So, let’s say you followed the Air-Dry Prep and you are still experiencing dry hair! Your hair ends up dry, brittle and/or rough. Don’t fret! Your air-drying regimen may just need some tweaking. Here are a few tips that have helped me!

1) Product Selection

Nine times out of ten, the problem is with the products!

Either:

• The shampoo is too stripping
• The conditioner isn’t moisturizing enough
• The leave-in is too watery
• Or, the moisturizer is ineffective.

My advice is to start swapping out one of these products with each wash.

Instead of your usual shampoo, try a more moisturizing shampoo. If your hair feels better, make the switch! If not, move on to the conditioner. Keep doing this with each product until you find the culprit!

Note – If you are not washing with a detangling, conditioning shampoo, start with swapping out your shampoo. I find that a detangling, conditioning shampoo really contributes to moisturized air-dried hair.

2) Co-Washing

Even the gentlest shampoo can be too harsh for some heads of hair. Try eliminating shampoo for one or two weeks and see if it makes a difference in your hair.

Instead of shampooing, apply conditioner (I recommend Vo5 conditioners) as you would shampoo and rinse thoroughly. The conditioner will lather slightly and remove any dirt or debris from the hair shaft.

When your hair feels like it needs a deep cleaning, add a teaspoon of baking soda or shampoo to the roots and then add the conditioner.

3) Product Application

It could also be that your styling products (leave-in conditioner, serum, moisturizer) are not adequately penetrating your hair.

Break down the hair into four or more sections and apply an ample amount of styling product to each section, from root to end. Rub the product into the hair and then comb through.

4) Amount of Product Used

If your hair is thick, coarse or super absorbent, it could be the amount of product you are using is not sufficient. Instead of using a dime or quarter size amount, try a silver dollar amount of product or more!

Note – When it comes to air-drying , err on the side of over-using product. Your hair will continue to absorb product as it dries over the course of the day(s). So, while it may feel “greasy” on day one, it will feel healthy and moisturized on day two or three!

5) Water Temperature

Hot water can be extremely drying to textured hair. Try turning down the temperature even 1 or 2 degrees and see if the moisture level of your hair increases. Better yet, always finish with a cold water rinse to seal in moisture and add shine to your hair.

I hope this helps! If you have any questions, just ask!