Dry Hair Vs. Damaged Hair | Confusing Product Labels

Shea Moisture line for dry damaged hair (as if dry is synonymous to damage)

The hair industry have mislead many of us to believe that dry hair is equivalent to damaged hair. This is evident by the number of product lines that are catered for dry and damaged hair, with promises to nourish and bring our hair back to life.

Jason Moisturizing conditioner
 for dry hair 

Prior to my going natural and starting a healthy hair journey, I use to be frustrated by the lack of products for my dry hair which wasn't damaged. I had visibly healthy relaxed hair which could benefit from a great moisturizing product, but since I couldn't find products that would fix the dryness I was experiencing, I felt like I was always coerced into purchasing products for damaged hair.

Fast forward to 2013, where a boom in the Natural hair community has really "influenced" many hair companies to develop products specifically for Black hair which is naturally dry but not damaged.

What is Dry Hair?

    Curly and Coily hair is naturally dry because the moisture sealing oil which our scalp produces doesn't make its way down our coils as easily as it would on straight hair. And so it's unable to protect our hair strands from dryness as we need oils to help seal moisture into our hair and prevent it from escaping.  In other words, dry hair is hair which is parched and is in great need of water and moisture.
If neglected and not taken care of, dry hair will become damaged.

Giovanni `Smooth as Silk`
for damaged hair

Treatment: To treat dry hair, one would need to do a weekly or bi-weekly moisturizing deep conditioning treatments to restore moisture and elasticity into the hair so it can be pliable and less prone to breakage when handled. To keep moisture in the hair, a good water based creamy leave-in conditioner should be applied on the hair and a butter or oil should be applied on top of it to seal moisture in. A well moisturized hair is not dull looking, but it has shine, sheen and can be handled with minimal breakage.

Appropriate Products: Any product which says hydrating or moisturizing will do the trick. Products which are formulated for damaged hair are packed with protein and other hair strengthening ingredients which will only make your hair feel stronger but not softer and smoother.

What is damaged hair?

Hair which is filled with split ends, knots and tangles, as well as chemically treated hair such as colored and relaxed hair which is neglected.

Treatment: To treat damaged hair, one would need do a protein deep treatment to help strengthen the hair, followed by moisture treatment to restore elasticity and moisture.

 Appropriate Products: Deep treatment hair masque and other products for damaged hair would be appropriate to use as they are formulated to strengthen the hair and treat any hair damage.

To reduce mechanical damage, low manipulation hairstyles are helpful in reducing split ends and breakage. Also, wearing stretched hairstyles such as buns and pinned styles will reduce knots.

Have you ever had to use products formulated for dry, damaged hair for your dry hair? Have you been led into thinking your dry hair is damaged?