Dry hair: nourish or moisturize?

When we think of damaged hair, we immediately think of " dry hair".
If to be beautiful and healthy, hair needs water and nutrients, " damaged hair " is not necessarily synonymous with " dry hair". " Damaged " means " unhealthy". Either because it is dehydrated, or because it is lacking in nutrition.
Nourishingand moisturizing are two different actions that are often associated and confused, since we speak of repair in both cases, and mainly of dry and/or damaged hair.
However, the care to be given to malnourished hair is not the same as that to be given to dehydrated hair. And without a proper analysis of the hair's condition, we often end up nourishing when the hair needs water, or moisturizing when it needs nutrition.

What is damaged hair?

Damaged hair is unhealthy hair, whether dehydrated or malnourished. Ill-treatment weakens the hair fiber deep down: aggressive coloring and bleaching, straightening and perming... all things aimed at modifying hair structure to achieve an aesthetic effect.

Don't forget that sebum is the first and most natural of all hair care products.

Whether your hair is dehydrated or malnourished, it's essential to use a sulfate- and silicone-free shampoo. In fact, when faced with damaged hair, it's essential to restore sebum production and rebalance the scalp so that it can function optimally again. Sebum is the first and most natural of all hair care products. That's why it's essential to choose a good sulfate- and silicone-free organic shampoo that will coat the hair and add shine.

What is dehydrated hair?

Dehydrated hair is thirsty hair. This is known as dry hair.
Dry hair is the result of overuse of appliances designed to temporarily modify the hair using intense heat, such as hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons...., which literally dry out the hair fiber, just like seawater or swimming pool water....
Dry hair is highly porous, meaning that its scales are open and uncoupled. This prevents it from retaining evaporating water. As a result, it is sensitive to humid air and quickly swells to a frothy texture. Properly moisturizing hair makes it more supple and bouncy. Curls are then at their best and well-defined.

Dry hair is generally dull, fragile, rough and often electric.

To rehydrate dry hair, you need to supply it with water by applying appropriate care products that will retain moisture at the heart of the hair fiber. And above all, don't forget to hydrate and drink water, because you can only see on the outside what's happening on the inside.

What is undernourished hair?

Malnourished hair is hair lacking in nutrients. This is generally the case when the scalp doesn't produce enough sebum. This is often the result of repeated chemical coloring, bleaching, straightening, perming, tight braiding or stripping. And let's not forget external aggressors such as the sun, chlorine and pollution, as well as junk food, all of which contribute to the disappearance of the hydrolipidic film.
Curly, frizzy or frizzy hair is particularly prone to malnutrition, even without mistreatment - it's just a question of the hair's nature. So if it's also subjected to abuse, it becomes more than necessary to feed it carefully and daily.

Malnourished hair is generally split, fragile and often brittle.

Ideally nourished hair will be stronger and less brittle.
To effectively treat malnourished hair, it's best to use deep treatments with greasy substances, and to space out shampoos to give the scalp time to produce sufficient sebum. It's a real shield against damage. For coloring, opt for vegetable-based dyes. Before using a heated appliance, use a thermo-protective care product and avoid over-use of high temperatures.

For a professional appraisal of your hair, and to treat yourself to an appropriate treatment, don't hesitate to make an appointment at one of Christophe Nicolas Biot's beauty salons.