You and Your Dry, Brittle Strands Need These Moisturizing Sprays

If dryness, brittleness, and breakage are your biggest hair concerns, then you're (hopefully) already BFFs with your DIY hair mask, your hot oil hair treatments, and your deep-conditioners. But if you have yet to try a hair moisture spray, get ready to meet the real love of your life. Unlike all the above treatments that can require a whole lotta time and showering, moisture sprays are fast and easy, meaning you can spray 'em on every single day without having to wait around or strip down. And if you're still not totally sure WTF they're good for, I chatted with trichologist and celebrity hairstylist Dr. Kari Williams on everything you want to know about hair moisture sprays, below.

What is the best product to moisturize hair?

Not all moisturizing hair products on the market do the same thing. Confusing, I know. Although people use the terms interchangeably, leave-in hair conditioners have different benefits than hair moisture sprays. Dr. Kari explains it best: "Leave-in conditioners often have hydrolyzed proteins, which are proteins small enough to penetrate the hair shaft and keep the hair strong when you don't have time to deep-condition," she says. "But too much protein on the hair without enough moisture can cause the hair to become dry and brittle." So that's where hair moisture sprays come in. Moisturizing sprays contain hydrating ingredients and emollients that will lubricate, moisturize, and soften the hair to prevent dryness and breakage. Both deserve a place in your haircare routine, but it all depends on what your strands need—and usually, it's pretty easy to accidentally go overboard on proteins.

How often should I moisturize my hair?

According to Dr. Kari, using moisturizing products on the regular is crucial for maintaining the hair's elasticity, preventing breakage, and promoting length retention. Because hair moisture sprays are typically lightweight, Dr. Kari says you should be fine applying a few sprays throughout your strands and scalp on a daily basis without causing buildup or residue.

How do I use hair moisture sprays?

Honestly, they're super simple—you just spray them on whenever you want—but make sure to read the instructions because sprays work best on dry hair, and others work best on damp hair. But, in general, if you're wearing a protective style or locs, you'll want to spritz a moisturizing spray over your hair and roots at least once a day to keep your hair from drying out and your scalp from feeling tight. You can also spray throughout your damp hair (or just your ends, if your hair is fine) after towel-drying, and then smooth any flyaways once it dries by spritzing your palms and gliding them over your hair.

Now, onto the fun part: shopping the products.