7 Ways to Fix Dry, Brittle Hair Before Winter Hits
There’s nothing worse than spending so much time blow-drying and styling your hair only to realize that, yes, it has perfect full-bodied curls, but there’s something seriously lackluster about the overall look. If you’re noticing dull, lifeless hair that just can’t hold a shine, you might be experiencing dry hair. But all hope is not lost! According to stylists, you can easily make a few hair-care switches that have the power to totally breathe life back into your hair.
According to Elba Rodriguez, hairstylist and John Frieda House of Frieda ambassador, telltale signs of dry hair include hair that “is lacking moisture, is dull, has visible splitting, feels brittle to the touch, breaks off easily while brushing, tangles, and doesn’t hold style well.”
If this sounds like you, we have a few tips you can try now to nip the problem in the bud.
Meet the Expert
Elba Rodriguez is a hairstylist and John Frieda House of Frieda ambassador.
1. Air-Dry Hair as Much as Possible
Hair professionals agree: Air-drying is better than heat-drying, no matter which way you look at it. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t do a little of both as needed. Moderation is key!
2. Blow Dry Hair on Lower Temperatures
Rodriguez says this is one of the most under-utilized haircare tips. “Start out on lower temperatures— you’ll be surprised how well your hair will respond,” she says. Also, when it comes to styling, “Keep in mind your hot tools don’t always have to be set on the highest setting to attain a great style.” This includes blow-dryers, flat irons, and curling irons.
3. Never Skip Heat Protection
Heat protection sprays and creams help form a protective barrier between your hair strands and the heated device you’re using. This could be one of the main reasons you’re experiencing dry hair. Make sure to never skip on this step—even when you’re traveling.
4. Change Up Your Products
If you’re not using excessive heat and are still experiencing dry hair, it may be time to take a closer look at the ingredient labels of the products you’re using. “Start your hair care routine with targeted products that add moisture and repairing ingredients, which add natural oils that reinforce weak hair bonds,” says Rodriguez. For this, we’re fans of REFRESHMENTS Oh My Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner. This set contains ingredients like sunflower seed oil and jojoba oil to help nourish and condition strands over time.
5. Beware of Protein Treatments
According to Rodriguez, protein hair treatments could have the opposite effect of what you’re looking for for your dry hair. “While proteins can be highly effective in strengthening hair, they can also create dryness and brittleness with overuse on already-dry hair,” she says.
6. Use a Hydrating Hair Mask Weekly
Rodriguez says this is one of the best and most effective ways to notice a change in your dry hair over time. You can use a mask once a week until your desired texture is achieved, she says. We’re huge fans of WE ARE PARADOXX Repair Game Changer Hair Mask, which is 100% natural.
7. Add a Hair Oil to Your Routine
Ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil can help restore moisture back into your hair. This oil from MARC ANTHONY helps to strengthen your hair bonds over time and can even help fight against split ends.