Dry hair can be frustrating, especially since your hair plays a big role in your overall look and confidence. Beyond aesthetics, your hair also protects your scalp from the sun, acting like a natural barrier. When hair becomes too dry, it’s more prone to breakage and thinning, which can leave your scalp vulnerable to sunburn.
If you’re dealing with dry, brittle hair, it’s important to address the issue quickly. While many factors contribute to hair dryness, the good news is that with a few adjustments, you can restore moisture and improve your hair’s health.
### Common Causes of Dry Hair
Your hair might be dry due to diet, environmental exposure, heat styling, or even hard water. If you also have dry skin and brittle nails, your diet could be the culprit. Try increasing your water intake and consider taking a multivitamin. If you’re already using one, you might want to try a hair growth supplement like Viviscal, which can help improve hair health over time.
Spending a lot of time outdoors can also strip moisture from your hair, especially if you’re frequently exposed to wind and sun. Moving between outdoor elements and indoor air conditioning or heating can further contribute to dryness.
Heat styling tools like hair dryers and flat irons are well-known for causing damage, but they’re hard to give up. If you rely on them, using the right products can help minimize the impact. You might also experiment with heat-free hairstyles on weekends—ponytails, braids, hats, scarves, or headbands can give your hair a break. Even switching to low pigtails has made a noticeable difference for some.
Hard water can make hair frizzy and difficult to manage. Installing an inline shower filter, which costs around $30, can help soften the water and make your hair more manageable while also keeping your shower cleaner.
### How to Restore Moisture to Your Hair
Using the right hair care products can make a big difference. Customized shampoos like Prose or Formulate are great options, but you can also look for shampoos and conditioners with moisturizing ingredients.
Celebrity stylists recommend oil-based shampoos and conditioners for dry hair. Look for products containing Moroccan argan oil, coconut oil, or hemp oil. If you prefer a DIY approach, try adding a bit of unrefined, organic coconut oil to your shampoo and conditioner for an extra moisture boost.
In addition to an oil-based shampoo, a leave-in hair oil can help tame frizz and provide heat protection. To use it, towel-dry your hair first, then rub a small amount between your palms and smooth it over your hair. Start with less than you think you need—you can always add more once your hair is fully dry.
A weekly hair mask can also provide deep hydration. Again, oil-based products work best for locking in moisture.
If possible, reduce the number of times you blow-dry, curl, or straighten your hair each week. If you can’t cut back, try using lower heat settings, especially on weekends, to see how much heat your hair actually needs to achieve your desired style.
Many hair dyes contain ammonia, which can be harsh and drying. Switching to an ammonia-free, oil-based color like Garnier’s Olia can be a gentler alternative. You might also consider semi-permanent color or even embracing your natural hair color—it could be shinier and healthier than you think, plus you’ll save money on salon visits.
### Final Thoughts
Dry hair isn’t something you have to live with forever. By making small changes—taking vitamins, filtering hard water, using oil-based products, and lowering the heat on styling tools—you can bring moisture back to your hair. And if you’re feeling bold, letting your natural color shine through might just be the best decision for both your hair’s health and your wallet.