Revitalize Your Hair: A Guide to Hydrating Hair Treatments for Idaho’s Dry Climate

We are so fortunate to live in Idaho with our stunning mountain views and all the space we have to breathe! Unfortunately, the arid climate can leave our hair feeling brittle, frizzy, even lifeless. We have so many clients who sit in our chairs who are battling static and split ends, and if you’re one who’s battling it, you’re not alone! The key to luscious, healthy hair while living in Idaho is hydration! We put together a guide to walk you though the best hydrating treatments and hair care tips to combat the effects of Idaho’s dry climate.

The Why Behind it All

Let’s take a look at the problem. Idaho is a semi-arid state, which means our air lacks moisture. Because of this, the dry air acts like a sponge, pulling moisture from everything it can – which includes your skin and hair. When your hair shaft doesn’t have sufficient humidity, it causes the cuticle to lift, allowing for moisture to escape. This can lead to dryness, dullness, and an increased risk of breakage. 

The other reason behind our unhappy hair is also the mineral content in our water. Idaho is infamous for how hard our water is because it relies on snow melt for its water table. When we reach the end of summer/fall, we start to get to where we have more sediments and minerals in our water, which causes our hair to dry out more as well. Purification systems can help filter out the minerals and sediment, helping you have better water for your hair.

With all the wind in Idaho, and the sun exposure we receive, it makes the perfect recipe for dehydrated hair. Let’s see how to kick it out of the recipe book!

Your Routine – The Perfect Recipe for Hydration

To combat the dry air and revive your hair, we need to take a look at your routine. Consistency is key when it comes to your routine, so it’s important we start with simple steps that will be easy for you to incorporate into your weekly care.

1. The Right Shampoo and Conditioner Matters

When looking at routines, we have to go straight to the foundation – your wash routine. Many shampoos contain harsh detergents called sulfates that can strip your hair of its natural oils. You need the natural oils, especially in a dry climate like Idaho, so this is a significant problem.

• Not all shampoos are created equal: Opt for sulfate-free shampoos that list ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or natural oils (like argan or jojoba) high on the label. These ingredients help attract and seal moisture into the hair. Here at Tami’s Salon and Spa, we have fantastic product lines with shampoos and conditioners focused on hydration with amazing ingredients.
• Conditioner is essential: Please, please, please don’t skip conditioner. It works to smooth the hair cuticle, lock in moisture, and reduce friction between strands. We recommend gently squeezing out the excess water from your hair after rinsing your shampoo, and applying conditioner mids-ends, where your hair tends to be more dry and brittle.

2. Embrace Deep Conditioning Treatments

Deep conditioning treatments are an easy yet effective way to revitalize your hair! Using a deep conditioner once a week can dramatically improve the elasticity and moisture levels of your hair. There are many different types and weights depending on your hair type and need!

• • How to Use: We recommend gently squeezing out the excess water from your hair after rinsing your shampoo, and applying the deep conditioner mids-ends. Clip it up and continue in your shower routine, then rinse with cool water. Some also like to wrap their hair in a warm towel or a shower cap for 15-30 minutes. The heat helps the ingredients penetrate the hair shaft more deeply.
  • What to Look For: Seek out masks rich in butters like shea or cocoa, and oils like avocado or olive oil. These ingredients provide intense nourishment for thirsty strands. We have many different deep conditioners at Tami’s Salon and Spa, so pop in and let’s find one that your hair will love! You can also come in for a Deep Conditioning Treatment and we can pamper you at the same time! Remember consistency is key, so make sure you’re using it once a week, or how often your beUtofullness Professional recommends!

• • Pair with a clarifying shampoo: Once a week, before you deep condition your hair, deep clean your hair with a clarifying shampoo! A clarifying shampoo will help clean the hair strand, making it so the deep conditioner can penetrate the hair strand even deeper. Keep in mind, you want to make sure you have a color safe option if you have color treated hair. We have amazing options that we would love to show you!

Beyond the Shower

Most think their haircare routine stops once they step out of the shower. If you want to have healthy, happy hair, we do recommend having a few more steps added in, especially when it comes to keeping all the hydration you just spent time adding into your hair.

• • Post Shower Routine: 
    • Leave-In Conditioners can be a great tool. Many come with detangling and UV protection as well, so it can help when your hair is tangled from the Idaho wind! These help add an extra layer of moisture and protection throughout the day.

• • • Blow Dry Products are so important as well. Whether you’re using a spray or a creme, blow dry products are meant to create a barrier against heat, seal the cuticle to lock in moisture, and infuse the strands with hydrating oils. Most blow dry products are heat activated as well, so you need to blow dry them into your hair in order to get the best benefits. 

• • • Blow Dry Your Hair please. Our hair thrives in water that is slightly acidic, and most water is too alkaline, which will raise the cuticle. By blow drying your hair after you shower, with blow dry products, it helps seal the cuticle down, locking in the moisture. Blow drying your hair will also help bring down the natural oils from your scalp and spread it throughout your hair strands, which can help combat greasy looking hair at the root and add more moisture to your hair strand. For more information about blow drying your hair, visit our blog here!
    • Limit Your Heat Styling because heat styling will dry out your hair further. If you do choose to heat style, ensure you are using a good thermal protectant so it can help protect your hair strands! Another thing to keep in mind is, depending on your hair type and texture, you may not need to have your hot tools super hot. If you need help deciding what to have your hot tool set at, come by our salon in Rexburg, Idaho and have one of our beUtofullness Certified Cosmetologists help you out!

Your Next Steps to Healthier Hair

The fight between Idaho’s climate and your hair is going to be an ongoing process, and now you have the tools to help you come out victorious! To recap, ensure you’re using a quality moisturizing or hydrating shampoo and conditioner, incorporate a weekly clarifying shampoo and deep conditioning mask, and take steps to protect and hydrate your hair outside of the shower as well! By doing these steps, you’re going to give your hair the moisture it’s been craving, revitalize your locks and keep them looking beautiful, healthy, and shiny no matter how dry the air gets!

Have you tried any of these treatments? Share your favorite Idaho hair tips and experiences in the comments below!

Your beUtofullness Certified Cosmetologists are here to help you on your haircare journey! Click Here to schedule your session! We’ll see you soon!