Why Is My Hair So Dry and Brittle? Insights from Hair Experts

Understanding Dry and Brittle Hair

As a single mom juggling the demands of preschool life, I made the questionable choice to dye my hair platinum. Maintaining such a high-maintenance color can be a challenge, and neglecting hair care is evident when your hair feels dry and brittle. Despite this, I can’t resist my love for blonde; it’s my little luxury amidst a straightforward beauty routine. However, damaged hair can detract from your overall look, and with self-care being so important, I consulted a trichologist and two renowned hairstylists to uncover the reasons behind dry, brittle hair. They offer practical tips on everything from proper use of heated styling tools to nighttime routines for achieving shinier hair. Celebrity hairstylist Alex Morgan emphasizes the importance of following a systematic approach to keep your hair healthy.

Common Causes of Dry, Brittle Hair and How to Care for It

1. Overuse of Heat

It’s easy to reach for a straightener to tame frizz, but frequent use of heat-styling tools is a primary culprit of dry, brittle hair. Fortunately, you don’t have to abandon your styling tools entirely. Expert stylist Jamie Lee advises limiting their use to three or four times a week and keeping the temperature below 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Trichologist Ben Hall warns against applying heat to damp hair, as this can cause severe damage. Always ensure your hair is completely dry before using styling tools. When blow-drying, use a cool setting initially to minimize damage and apply a high-quality heat protectant, such as the ones from Drybar or Bumble and Bumble, to shield your hair from heat.

2. Excessive Bleaching

Over-bleaching can wreak havoc on your hair. To counteract this, Hall recommends focusing on scalp care, which is essential for promoting healthy hair growth. Products like Briogeo Scalp Revival can help restore your scalp’s health. If you find your hair is already brittle, consider taking a break from bleach. If you can’t resist, use a deep-conditioning treatment at night to nourish your hair while you sleep.

3. Washing Too Frequently

Frequent washing can strip your hair of natural oils, leading to dryness. Hall explains that shampoos can damage the protective wax layer of your hair and allow water to penetrate, weakening the internal structure.

4. Incompatible Products

Using products that don’t suit your hair texture can exacerbate dryness. Lee points out that those with curly or coily hair often struggle with dryness due to the natural oils not being able to travel down the hair shaft effectively. Regular deep conditioning can help restore moisture.

5. Sulfate Overuse

Sulfates in hair care products can strip away essential oils and irritate the scalp. Opt for sulfate-free alternatives to promote healthier hair.

6. Air Drying

Hair is most vulnerable when wet, so air drying can lead to increased damage. Using a blow-dryer on a cool setting is a better option to minimize harm.

7. Neglecting Haircuts

Regular trims are vital for maintaining healthy hair. Aim to get a haircut every eight weeks to prevent split ends from worsening.

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Summary

Dry and brittle hair can stem from several factors, including heat damage, over-bleaching, frequent washing, and using inappropriate products. To combat these issues, limit heat styling, adopt a suitable hair care routine, and ensure regular trims. By following expert advice, you can restore your hair’s health and shine.