You have beautiful afro hair , but sometimes it feels dry and straw-like? You may be wondering why this could be and which shampoo is right for your hair. Don't worry, you are not alone with this problem, because many people with curly or afro hair know this.
What are the causes of brittle hair and which shampoo is suitable for dry hair? In this article, you will learn why your hair needs special treatment and how you can optimally provide it with moisture and care .
Why is Afro hair in particular sometimes so dry?
Afro hair is special in many ways. The hair structure is not only visually different from straight hair. The curlier the hair, the more susceptible it is to dryness. But why is that? If you look at curly hair under a microscope, you can quickly see that it has a higher porosity than straight hair.
The unique spiral structure means the cuticle layer is more open. The more open cuticle structure means moisture can penetrate the hair easily, but it can also evaporate just as quickly. That's why your hair needs different care than straight hair. Don't worry, with the right shampoo and the right care you can get the dryness under control.
Other causes of dry curls
Of course, there are other reasons why your hair could be dry. Let's look at these causes first. Maybe you can avoid one or two of these mistakes in the future.
The natural oil distribution
Your scalp produces oils that protect your hair from drying out. The special structure of Afro curls makes it difficult for the oil to be distributed throughout the hair. The natural oils from the scalp hardly reach the ends of the hair. This is why they become particularly dry there.
Accumulation of styling products
Washing Afro hair is a little more complicated and in order not to make the dryness worse, many people with curly hair wash their hair less often. If you use the wrong styling products at the same time, this can make the dryness worse. The products build up in the hair and make it brittle.
Mechanical load
Also look at your towels , are they perhaps rough or are you using microfiber towels? Microfiber towels and rough cotton towels can attack the delicate cuticle of your hair and make the hair drier.
Soft cotton towels are better. When drying, make sure not to rub the hair, but just gently pat it dry. Mechanical stress can also be caused by braided hairstyles, especially if you braid artificial hair strands. If braided hairstyles are worn too tightly or for too long, the hair can become dry.
Wrong shampoos and care products
If you don't use the right shampoos and care products for your hair type, it can cause damage. Conventional shampoos often contain drying surfactants and some are enriched with artificial proteins . These can build up in your hair and make it brittle.
Heat and chemical treatments
It should go without saying, but we'll mention it for the sake of completeness. Chemical treatments such as bleaching cause brittle hair. You should also avoid heat styling and too much sun exposure .
Caring for dry hair - does my hair need moisture or oil?
This question is often asked, and the answer is: both. Dry hair needs moisture first of all to become supple again. But so that the moisture can stay in the hair and doesn't evaporate quickly, it also needs some fat. This isn't about making your hair too greasy. A tiny amount is enough to protect your hair from drying out. Ideally, your shampoo already has moisturizing properties . This protects your hair from moisture loss without looking greasy.
Which shampoo should I use for dry hair?
When choosing a shampoo, you should pay attention to a few aspects. It should basically be a product that has been developed for Afro hair or very curly hair. Our Intense Hydration Shampoo provides your hair with intensive moisture without drying it out. The vegan shampoo gently cleanses your hair and does not contain any drying, chemical surfactants. The cleaning agents are mild and are gentle on your scalp and hair when washing. If you suffer not only from dryness but also from an itchy scalp , you will find that this problem also disappears with the right shampoo.
The natural ingredients of our shampoo
The Intense Hydration Shampoo by Zamata Cosmetics moisturizes your hair with aloe vera . It strengthens the hair structure with vitamin E , which is known for its antioxidant properties. Moringa oil is another ingredient that nourishes your locks. Moringa, also known as the miracle tree, is a fabulous natural hair care ingredient. It enriches the hair with nutrients and smoothes the porous hair surface. Moringa oil improves the appearance of your hair by strengthening it from the inside out and protecting it from the outside. It forms a protective layer over each individual hair and prevents moisture from escaping from your hair. At the same time, it protects your hair from environmental influences.
We consciously refrain from doing so
When choosing a shampoo, it's not just about what's in it, but also what's not included. The Zamata Hydration Shampoo for Afro hair does not contain any harmful ingredients such as silicones, mineral oils, sulfates or synthetic dyes and fragrances. The pleasant lemongrass scent comes from natural, essential oils.
Caring for dry hair - recommended care products
After washing your hair, you can use a nourishing conditioner to seal in moisture in your hair. Zamata Ultra-Moisturising Conditioner contains natural oils and plant extracts that leave hair smooth and shiny.
Zamata Hair Oil with jojoba and moringa oil is a versatile product that can be used both as a leave-in treatment and as an intensive treatment before washing. It protects the hair ends from split ends, soothes irritated scalps and gives the hair a healthy shine.
When combing and brushing your hair, be sure to use a wide-toothed comb or a special brush for curly hair. This prevents hair breakage and protects the hair structure.
Home remedies for dry hair
In addition to professional hair care products, there are also natural home remedies that can help with dry hair. The following tips are also suitable for Afro hair.
- Avocado mask: A mask made from avocado and honey is an excellent home remedy for dry hair. Avocado is rich in vitamins and healthy fats that nourish and moisturize the hair. Simply mash a ripe avocado, mix with a tablespoon of honey and massage into the hair. Rinse after 30 minutes.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a real miracle cure for dry hair. It can be used as a pre-wash treatment or as a leave-in treatment. Simply massage a small amount into the ends of your hair and leave it on overnight.
- Flaxseed gel: Flaxseed gel is a natural styling product for Afro hair. It also provides the hair with valuable moisture. You can find out how to make flaxseed gel yourself in our blog post on the topic.
Frequently asked questions about dry hair
Here we answer some frequently asked questions about dry hair and dry curls. If you have any further questions, please contact us directly using our contact form .
How often should you wash Afro hair?
Afro hair or very curly hair should not be washed too often. It is best to wash your hair once a week with our Intense Hydration Shampoo and then use our moisturizing conditioner if necessary. This interval is ideal to protect your hair from drying out.
You can also use our hair oil or leave-in conditioner between washes. Our all-in-one leave-in conditioner is ideal for caring for your hair between washes. If necessary, you can of course wash your hair a little more often, as long as you use a mild shampoo that is suitable for Afro hair.
Does blow-drying dry out your hair?
Yes, but make sure to set the dryer to a low temperature so as not to dry out your hair even more. Generally speaking, it is better for your hair if you let it air dry.
What ingredients should a shampoo for dry hair contain?
Look for natural ingredients like aloe vera, moringa and jojoba oil. Avoid shampoos with sulfates, parabens and synthetic fragrances.
Are silicones bad for dry hair?
Silicones can coat the hair and prevent moisture from penetrating. They can lead to even drier hair in the long term. Therefore, use silicone-free shampoos and care products.
