Which mask should be used for dry hair?

Dry hair exhibits a high porosity due to its open and detached scales that struggle to retain water. This phenomenon is due to a insufficient production of sebum by the sebaceous glands of the scalp (sebum excretion level below 120 mg/cm²). A dry hair is therefore a hair lacking in nutrition. Dry hair can be identified by its split ends and brittleness at the slightest brush stroke and its dull appearance, lacking in shine. It also has a rough touch (straw-like effect).

Several factors can contribute to increased hair dryness.

• Internal causes such as the nature of the scalp and hair (for example, curly or very frizzy hair), heredity, age (around 45 years old, the hair fiber ages and its hydration decreases), certain body conditions (iron deficiency, thyroid gland dysfunction, Cushing's disease...).

• External causes such as excessive use of heating devices (hair dryers, straighteners, curlers), repeated coloring and bleaching, prolonged exposure to the sun, the use of stripping shampoos rich in sulfates, excessive use of styling products (hairsprays, gels, waxes), weather conditions (wind, winter, cold), pollution, overexposure to pool chlorine or sea salt...

Firstly, masks intended for dry hair should be applied only to the lengths and endsof the hair, to avoid weighing down the roots. Generally, they are applied to damp hair, after shampooing and conditioning, on a weekly basis. The duration of application varies depending on the product, so adhere to the instructions on your treatment for optimal results.

Next, several ingredients should be prioritized to restore shine and luster to the hair. We recommend favoring natural ingredients to take care of the hair without damaging it. Opt for a mask containing one or more of the following compounds.

• Nourishing Natural Fatty Substances

  Rich in fatty acids, these compounds help to compensate for the lack of sebum characteristic of dry hair. Among the most effective, we can mention avocado oil, coconut, argan, pequi, açaí, castor, jojoba or even the butters of shea and mango.

• Restorative and lipid-replenishing active ingredients

  Some active ingredients have the ability to integrate into the lipid cement of the hair fiber, thereby restoring the cohesion of the cuticle. The flaws, also known as "scales," are filled in, the cuticle is smoothed, and the cortex is better protected. The squalane and the biomimetic ceramides are two examples of active ingredients that function in this way and are classified as re-lipidizing agents.

• Hydrating active ingredients

  Typically, it is the molecules derived from sugar that provide the most hydration to hair. For instance, we can mention the aloe vera gel which is particularly rich in polysaccharides (mannose-6-phosphate, aloeverose, acemannan). These long-chain sugar molecules contain hydroxyl groups (-OH) that create a hydrophilic environment. The gel thus retains water molecules, limiting their natural evaporation from the hair fiber. The hyaluronic acid is also an interesting compound to find in hair masks intended for dry hair. This glycosaminoglycan has a significant water retention capacity and limits the dehydration of hair fibers.