The Holy Month of Ramadan has begun, which means those observing will be refraining from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. The drastic lifestyle change, and the lack of hydration that comes with it, means skincare routines during Ramadan favour hydrating ingredients that offer much-needed plumpness to dehydrated complexions. But what about your hair? Hair is often overlooked with haircare routines remaining largely unchanged for most once they have found the products that work for them (and their hair). If it ain't broke, right? However, experts suggest switching-up your haircare routine during Ramadan to avoid dry, brittle hair and instead hydrate your locks by incorporating masks, oils and treatments.
"Your hair may behave differently during this time so you will have to adapt your haircare routine slightly," explains Mark Antony Coates, senior international education manager at Olaplex. The first step to healthy hair? A healthy scalp. "Diet can affect the scalp and if the scalp is not healthy, then this can affect the hair," says Mark. "If you have a dry scalp you should look for products that will help with keeping it moisturised and cleanse the scalp once a week to keep it free from buildup. I recommend using Olaplex 4C for this." Alternatively, Jessica Crawford, assistant manager and art director at The Den Salon in Dubai, offers an at-home remedy. "Mix equal parts rosemary oil and coconut oil and apply to the hair two to three times a week, leaving it on the scalp for 15 minutes before rinsing and washing the hair as usual."
Dull, brittle hair is a telltale sign of dehydration and you should act fast if you feel as though your hair is breaking more than usual or becoming prone to frizz. Luckily, there is always room to restore lacklustre hair, even if you think you are beyond the point of repair. "Treating your hair regularly can stop damage, including using an at-home treatment weekly or going to the salon for an intensive treatment," explains Mark. "Add a hydrating mask to your weekly routine, get regular trims to cut away split ends, take vitamin supplements and avoid over-washing," Jessica reaffirms. One of the biggest contributors to dehydrated hair is heat styling, so avoid overdoing the tools and if you can't resist, guard your hair beforehand with heat-protection products.
It is all well and good to be incorporating treatments, dousing your strands in oil and establishing a home haircare routine, but if the ingredients in these products aren't beneficial for hydration then you could be doing more harm than good. "Avoid sulphate shampoos, especially if your hair is coloured, as well as shampoos that include silicone," says Jessica. "Look for coconut oil or argan oil as these will help with hydration."
The Products
Been to the salon and want to maintain the hydrated effect at home? "Speak to your stylist to find a homeware regimen that will ensure your hair is healthy and hydrated," Jessica advises. Here, MOJEH reveals the hydration heroes in our rotation.
Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil
Targeting the root, Fable & Mane's fan-favourite hair oil utilises a clean, vegan formula of ashwagandha and caster oil to nourish from root to tip. Whether you only have time for a five-minute soak or can leave it overnight, this hair oil will weightlessly hydrate and strengthen hair while promoting growth and circulation. Shop now
Amika Dream Routine Overnight Hydration Treatment
This moisture-boosting overnight mask is infused with hyaluronic acid, moisture-retaining polyglutamic acid and bio-fermented coconut water to deliver visibly hydrated hair for up to 72 hours, no matter your hair type or texture. Simply apply and snooze - there is no need to rinse. Shop now
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
This pre-wash treatment from cult favourite The Inkey List boosts hydration and banishes build-up thanks to exfoliating salicylic acid that balances oil and removes flaky skin. Best used alongside a stimulating scalp massager, the sensitive scalp-friendly formula is the perfect way to ensure the products that follow are utilised to their full potential. Shop now
Davines OI Hair Butter
An antioxidant-rich butter that hydrates, brightens and softens, Davines' hair butter is a makeover in a jar. It deeply nourishes the hair, replenishes lost moisture and regulates frizz, all while leaving you with a lustrous finish. Shop now
Olaplex No8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
A highly concentrated, salon-worthy option, Olaplex's potent bond-building moisture mask treats damage, provides intense moisture and adds fullness in only ten minutes. "It is formulated for all hair types and is light enough to use on fine hair as it adds moisture without weight," says Mark. Shop now
