Dry hair does not absorb or retain enough moisture to keep its texture and brightness, so it may look lacklustre and be fragile and brittle.
Dry hair can be caused by factors, including:
- nutritional deficiencies
- excessive sun exposure
- contact with chlorinated water
- excessive hair wash
- use of styling products and tools
- use of harsh hair products
Some possible medical causes of dry hair may be anorexia nervosa, Menkes disease, hypoparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, and other hormone abnormalities.
- Get a trim
If your hair is too dry, it might need a reset in the form of a fresh cut. Even if your hair isn’t very long, split ends can make hair hard to style and contribute to it feeling dry or coarse.
Visit your stylist and trim off hair that’s unhealthy and weighing down fresh hair growth. While you’re there, ask the stylist if they have any tips for your particular hair type and length. They may recommend a new styling routine that can keep your hair from being damaged.
- Take vitamins
You know that you need certain vitamins to nourish your body, but certain vitamins directly impact the health of your hair and nails, too. Vitamin A, vitamin C, biotin (sometimes called vitamin H), and the mineral iron will all contribute to hair that looks healthier.
- Avoid washing your hair every day
Shampoo removes dirt and sweat from your hair, but it also strips your hair of sebumTrusted Source. Sebum is the natural oil that makes your hair easier to maintain and, when you have the right amount, shiny. Too much sebum leads to a greasy hair appearance.
But you probably don’t need to be stripping your hair of sebum every day — you can most likely wash your hair every other day and see your hair appear healthier as a result. If you can’t go a day in between washing, at least use a shampoo specifically for dry hair or even try a baby shampoo. Both are mildly cleansing without stripping hair completely of its natural oil.
- Wrap your hair instead of air drying
If your hair is brittle and difficult to style after you wash it, it could be losing too much moisture during the drying process. Try wrapping your hair with a cloth or towel after you wash it instead of letting it air dry.
If you sleep with your hair wet, use a silk pillowcase to keep your hair’s moisture from getting absorbed into your pillows.
- Cut down on heat styling
Heat styling to curl, straighten, or add volume to your hair might have been a part of your daily routine for years. It may also be the reason that your hair is drying out.
A studyTrusted Source of the hair shaft before and after blow drying showed significant damage to participant’s hair. If you’re going to blow dry your hair, keep the dryer at least 6 inches awayTrusted Source from your hair shaft for best results.
- Use essential oils
Using a few drops of argan oil on the ends of your hair may give it a more finished and supple appearance. Other essential oils, like peppermint oil and lavender oil, may help stop hair loss and prevent breakage.
- Wear a hat
Ultraviolet rays can damageTrusted Source your hair shaft the same way they can damage your skin. If you have dry hair, limit your hair’s exposure to these rays. Wear a hat during your daily activities, and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
- Try coconut oil
By smoothing your hair strand-by-strand, coconut oil improves the overall appearance of your hair. You can treat your hair to a deep-conditioning treatment of warmed coconut oil once every week.
