Do you have oily roots and dry, brittle ends? Not sure what you can do to actually help rebalance your hair? The truth is, while there is plenty of information that caters to those with combination skin, when it comes to hair, there just aren’t as many resources available. So what’s a girl to do if she deals with both oiliness and dryness at the same time? We’ve got everything you need to know and more below.
How to tell if you have oily roots and dry ends?
If your hair often feels oily at the scalp but your ends feel dry and brittle, you probably have a combination hair type. Many people with oily and color-treated hair are especially susceptible because the bleach strips the hair shaft of natural oils which help keep it soft and hydrated.
On the other hand, if you find that your hair starts to feel greasy relatively quickly at the roots (within 1 to 2 days), feels damaged, and is prone to split ends, you likely have the same problem. We know what you’re thinking: how is it possible to address both concerns at the same time? With a few expert tips and tricks, you can help rebalance your hair and improve the overall health of your hair overtime.
Here are 5 ways to deal with oily roots and dry ends.
Use dry shampoo
Dry shampoo is a quick and easy way to absorb the excess oils that accumulate at your roots. Rather than washing your hair every time you exercise or as soon as it starts to look greasy, simply apply a little bit of dry shampoo on your roots. Along with absorbing the oils, it will help give you a boost of volume so your hair looks refreshed. The best part? Since using dry shampoo on your roots helps you extend the time between washes, the natural oils in your hair will have a chance to travel down to your lengths and ends, hydrating your hair and making it less dry over time.
Use a hydrating hair oil
You might be steering clear of hair oil if your hair tends to get greasy quickly, but applying a hair oil to your mid-lengths and ends can add an instant boost of hydration and shine, while helping your hair lock in moisture. A few drops should do the trick. Just be sure to steer clear of your roots, otherwise your hair can end up looking greasy. These hair oils are great for treating a host of problems ranging from dandruff to dryness.
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Use the right hair brush
Ever heard that you should count 100 brush strokes every night before bed? While 100 strokes might be overkill, there is some truth to this idea. Brushing your hair in continuous strokes from root to tip has many benefits for both your scalp and hair, especially when it comes to redistributing the oils throughout the hair shaft.
Along with stimulating blood flow, facilitating hair growth and helping to remove product buildup like dry shampoo, it helps bring natural oils from the scalp down through your lengths and ends, naturally hydrating the hair. This makes the hair look shinier, healthier, and become more resilient over time.
It’s also important to note that the success of this technique is heavily dependent on the type of hair brush you’re using, so using the right type is key. A boar bristle brush is ideal for distributing those natural oils throughout your hair, however, if you are looking for a vegan alternative, look for a hair brush with a ball pointed tip to stimulate and distribute natural oils. It’s also important to consider the length of the bristles, especially if you have thick hair as shorter bristles won’t be able to penetrate to the scalp.
Get a chop
Okay, so maybe you like your long hair—don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you chop it all off. But if you’ve been avoiding regular trims and your hair is especially long, a little cut can work wonders. The longer your hair is, the more difficult it is for the oils from your scalp to make their way down to the ends of your hair. Plus, split ends or hair that is dry often has a damaged cuticle, meaning it is unable to lock in moisture or retain oil. Trust us when we say a little trim can give you transformational results.
Shampoo and condition strategically
Do you shampoo your entire head of hair? You may want to reconsider. Next time you start lathering up, focus the shampoo on your roots and try your best to avoid the mid-lengths and ends. This will ensure you cleanse your hair of buildup and impurities without stripping away all the oils that will help keep the rest of your hair soft and nourished. Make sure to avoid any formulas which contain sulfates and other toxic ingredients which can strip the hair and make it dryer over time. You can do the same with your conditioner; avoid getting conditioner on your roots and instead apply the product from your ears down, letting it sit while you wash your body and shave for best results.
By simply following these tips, you can help rebalance your hair, making it more manageable. Remember, while it may be hard to find hair products specifically labeled for a combination hair, it’s all about using the right technique. Along with making your hair look instantly healthier, these tips will actually help transform your hair over time.