Difference Between Moisturising and Hydrating?

In this experience we call our hair journey, moisturising and hydrating are one of the words you'll hear being used interchangeably and although they are similar, they are not the same. Confusing right? We know, but don’t worry, we’re here to help! At The Good Hair Co, we aim to help you uncover the mysteries of the hair world to bring you closer to understanding your hair and establishing the perfect routine for your hair’s profile.

Let’s talk about hydration and moisture!

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MOISTURE AND HYDRATION?

When we speak of hydrating, we are referring to the internal layers of your hair, the cortex and medulla; while moisturising applies to the outermost layer of your hair, the cuticle.

For your hair to stay healthy and hydrated, water, oils, and other hydrating ingredients need to be able to pass through the cuticle to get to the cortex and the medulla. How this occurs depends on how porous your hair is (i.e how open or closed your cuticle layer is) which can be affected by genetics, chemicals, heat and environmental conditions.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT MY HAIR CARE? 
If your hair needs hydration, it means you need to increase the amount of moisture content in your cortex and medulla. This is achieved by using hair products that have been formulated with humectants, the ingredients that withdraw moisture from the air to retain it in your hair. Hair is largely hygroscopic meaning it is able to exchange water molecules with the air around it. If the air around your hair is dry it will drive moisture molecules from your hair into the air. However, if the air around your hair is moist (or humid) then moisture will be drawn from the environment into your hair. This is what causes frizzing and puffiness when you are in the humid air. Water molecules from the air enter into your hair shaft and bind to the proteins inside of your hair causing each strand to form back to its natural shape as it dries i.e. the shape it was before you styled it. If your cuticles are already dehydrated or damaged, your hair will be frizzy dry and struggle to lay down neatly. 

This is why moisturising is so important! Moisturising your hair means to smoothen your hair cuticle in order to tighten the cuticles and seal in the nutrients that have been absorbed into the cortex. This is achieved by forming a barrier on the hair shaft made up of emollients, or hydrophobic ingrediants that act as anti-humectants or sealers which prevent the hair from trying to absorb moisture from the environment or the moisture leaving your hair. Too much mosture in your hair can lead to damage which is why it is important to seal your cuticles.

If you want healthy hair, you must make sure your hair is moisturised and hydrated from the inside out. The needs of your hair are as unique as you and factors such as nutrition, the hardness of water, environmental agents and hair practices as well as your hair profile will determine the products, methods and routines you need to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. 

WHAT ABOUT HAIR CONDITIONING?

To condition your hair means to improve the look, feel and manageability of your hair. This is done by lubricating the strands to reduce friction between each strand that could lead to breakage and damage to your hair and scalp when combing and detangling your hair. Curly, coily and wavy hair is susceptible to tangles which can make it difficult to style at times. Conditioning your hair is to temporarily adjust the state of your hair to allow you to manipulate it with little effort or breakage. Most conditioners contain oils, fatty alcohols, proteins and humectants that enable your hair to feel soft, bind split ends or help your hair feel thicker and fuller. This doesn’t necessarily mean you are hydrating or moisturising your hair.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT FOR MY HAIR CARE?

Hydration, moisturisation and conditioning are words often used interchangeably in the hair care market which can be misleading and confusing for most people. To help illustrate the difference between hydration, moisturisation and conditioning, think of how you take care of your body. Hydrating is to eat well and drink lots of water i.e taking care of your body from within. Moisturising is to apply your skin care product onto your skin i.e. taking care of the layer of skin which is protecting your body. Conditioning is to wear clothes that help to keep you warm as you go outside i.e. temporarily changing how your body looks when you are outside or going to do an activity. All of these factors are important for helping you feel healthy, comfortable and protected. Your hair has the exact same needs as your body. Knowing the difference between hydration, moisturisation and conditioning when it comes to your hair will help guide you to the right products and routines for your hair needs and help you understand what the product is meant to do and what it’s not.

WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Now that you have an idea of the difference between hydration and moisture, why not read our post on what hair porosity is and how it affects the way your hair stays hydrated? Better yet, book your consultation with one of our certified hair experts. Get a personalised regimen consisting of highly effective product recommendations to solve your hair and scalp concerns. Let us help you discover the expert hair care advice you need to get the healthy hair you want.