How to Fix Dry Damaged Hair

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

Nothing's worse than watching hair that was once clean and smooth become dry and frayed. It's difficult to reverse damage that's already been done, but with a few simple tricks, you can stop further damage and get on the path to healthy, luscious hair. Change your daily hair habits to end the damage and try moisturizing home remedies to breathe life back into your hair.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Changing Your Hair Habits

1
Don't shampoo as much. For many people, shampooing in the shower is such a part of their daily ritual that it may seem unthinkable not to do it. However, if you're suffering from dry hair, frequent shampooing is actually one of the worst things you can do. Shampoo strips essential oils from the hair along with dirt and grime, leaving it dry and vulnerable to damage. ^{[1]
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Research source} These oils will eventually return to the hair, but if you shampoo every day, they may not get a chance to.
- Shampoo is good for cleaning your hair and scalp, so a good compromise is to shampoo every third day. You can shower as often as you normally do to clean your skin and even use conditioner, but limit shampooing to about twice per week unless your hair gets especially dirty.^{[2]
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2
Use blow dryers cautiously. Using a blow dryer after bathing can dry your hair out, but the effects can be minimized with a few easy changes to your drying habits.^{[3]
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Research source} Try the following:
- Don't blow dry right after you get out of the shower. Let your hair air dry or blot it dry with a towel to soak up excess moisture.
- Set your dryer to a low setting and dry your hair gradually over a longer period of time.^{[4]
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- Use a thermal-protective hairspray or product to protect your hair.^{[5]
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3
Change to a more delicate brush. The stiff, sharp bristles of most hair brushes can tear and fray delicate hair. Instead of using a harsh brush, switch to a brush with wide-spaced, round-tipped bristles. Better yet, skip the brush entirely and use a wide toothed comb.^{[6]
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Research source} Any of these alternatives should be available at a local department store or pharmacy for cheap.
- This advice is especially important if you normally brush your hair in the shower. When your hair is wet, it is weaker. If you regularly pull on it with a brush, you can stretch and damage your hair.
4
Limit the use of hair elastics. Rubber bands and tight hair ties can fray, and damage your hair. The tighter and more constrictive the material, the worse the effect. Try switching to free-flowing hairstyles or use braids or buns if you need to wear your hair up.^{[7]
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- If you have to use a hair tie, get the big poofy ones that have soft fabric over them.
5
Don't use straightening treatments. If you normally straighten your hair every day, this can gradually damage the outer layer of your hair. Over time, this causes your hair to become weaker and dryer. Eventually, it will become so dry and brittle that you can be left with split or broken-off ends. Embrace your non-straight hair and it will naturally become less dry.^{[8]
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- This is especially true if you get your naturally kinky hair straightened at a specialist's. The chemicals used in the straightening process are quite caustic and can cause severe damage to your hair (or, if you leave them in too long, your scalp). Luckily, this goes away once the treatments stop.
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Try new repairing products. A wide variety of products designed to repair dry, damaged hair are available at supermarkets and beauty stores. Try switching to a product labeled "moisturizing," "repairing," "restorative," "strengthening," or "fortifying." These sorts of products are available as shampoos, conditioners, hairsprays, hair oils, and more. Regardless of the specific product you choose, use a light application on your hair every day and it should get stronger, shinier, and easier to brush and manage.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Unverified Home Remedies

1
Try an aloe vera rub. Aloe vera is well-known for soothing and moisturizing damaged skin, but it can provide the same benefits to your hair as well.^{[9]
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Research source} You will need:
- Plain, full-fat yogurt (Greek or standard) – 3 tbsp
- Aloe vera – 4 tbsp
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Mix these ingredients together, then rub them into your hair just like you would with conditioner. Let them sit in your hair for half an hour. Rinse without shampooing for glossy, shiny hair.
2
Try an egg white treatment. Egg whites are another wonderful remedy for dry hair.^{[10]
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Research source} They are cheap and can add enough moisture to damaged hair to make it much easier to style and manage. You will need:
- One egg
- Water – 3 tbsp
- Separate the white of the egg from its yolk. Place it in a small mixing bowl. Add the water and blend well. Apply all over your hair. Wait for 30 minutes before washing. You’ll be surprised by your hair's new shine.
3
Try an egg and yogurt hair mask. Egg mixed with full-fat yogurt can be used to make a great protective "mask" that will add moisture back to dry hair. For this recipe, you'll use whole eggs, rather than whites. You will need:^{[11]
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- Two eggs
- Plain, full-fat yogurt (Greek or standard) – 2 tbsp
- Beat the eggs in a medium-sized bowl. Add the yogurt and mix. You’ll end up with a creamy, smooth paste. Rub this throughout your hair. Leave on for at least 20 minutes before washing with cold water.
4
Try a rice milk and honey hair wash. This is an excellent way to get lustrous hair in minutes. You will also love the smell of your hair once it’s dry. You will need:
- Honey – 2 tbsp
- Rice milk – 1 cup
- Blend the ingredients together with the help of a spoon. Spread the mixture over your hair and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off.
5
Try working hair magic with vinegar. Though it may not seem like it, vinegar can be a sure-fire ticket for super-soft and shiny hair.^{[12]
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Research source} You will need:
- Vinegar – 1 tbsp
- Pour the vinegar in your hair as you wash it the next time you’re in the shower. Rinse well and shampoo as normal. This will help get the smell out.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can you repair extremely dry damaged hair?

Ndeye Anta Niang
Hair Stylist & Master Braider
Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.

Ndeye Anta Niang

Hair Stylist & Master Braider

Expert Answer

If your hair is really damaged, try deep conditioning 3 times over the course of 1 week. Then you can see what hair is fixable and what hair is beyond repair. Have a hairdresser cut off the unfixable hair so the damage doesn't get worse.
Question

How can I soften my hair if I blow dry every day?

Community Answer

Using coconut oil regularly can make a world of difference. It's very easy to use, too: coat your hair in coconut oil, leave it in for at least five hours, and then rinse well with shampoo.
Question

How do I get my curly baby hair to be straight? Even when I straighten my hair they pop up.

Community Answer

If you don't have damaged hair, straightening treatments might help, but do not use them excessively, or it will damage your hairs.