Difference Between Moisture and Hydration

If you have been following the blog posts on this site, then one thing is for sure, you have no doubts about the importance of moisturizing for healthy and glossy hair. Moisturizing is an essential step in almost all African American hair care routines and can help overcome most issues that you would typically face in maintaining healthy hair.

But have you ever wondered about the difference between moisturization and hydration? Do you think there is a difference? Lets find out.

What are hydrating substances?

Hydrating substances are basically elements used in your hair care or even skin products that help increase the water content within the cell membrane of the hair or skin. This important function is achieved through the use of humectants and hygroscopic substances that absorb water available in the surroundings. Humectants are substances that stick to water while hygroscopic substances absorb water. Some examples of hydrating substances include panthenol, specific vitamins, water, glycerin, amino acids and honey.

What is moisturizing?

Moisturizing is the use of substances that proactively prevent the evaporation of water from the skin and hair, helping in the retention of water within the cell membrane. These substances create a barrier between the skin and the environment and comprise of hydrophobic substances. Hydrophobic substances are used to lock in moisture within the skin or hair. Oils and butters are two commonly used examples of moisturizing agents. Moisturizing products usually contain hydrating substances, but definitely contain hydrophobic substances as well.

How to know what to do and when to do?

Now that the difference between moisturizing and hydrating has been established, it will be easy for you to understand what your hair needs, if you listen closely enough.

If your hair seems very dull, or it has become prone to breakage, is extremely frizzy and lacks luster, the first thing that you need to do is concentrate on establishing a proper hair wash routine using deep conditioners. But even if this does not seem to work, it is probably time to re-evaluate your hair products and use them differently after understanding the difference between moisturizing and hydrating.

Hydrate your hair with pre poo treatments that are water based, enriched with amino acids and certain vitamins. After washing do not forget to apply moisturizer for moisture lock in and gradually you will notice that your hair is on a path of revival.