The Importance of Hair Hydration

When it comes to keeping your hair healthy, shiny, and full of life, the key isn’t just adding more moisture – it’s knowing how to hydrate hair and keep it that way.

Whether your hair is feeling on the dry side or you’re wondering why your everyday products aren’t cutting it, hydration might be the answer. From hitting your water intake goals to nourishing your hair with hydrating masks, there are plenty of ways to fight hair thirst.

For today’s instalment of the 9-DAY DETOX, apply a deep hair hydration treatment and read our advice on maintaining hydrated, moisturised hair.

About the expert

Mathilde Heather is a hairstylist and salon owner operating in Bath, UK. She specialises in short hairstyling and regularly shares tutorials about how to achieve healthy, great-looking hair. Follow Mathilde on Instagram.

DAY 4: DEEP HYDRATION TREATMENT

Hydration is all about keeping your hair’s natural hydration (and any extra you add using conditioning products) inside your strands. Products that moisturise hair, like specially formulated oils and serums, are ideal for this. Here’s how to reap the benefits:

After shampooing, apply a hair mask for dehydrated hair like CLOUD NINE’s Magical Remedy, which contains keratin and collagen to nourish and nurture your strands.
Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the mask on for around 20 minutes. If you haven’t got that long, aim for 5 minutes.
Rinse your hair with cool water to boost its shine, and gently squeeze out any excess water before towel-drying and brushing it through with the CLOUD NINE Wet Hairbrush.
Now it’s time to apply a moisturising layer to lock in the hydration from your hair mask. Use a hair oil or serum that contains natural oils like argan or coconut oil to your damp hair, focusing on the ends and lengths.
Throughout the day, drink a healthy amount of water to hydrate your hair from the inside out – NHS guidelines recommend 6 to 8 glasses a day.

WHAT IS HAIR HYDRATION?

One of the biggest haircare myths is that hydration and moisture are the same thing – but they’re not.

Products that hydrate hair increase the moisture content in the strands, right in the inner layer of the follicle. This is essential to your hair’s condition, but it only works if you also keep your hair moisturised.

WHAT DO HAIR MOISTURISING PRODUCTS DO?

Moisturising products focus on the follicle’s outer walls, locking in the hydration you already have by strengthening the cuticle. Without proper hydration, moisturising products will have less power to protect and nourish your hair, and without proper moisturisation, hydrating products will quickly evaporate.

Hydration and moisturisation are a dream team – both are required in the right order to achieve shiny, supple hair.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DEHYDRATED HAIR?

Now we’ve covered the science of dehydration, let’s talk about what dehydrated hair looks and feels like.

Dull and lacklustre

Dehydrated hair does not have a healthy shine and bounce due to a lack of nutrients, often leaving it looking flat and lifeless.

Feels dry – even after conditioning

If your hair still feels dry or rough even after conditioning, it could be a sign that it’s not absorbing enough water, or that any water it is absorbing is quickly lost, leaving it dehydrated.

Feels like straw

When hair feels stiff or brittle to the touch, it’s a classic sign of dehydration. Without proper hydration, the hair shaft becomes weak and rough, making it feel straw-like.

Doesn’t cooperate when styled

Struggling with flyaways, frizz, or styles that just won’t hold? Dehydrated hair lacks the moisture it needs to stay flexible, making it harder to manage and style.

Oilier at the roots

When the hair is thirsty, the sebaceous glands overcompensate by producing excess oil, resulting in greasy roots and dry tips.

Prone to split ends

Without proper hydration, hair is more likely to suffer from split ends. Dry, damaged cuticles can’t protect your strands from breakage, leaving them looking frayed and unhealthy.

If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to boost your water intake and fine-tune your haircare routine.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAIR HYDRATION?

Hair hydration is the secret to healthy, shiny, and resilient hair. From supporting healthy growth to preventing breakage, keeping your hair hydrated works wonders from root to tip. Here are the top benefits of proper hydration.

Increase blood flow

A gentle scalp massage can improve blood circulation, helping water to reach the follicles of your hair and deliver oxygen and nutrients to the roots. This creates stronger, healthier, shinier hair.

Stimulate hair growth

Your hair thrives on H₂O, just like your body and skin. Water is essential for delivering nutrients to your hair follicles, helping them stay strong and healthy, and limiting irritation caused by dead skin cells. This encourages growth and makes it less likely you’ll suffer from hair thinning.

Boost collagen production

Adequate hydration supports the production of collagen around the hair follicles. This acts as a protective shield so that hair can grow strong, healthy and breakage-free. Collagen helps to minimise hair loss and support the structure of your scalp’s skin, keeping your hair healthy as it grows.

Prevent long-term damage

Dehydrated strands are much less resilient, meaning even the most gentle handling and styling can cause split ends and breakage further up the strands. Treating dehydration early can reverse the signs and prevent the long-term damage that can occur from leaving hair brittle and fragile.

HYDRATING HAIR PRODUCTS

Ready to give your hair the hydration it craves? In this section, we’ll uncover the best ways to rehydrate your hair using hydrating hair oils, nourishing masks, and heat protection.

Hydrating hair masks

There’s no magic cure for damaged hair, but regular hydration treatments can make a huge difference and they’re a great opportunity to take a little time to indulge in some well-deserved self-care.

Choose a deep conditioning hair mask containing collagen, keratin, and minerals like CLOUD NINE Magical Remedy. As a 3-in-1 conditioning product, Magical Remedy can be used as a wash-out hydrating conditioner, leave-in conditioner, or hair mask. Packed with nourishing natural ingredients, it leaves your hair feeling soft and smooth.

How to apply a hair mask

Work a generous amount of Magical Remedy into wet or dry hair from scalp to root.
With the hair mask still in your hair, detangle with the CLOUD NINE Wet Hairbrush, concentrating first on the ends and then moving throughout the lengths of your hair.
Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes for it to work its magic, then rinse thoroughly with cold water for an extra shine boost.

Moisturising hair oils

Once you’ve hydrated, it’s time to moisturise to keep that water locked in. Hair oils penetrate the hair shaft and provide a protective barrier that strengthens and maintain hydration. Take some time to assess your hair type and find the best option for you. A quick strand test can help you determine how your hair reacts before committing to regular use.

Some popular options include:

Coconut oil

Coconut oil has become a go-to choice for thick, dry, or coarse hair textures because of its powerful moisturising properties. It’s rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that help to moisturise, reduce protein loss, and enhance shine. The benefits of coconut oil for hair include its ability to penetrate deep into the hair shaft. If your hair is thick and tightly coiled, coconut oil can provide the deep nourishment you need.

To use as a deep hydrating hair treatment:

Warm up a few tablespoons of coconut oil and massage it into your scalp and hair.
Leave it in for at least an hour for a deep conditioning treatment.
Rinse out thoroughly with a hydrating shampoo and lukewarm water to reveal soft, healthy hair.

For daily use, take a tiny amount of coconut hair oil and rub it between your hands to melt, then run them through your strands from lengths to ends for moisturisation without that greasy-roots feeling.

Argan and avocado oils

If your hair is finer, you may find that heavier oils weigh your hair down. Lighter oils like argan and avocado could be a more effective choice for keeping your hair hydrated.

To apply a lightweight hair oil:

Start by placing a few drops into your hands and rubbing them together.
Run your hands through your strands and ends to distribute the oil evenly.
Brush with the CLOUD NINE Luxury Dressing Brush.

For a more intense treatment, leave the oil on for at least an hour to let it work its magic. You can also gently massage it into your scalp to boost circulation and encourage absorption. When you’re ready to rinse it out, use a hydrating shampoo to prevent moisture loss.

Heat protectants

Heat is a major factor to tackle when embarking on a hair health journey. Protecting your hair when using heated styling tools helps to maintain hydration, however creative you get with style.

Follow this simple three-step process for heat-safe styling:

Start with a heat protectant spray like our Magical Quick Dry Potion – simply spritz onto your hair before straightening, curling or blow-drying to minimise heat damage.
Next, use our Temperature Calculator to work out the best temperature for your hair type.
Set your tool to the right temperature. All CLOUD NINE hair straighteners come with Variable Temperature Control, so you can choose the right heat for you. Always style at the lowest heat your hair needs to ensure shiny, healthy results now and in the future.

Our Magical Remedy and Magical Quick Dry Potion are a powerful pair packed with heat protection, flyaway prevention, and conditioning power. Purchase them as a pair in our Magical Duo set.

TOP TIPS FOR HYDRATED HAIR

Keeping your hair hydrated doesn’t have to be a mystery. Follow these tips to transform your locks from dry and dull to soft and shiny – even in-between hair detoxes.

Wash with lukewarm or cold water

Hot water might feel relaxing, but it can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Stick to lukewarm water instead – it’s gentler on your scalp and helps keep your hair hydrated and happy. Finish with a blast of cold water if you can brave it – it helps to add an extra shine boost.

Treat your hair to hydrating masks

Don’t wait for your next hair crisis to indulge in a hydrating mask. Prevention is key, so incorporate moisturising treatments regularly, especially if you use heated styling tools often. Our Magical Remedy is the perfect hair mask – it also works as a wash-out or leave-in conditioner, making it a versatile product to add to your haircare collection.

Moisturise after hydrating

As we’ve already explained, hair only stays hydrated if it has a moisturising layer of protection to keep the water in. There are a range of oils, serums, and leave-in hair treatments that can provide this barrier. Apply after a deeply hydrating hair mask or conditioner for best results.

Drink plenty of water

Hydration starts from within, so aim for 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. If plain water feels dull, jazz it up with slices of lemon, cucumber, or fresh mint. Your hair (and skin) will thank you for it.

Eat water-rich foods

Include water-rich foods like cucumber, tomatoes, watermelon, and strawberries in your diet. These tasty snacks are packed with nutrients that hydrate your body and support healthy, shiny hair. For more information about nutrition and hair, head to our guide Nutrition: How to Nourish Your Hair from the Inside Out.

Listen to your hair

Your hair has a lot to say – if it feels dry, rough, or brittle, it’s time to tweak your routine and maybe indulge in a detox. Regular check-ins will help you stay on top of what your hair needs, making daily styling much easier.

Choose products that suit your hair type

Take the time to find hydrating shampoos, hydrating conditioners, and treatments tailored to your hair type to help it get the nutrients it needs. Head to our expert guide on How to Find Out Your Hair Type if you’re unsure.

Stay consistent

Hair hydration doesn’t happen overnight. Consistency is key, so stick to a balanced haircare routine that incorporates hydrating products and lifestyle habits. Over time, your efforts will lead to soft, manageable hair you’ll love.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: HAIR HYDRATION

What factors contribute to hair dehydration?

As well as inadequate water intake, excessively high heat styling, and over-washing, other factors like environmental damage, air pollution, and sun exposure can all cause hair to become dehydrated.

How do you hydrate your scalp?

The key to hydrating your scalp is trapping existing moisture close to the surface with a protective barrier that prevents water loss.

To hydrate your scalp, first deeply cleanse and exfoliate the area to remove any debris and product build-up. Next, use a hydrating leave-in conditioner like CLOUD NINE’s Magical Remedy – this will help to draw in moisture from the air to your scalp. Finally, seal this moisture in with an oil-based product like a serum or hair oil. Use sparingly to nourish while avoiding that ‘greasy’ look.

Is coconut oil good for your hair?

Coconut oil strengthens, hydrates, and adds shine, especially to dry or damaged hair. Just use it sparingly as too much can weigh down fine hair.

What’s the difference between hydration and moisturisation?

Hydration adds water to your hair whereas moisturisation locks it in. Think of it as quenching thirst (hydration) versus sealing moisture (moisturisation).

Can you leave a hair mask on too long?

Yes, leaving a mask on too long can over-condition, leaving hair limp or greasy. Follow the recommended time on the packaging for the best results, or do your research first if making a mask at home.