How to take care of dry and lacking hair tone

Those with curly hair know: keeping it healthy, moisturised, shiny and supple can require a lot of care and attention. Dryness and lack of tone, in particular, are common problems for many people. But why do curls tend to become so dry and lifeless?

The answer lies in their particular helical structure. Imagine curls as an intricate labyrinth: while straight hair allows natural sebum to flow easily through the hair shaft and protect it, curls create a winding path for this precious natural ally. It is as if every curl were a little rollercoaster for sebum!

And that’s not all. The cuticle of curly hair, the ‘armour’ that protects the hair shaft, is often uneven and lifted. It is like a door that is always ajar: moisture easily escapes, making the hair even more vulnerable to damage and dehydration.

If hair has been subjected to bleaching, lightening, dyeing, unsuitable haircuts or chemical treatments, it can be even weaker, duller, more fragile and thus more susceptible to dehydration and breakage.

So how can we take care of dry curly hair that lacks tone?

An effective solution is to use certain products that have many uses: vegetable oils. In particular, we are talking about jojoba oil, shea butter and carrot oil, each of which can provide specific benefits for hair care.

Jojoba oil is a precious elixir for dry hair. Extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant, it is known for its exceptional strengthening, antibacterial and rebalancing properties, thanks to its molecular structure very similar to that of the scalp’s natural sebum.

• Strengthening function: the monounsaturated fats, approximately 98% in jojoba oil, allow the hair follicles to absorb all the nourishment of this oil, strengthening the hair from the root (without weighing it down!) and making it more elastic.
• Balancing and antibacterial action: as jojoba oil mimics natural sebum, it helps rebalance sebum production, which afflicts the scalp of oily hair, and is a natural antibacterial, a good solution against dandruff.

Shea butter is another special ingredient for curly hair care. Extracted from the seeds of the shea tree, this butter is renowned for its powerful emollient, nourishing, moisturising, repairing and protective properties. It is like an enveloping embrace for curls: it nourishes and protects them.

• Intense moisturising: thanks to the fatty acids and vitamins present, which are particularly affinitive to hair and skin, shea butter is able to provide intense moisturising, helping to keep hair soft and supple.
• Protective barrier: in addition to nourishing and having an emollient function, shea butter creates a protective barrier around the hair against possible damage caused by environmental factors while preventing moisture loss.
• Repairing damaged hair: this ingredient, increasingly popular in cosmetics, helps repair damaged hair, reducing split ends and improving the overall hair structure.

Carrot oil, derived from macerating wild carrots, is another ingredient among the particularly popular oils and butters for curly hair. It is known in particular for its antioxidant properties that make it ideal for dry, brittle hair.

• Antioxidant protection: Beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant substance, helps to counteract the oxidation process, responsible for free radicals, which in the long run damages the hair’s natural state. By slowing down the oxidation process, beta-carotene helps protect the hair and make it stronger. It is also particularly useful for protecting hair from chlorine, sun and salt spray.
• Hair growth: Vitamins A, C and E, contained in carrot oil, are important for healthy hair growth and, at the same time, can increase the thickness of the hair shaft, making it stronger.

Oils are valuable allies in curly hair care, thanks to their ability to moisturise, nourish and protect the hair. Let’s see together how best to use them at different stages of the hair care routine.

Pre-shampoo packs: they can be used as nourishing packs before shampooing. An example of use? Mix jojoba oil, shea butter melted in a bain-marie and carrot oil in a bowl. Apply the mixture to dry hair, concentrating on the lengths and ends. Leave on for at least 30 minutes, then proceed with washing. This treatment helps to nourish and strengthen the hair in depth.

Break up the cast: after drying, use oils to break up the cast, i.e. that stiff, ‘crunchy’ effect that sometimes occurs after styling. Rub a few drops of carrot or jojoba oil between your palms and proceed with a gentle scrunch. Your hair will immediately look brighter and softer!

Adding to masks: incorporate oils in small amounts into hair masks or styling products to enhance their moisturising effect. A small habit that can also prove particularly useful in summer.

Sealing in moisture: during the summer season, oils are ideal for ‘sealing’ the hair and retaining the moisture inside, even when entering salt water. In fact, applying an oil such as jojoba oil before enjoying a refreshing bath during your holiday allows you to create a protective barrier against saltiness and thus keep your hair moisturised. At the seaside, however, it is also important to remember to protect your hair from UV rays: for extra protection, you can wear a bandana or use specific products, a mixture of oils, nutrients and protective substances, with a sun filter, to prevent sun damage.

Body care: finally, oils are not only good for your hair, but also for your skin. Use them after showering to make your skin soft, silky and glowing (shea butter also applies)!

Remember: oils, such as jojoba or carrot oil, as well as shea butter, can really become your hair and skin’s best friend!