What Causes My Hair to Be Dry and Brittle? Insights from Three Hair Specialists

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As a single mom juggling a preschooler, I clearly wasn’t thinking straight when I decided to go platinum with my hair. Platinum is undoubtedly one of the most demanding hair colors, and neglecting proper care shows its effects. My hair has turned dry and brittle—definitely not the look I was going for. Yet, I can’t help but love being blonde; it’s my one beauty indulgence amid a low-maintenance routine. Since damaged hair can detract from your overall appearance, and hair care has become synonymous with self-care, I sought advice from a trichologist and two renowned hairstylists. They shed light on the reasons behind dry, brittle hair and shared tips—from the right way to use heat styling tools to nighttime routines for shinier locks. Celebrity stylist Jade Thompson emphasizes the importance of “following a systematic approach to keep your hair healthy.”

Common Causes of Dry, Brittle Hair

Here are some common causes of dry, brittle hair along with tips for maintaining vibrant tresses:

  1. Excessive Heat Usage
    It’s easy to grab a flat iron to tame frizz, but excessive heat can wreak havoc on your hair. Fortunately, you don’t need to ditch your styling tools entirely. “Limit use to three to four times a week,” suggests stylist Lisa Chen, founder of Chen Hair Studio. “And keep the temperature below 400 degrees Fahrenheit.” Trichologist Sam Patel warns against applying heat to damp hair, which can lead to severe damage. “Always ensure your hair is dry before styling,” he advises. “For blow-drying, start on a cool setting to remove moisture, then finish with a gentle heat.” Using a quality heat protectant is essential; products like the Prep Rally Prime & Prep Detangler or the Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protectant Primer can help shield your hair from damage.
  2. Over-Bleaching
    Over-bleaching is a major culprit for hair damage. To combat this, Patel recommends focusing on scalp care, which can help restore hair health. “Healthy hair starts at the scalp,” he explains. If your hair is brittle, consider giving it a break from bleach. “If you can’t resist, use a deep conditioning mask overnight for intense nourishment,” he says.
  3. Washing Too Often
    Frequent washing can lead to hair damage. “Shampoos strip natural oils, which can weaken hair structure,” Patel notes. Surprisingly, while you might think water hydrates hair, it can actually lead to brittleness over time.
  4. Incompatible Products
    Using the wrong products for your hair type can exacerbate dryness. Chen points out that curly or coily hair types often require more moisturizing formulations. If your hair feels drier than usual, consider weekly deep conditioning treatments.
  5. Sulfate Overuse
    Products containing sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils. “Switching to sulfate-free and naturally derived ingredients can improve hair and scalp health,” suggests Thompson.
  6. Air Drying
    Hair is most fragile when wet, so air drying can cause damage. “Use a blow-dryer on a cool setting to minimize harm,” Patel advises.
  7. Neglecting Regular Trims
    Regular trims are vital for healthy hair. “Aim for a trim every eight weeks to prevent split ends,” Thompson suggests. Professional treatments at salons can also yield significant improvements for various hair types.

For more information on improving your hair health, be sure to check out our other blog posts, including this helpful resource for home insemination. If you’re interested in at-home solutions, this kit from Make A Mom is a reliable option. For those exploring fertility preservation, Cleveland Clinic’s podcast is an excellent resource.

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Summary

Dry and brittle hair can result from various factors, including excessive heat usage, over-bleaching, frequent washing, using incompatible products, sulfates, air drying, and neglecting trims. By adopting a systematic approach to hair care, incorporating nourishing products, and scheduling regular trims, you can restore your hair’s health and vibrancy.