Why Your Hair Is So Dry—And How to Fix It

Struggling with dry, brittle hair? You’re not alone! Dry hair can be frustrating, leaving your strands feeling rough, dull, and prone to breakage. But what causes dryness in the first place? From environmental factors to heat damage and even the wrong hair products, several reasons could be stripping your hair of moisture. In this post, we’ll break down the common symptoms of dry hair, explore why it happens, and share the best ways to restore hydration—whether at home or in the salon. Keep reading to bring your locks back to life!

Symptoms of dry hair:

Frizz

Dullness

Breakage

Reasons For Dry Hair:

1. Dry Scalp

   If your scalp is not producing enough oils, it will cause the hair to be dryer than normal.

2. Age

   As you age your body changes which can lead to less oil production.

3. Environment

   If you’re in the sun all the time or in really hot, dry climates, this is probably the culprit. Especially in the summer when you’re getting your tan on by the pool or taking a dip in chlorinated or salted water.

4. Damaged Hair

   Your hair cuticle is like an onion, it has layers. If you’re hair is not protected by the cuticle (meaning it has been damaged due to heat/chemicals) then it will not maintain any moisture and will cause the hair to dry.

5. Poor Hair Care

   This can be a variety of things. Using the wrong shampoo, using hot tools or blow drying hair too often, harsh chemicals (bleaching, perms, relaxers)

6. Health problems

   Hairdressers are not doctors, if you think there is a bigger problem, maybe schedule a visit with your doctor to see if you are experiencing other symptoms that include fatigue, hair loss or weakness.

How To Treat:

1. Wash hair less often

   If you can, try to aim for 2-3 days a week. You can always just wash your hair with water if you can’t go a day without washing. Water actually gets rid of 80% of surface debris/dirt.

2. Use mild shampoo

   Using shampoo that is sulfate free can help in not stripping the hair of its natural oils.

   (My recommended shampoos at the bottom of this post)

3. Use a hair mask

   Using a hair mask or treatment once a week or a couple times a month can help provide protection and moisture.

   (My recommended masks at the bottom of this post)

4. Avoid Alcohol

   Products with alcohol in them tend to dry out hair! Try to use them sparingly ..

5. Use Oils

   Natural oils like Jojoba, Coconut can help penetrate the hair cuticle without any fillers to add moisture to the hair.

   (My recommended oils are below for different hair issues)

6. Limit Chemical Services

   Try to go longer between chemical treatments if you can and depending on what service you normally get. Any bleaching or chemical service will damage the hair a bit and that is the risk you will take when getting these services done. If you have to get highlights pretty often, maybe try doing partials or half instead of full highlights every time. If you normally get platinum all the way to the roots, maybe do a root shadow instead to give you the ‘lived in’ look.

7. Trim Split Ends

   Haircuts are underrated for a lot of people. Many people don’t need to come in as often for a haircut, but if you have a lot of damage or breakage, its best to come in often or do one big chop.

8. Take Vitamins

   “Iron, vitamin D, folate, vitamin B12, and selenium can help keep your hair healthy.” - Web MD