair implement that applies direct heat to your hair will sap the moisture right out of it. Flat irons are notorious for turning great hair into a dry, limp mess quickly.
If you are addicted to your heat tools, be sure to protect your hair with a great heat protectant.
*A big thank you to Shea Moisture for sending along these products for review in exchange for my honest opinion!
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.
