Why is My Hair Dry and Stiff?

how to fix dry hair

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When you think of healthy hair, you probably think of hair that’s glossy, silky and easy to manage. What happens when your hair starts looking dry, stiff, easily breakable and messy, no matter what you do? This is probably because of damage to your hair, and it can really have an impact on your image. Here’s what you need to know about dry, stiff hair.

The Causes of Dry, Stiff Hair

Why is your hair dry and stiff? On a scientific level, it’s because of damage to the cuticle. The cuticle is the outermost layer of your hair, and it’s made up of many different small scales. When these scales separate from the rest of the hair shaft, the hair looks dry and stiff. You may start seeing this effect for any of these reasons:

Many normal practices strip the hair of its natural protective oils. This list, for example, doesn’t mean you should avoid going out in the sun, or that swimming is suddenly harmful. It just means you need to do some special treatments afterward.

What Can You Do To Avoid Dry, Stiff Hair?

If you want to enhance the condition of your hair, you may just need to make a few changes to the way you handle it. In many situations, just by implementing some of these fixes, you may be able to get your hair back to its healthy appearance without doing too much. Here are a few things you can do:

  • Wear a hat or use an umbrella outside to protect your hair from the sun
  • Shampoo your hair less frequently
  • Apply a leave-in conditioner to infuse moisture into the hair
  • Air dry your hair or blow dry on no heat

These are best if you’ve just started to notice a small amount of dryness and stiffness, not if it feels like your hair looks like straw. In these situations, you may need some specialty applications.

Specialty Applications for Extremely Damaged Hair

If your hair has serious damage, you may need to put in some specialty work to ensure you’re getting your hair back to a manageable state. Here are a few things you can do:

  • Use an egg wash, which is a mixture of egg white, water and honey that you apply to damp hair for 10 minutes.
  • Add mineral oil to your hair after showering.
  • Utilize a specialty treatment from an expert.

Remember that if your hair is extremely damaged, you may need to permanently change the way you wash and style your hair. This may include using a heat protectant and generally doing less damage to your hair.

Get Help With Your Hair With an Expert’s Touch

dealing with dry, stiff hair

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Dry, stiff hair isn’t something you need to live with. You can fix a lot of that dryness and brittleness by getting help from an expert. If you’re looking to get help with dry, stiff hair, consider visiting an Evergreen Beauty College salon. With six different locations in Washington state, you can ensure your hair gets the stellar treatment it deserves.

 

Author
Frank Trieu
Vice President of Business Development & Industry Relations

Frank Trieu is a cosmetology industry leader, and despite his accomplishments and accolades, he still prioritizes students on the Evergreen campus. Through building relationships within the community and local salons, retail stores, and spas, he helps facilitate job placements for aspiring beauty professionals using his expansive network.

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Ochena Bikel
Ochena Bikel
10 years ago

Good. You have covered all factors that are causing hair dry. But, I want to add something.
The weather in the beach area is another factor. Air in the beach contains salt which can be a cause of making hair dry. Isn’t it?

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
4 years ago
Reply to  Ochena Bikel

I don’t know. But I was just present at the beach and used a different shampoo and conditioner. Now my hair is stiff and brittle. Was it the water or is the conditioner?

Mmor
Mmor
3 years ago

my hair is stiff since I was a baby every time I’m touching it, it so stiff like a wig there’s still a chance to make it smooth ?

Gopi v
Gopi v
3 years ago
Reply to  Mmor

I too have same problem

Googosh
Googosh
2 years ago
Reply to  Mmor

Your lacking iron and other b vitamins , you might have no hair when your like 50.

Beth
Beth
3 years ago

Hi I have had some issues with my hair for over 5 years now and I’m on the verge of going to a doctor that specializes in hair and stuff because my hair started turning black really thick and wiry.It is as thick as beard hair now and recently it has gotten worse by starting to dry up and turn hard on the ends and sometimes the entire hair.I have cut the hard ends off and a few days later the ends are hard again!I stopped doing hair color over a year ago and don’t use a drier or hair styling tools.I have been using argon oil and other oils like coconut and special conditioners,leave in conditioners and so on but nothing seems to help.Do you know of any products that really work?

T crumel
T crumel
2 years ago

Hi, last year i began wearing wigs with my hair underneath in a wave cap or wig cap. Now i have notice that my hair is becoming extra dry, brittle and has started to break off. I wash every week to week and a half, what can i do to help it?

joe mama
joe mama
9 months ago

why is these messages so old??

LINDA CRUZ
LINDA CRUZ
1 month ago

This article addresses many individuals’ common concerns: dry and stiff hair. It offers valuable insights into potential causes, such as overwashing, excessive heat styling, and environmental factors, while providing practical tips for restoring moisture and vitality to hair. As someone who struggles with dry hair, I appreciate this piece’s helpful advice and guidance. Thanks for shedding light on this issue and offering solutions to help readers achieve healthier, more nourished hair!

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