How To Hydrate Hair Without Weighing It Down

This post is sponsored by Pantene. All the opinions expressed are my own.

The ultimate hair goal:

Keeping it healthy and hydrated while maintaining that voluminous shine.

Not an easy balance. Especially if you have fine, color-treated hair like me. Finding the right method for keeping your hair moisturized without weighing it down or making it greasy is a challenge.

Healthy hair = hydrated hair, and dry hair can be caused by so many factors (weather changes, nutritional deficiencies, over-styling). I’m going over the 3 main bases you need to cover if shiny, hydrated, voluminous hair is what you’re after…

1 – Use good hair care products specific to your hair type

Do your research to figure out what products work best on your specific hair type. Something that works for thick curly hair could be a disaster on thin straight hair and vice versa. I can only speak to what works best for my hair type ~ but my long, straight, fine, blonde hair tangles very easily and gets weighed down by heavy/moisturizing products. I need a lightweight formula that detangles while promoting both body and shine.

Pantene’s Hydrating Glow Shampoo, Conditioner + Hydrating Serum with Baobab Essence from the Nutrient Blends Collection are sulfate free and a match made in heaven for my hair. 

I love everything from the way the shampoo lathers to the botanical scent. The nutrient-infused formulas contain pro vitamin B5, antioxidants, and Baobab Essence. Baobab essence has been used by Tanzanian women to treat skin issues, hydrate and elongate hair, and protect skin and hair from the sun for centuries. 

I love that these are mild, sulfate-free products. Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner gently clean without stripping hair. The perfect combination of hydrating properties while promoting a healthy natural glow. My hair is noticeably lighter, shinier, and has the perfect volume after blow drying. The leave-in serum helps repair my ends post shower, too. Don’t just take my word for it though, try it out for yourself and let me know what you think! These are definitely shower staples for me from now on – grab them online at Target here.

2 – Less washing, less heat tools, and less styling

I know it’s not ideal to walk around with dirty hair, but shampooing fine hair too frequently will dry it out big time. I’ve gradually been able to train my hair to get used to less washes (thanks to dry shampoo and top knots). Less washing will naturally help hydrate your hair in the long term with your scalp’s natural oils. 

I still love the experience of a hot shower in the morning even if I’m not washing my hair, so I just condition my hair on those “off” days. I leave out the shampoo and use a deep conditioner a couple days a week. Since my hair looks a little greasy when I do this, I wrap it up into a sleek topknot for those days. 

Avoid styling tools as often as possible (blow dryer, curling iron, straightener) and try to go longer in-between coloring appointments. Loose hairstyles > tight ponytails. Avoid metal clips and hair accessories that can damage your hair ~ scrunchies have become my go-to!

3 – Nourish your hair by nourishing your body

Just like your skin, the condition of your hair is a visible sign of your inside health. A healthy body = a healthy head of hair. The cells that make up each strand of hair require a regular supply of key nutrients, proteins, and vitamins. It can also be beneficial to cut toxins from your diet that can interfere with healthy hair growth. I like to work the following into my diet to promote healthy hair and skin (and just a healthy body in general):

• fatty fish (we do salmon & tuna a lot!)
• blueberries
• tomatoes
• avocado
• sweet potatoes
• walnuts
• broccoli
• protein (chicken, turkey, dairy products and eggs are great sources of protein)

Not only is a healthy diet vital for thicker, fuller hair, but so is staying on top of your water game! Dehydration won’t do your body any favors, so be intentional about monitoring your water intake. Set alarms to remind yourself to drink 64 oz per day or get a water bottle that keeps you on track throughout the day. 

A combination of the right products, a little TLC, and dietary adjustments can work wonders when it comes to combating dry hair 🙂