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Dry and thin hair — why does it occur and how do you get rid of it?

7 Min Read

Contrary from what shampoo bottles say, dry hair is not a hair type — it’s a condition and it can be treated. But the first step to recovery is finding out what’s stripping strands of their natural oils. Nutrafol had a talk with hairstylist Sylvia Vaught on what causes dry and thin hair and how you manage to take care of it when the damage is done.

What are the causes of dry and thin hair?

Summer comes with overexposure to the sun, swimming, and products with alcohol, which all dehydrate hair. And winter comes with extreme cold followed by overheated indoors, which will make your hair parched and dry.

Smoothing treatments

Too many smoothing treatments done close together can leave your locks super thirsty. These treatments work effectively to smooth out hair and make it luscious and dreamy, but if they are done too frequently, the buildup of protein on the hair causes it to become brittle, says hairstylist Sylvia Vaught, who’s also the founder of L.A.-based home blowout service Blow Me.

Hormone changes

Birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause are all times of physiological shifts within the body that can have an adverse effect on the hair, including dryness and brittleness, Vaught continues. She recommends seeing your doctor to discuss treatment options.

Using the wrong shampoo

Not all shampoos are created equal: Vaught warns against using your man’s drying shampoo when yours runs out. You would be better off rinsing your hair a few times with just water to remove some of the oil, rather than risk the stripping effects of a shampoo that is not right for you, she says.

Brushing hair when wet

Remember that hair is most susceptible to breakage when it is wet, says Vaught. This won’t necessarily dry the hair, but it will leave the ends brittle and lead to breakage down the entire strand, and may result in dry and thin hair. So, instead of brushing wet hair, use a comb with a bit of leave-in conditioner on it.

Daily heat styling

Whether it’s the dryer or flat iron, daily heat to the hair will strip the hair of moisture. This causes quite a bit of unnecessary damage that can be avoided, says Vaught. If heat is imperative, aim to keep the temperature below 400 degrees.

How to fix damage that’s already been done

Dry and brittle hair is a common problem year round, but these dry winter months leave many searching for a magic moisturizing solution, says Vaught. A simple fix: Go heavier on the conditioner. Just as you may use a heavier face cream, your hair also needs a heavier dose of moisture.

Straighten hair when wet

Apply argan oil, or some other essential oil, onto damp hair, and run the iron over it for a quick heat conditioning treatment. You will notice a dramatic difference in just one application. Keep in mind, this should not be a regular part of your hair care regimen as frequent application of heat is not good for the hair.

…Or skip the straightener all together

If hair won’t stay completely straight, go for a different look. How about using a salt texturized to create a bit of movement instead, says Vaught.

Deep condition once a week

Mark one day on your calendar for a conditioning mask reminder. Simply wash your hair, put on a deep conditioning mask, wrap your hair in a hot towel for 30 minutes, and voila, says Vaught. Your hair will be silkier and smoother.

Use sulfate-free formulas

These formulas are most commonly recommended for those with color-treated hair because sulfates fade color. However, they also remove moisture. Make sure to wash and condition hair every time with sulfate-free formulas.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.