Is Your Hair Dehydrated? Here's How to Prevent and Revive It

Last month, we learned the difference between dry hair and dehydrated hair.

Dry hair lacks enough moisture and oil on its surface to maintain normal sheen and texture. In contrast, dehydrated hair affects the hair’s internal structure, lacking water within the hair shaft and making it unable to retain moisture.

Based on the signs I shared, you may believe your hair is dehydrated. The only way to remedy dehydration is to rehydrate. Let's explore how to prevent and revive dehydrated hair.

Here are eight effective strategies that can help restore your hair’s moisture balance and keep it healthy, strong, and growing.

1. Shampoo Your Hair More Often

One common misconception is that washing your hair too often leads to dryness. I can tell you right now you are not on the end of the spectrum where you are shampooing too much. I would consider daily shampooing to be too much. As a community, we tend to lean toward either once or twice a month. No where near too much. Shampooing is the only time you REALLY hydrate your hair.   Regular washing removes buildup and allows moisture to penetrate your hair shaft more effectively. Aim to shampoo your hair at least once a week, adjusting based on your lifestyle. 

2. Deep Condition Properly

Deep conditioning is your hair’s best friend when it comes to combating dehydration. If you're not using heat, you're not truly deep conditioning. A good deep conditioner penetrates the hair shaft, delivering moisture where it’s needed most. You can turn any conditioner into a deep conditioner as long as you apply it with heat. You can warm the conditioner in the microwave for 30 seconds and let it sit on your hair under a plastic cap for 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can apply conditioner to your hair and sit with a plastic cap on under a heated conditioning steam cap or dryer for 20 minutes. The heat opens your cuticles and allows the conditioner to work its way into the shaft, leaving your hair softer, smoother, and more hydrated.

3. Incorporate Steam Treatments into Your Routine

Steam treatments are a game-changer for dehydrated hair. The warmth of the steam opens up the hair cuticles, allowing moisture to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft. This not only hydrates your hair but also makes it more receptive to other treatments and products. Incorporating steam treatments into your routine, whether at home or in a salon, can significantly boost your hair’s hydration levels.

4. Establish a Moisture Locking Routine

Keeping your hair moisturized is not just about applying products—it's about locking in that moisture. Start with a water-based leave-in conditioner or plain water. Apply a cream to coat, hydrate, and protect the hair. (Optional) Then follow up with an oil to seal in the moisture. This L.C.O. (Liquid, Cream, Oil) method is the best for ensuring your hair retains the moisture you’re applying. Establishing this routine will help maintain your hair’s moisture balance throughout the week and hold you over until your next wash day

5. Increase Your Water Intake

Hydrated hair starts from within. If you’re not drinking enough water, your hair is likely to suffer. Increasing your water intake not only benefits your overall health but also ensures that your hair receives the hydration it needs. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your hair (and body) well-hydrated.

6. Lay Off Long-Term Protective Styles

While protective styles like braids and twists can help reduce manipulation and protect your hair from damage, leaving them in for too long can contribute to dehydration. When your hair is tucked away for weeks or months at a time, it doesn’t receive the regular hydration it needs. Make sure to give your hair a break between styles and use that time to rehydrate and restore your strands.

7. Refrain from Using Heat

Heat styling tools can be incredibly damaging to dehydrated hair. High temperatures strip away moisture, leaving your hair dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant and use the lowest temperature setting possible. I highly recommend trying heat-free styling options these will keep your hair hydrated and tucked away until your next wash day.

8. Trim Off Your Dead Ends

Split ends and damaged hair can make it difficult for your hair to retain moisture. Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy hair and preventing dehydration. Trimming off dead ends not only improves the overall appearance of your hair but also helps prevent further damage, allowing your hair to better absorb and retain moisture.

Final Thoughts

Dehydrated hair can be a challenge, but with the right care and attention, it’s possible to restore your hair’s moisture balance and keep it looking and feeling its best. If you are on the far end of the spectrum of dehydration, it will take discipline, patience and consistency to get your hair back on the right track. By incorporating these eight strategies into your hair care routine, you can prevent and revive dehydrated hair, ensuring that your hair remains healthy, and full of life. Remember, your hair’s hydration needs may change with the seasons, so be mindful of how your hair feels and adjust your routine accordingly.