How to Deal with Dry Hair

Sometimes, even the simplest things can mess with our hair’s natural quality and appearance. When your hair is dry, it can be rough to touch, difficult to style, and have a knock-on effect on our confidence levels, which is the last thing you need with the winter months approaching. 

We are hair care specialists at RMUK and know all the tips and tricks for regaining your hair’s health for a shiny, smooth, stunning appearance without stressing your tresses. So what are you waiting for? The power of self-care is no myth.

What causes dry hair? 

There are so many reasons why your hair may be feeling dry and lifeless. Sometimes the things we are taught to do from a young age can actually harm our hair, and other times it is simply a genetic predisposition that causes hair to dry out. 

There are 4 main reasons why you may be experiencing dryness: 

1/ The environment

There are many external factors that cause your hair to become dry and brittle including: 

• Heat, UV levels and sunburn 
• Salty sea water or chlorine in swimming pools 
• Air pollution and humidity in city environments 
• Windy conditions 

2/ Your hair care routine

Although we try our hardest to keep our hair hydrated, moisturised and soft, sometimes trying too hard can be the very thing that is causing dryness in the first place. 

The following haircare faux pas can often lead to coarse hair: 

• Brushing your hair too often: This causes friction and can tear and dry your cuticles 
• Washing your hair too often: Shampooing your hair daily strips it of natural protective oils 
• Washing your hair in hot water: Hot water and steam extract moisture from your hair and expand the outer cuticle layer leaving it vulnerable to breakage 
• Using insufficient heat protection when drying or styling hair: Appliances like hair dryers and curling irons alter the keratin levels in your hair by administering intense levels of heat 
• Using the wrong hair care products: Quick fix products such as dry shampoo draw out natural oils and moisture 
• Neglecting dry ends: Dry ends are a nuisance for all hair types, and do cause dryness if left alone 
• Regularly dyeing or bleaching your hair: Chemically altering your hair causes it to lose structure which leads to dryness 

3/ Your hair type

Certain hair types are more prone to dryness than others. Curly hair is a common culprit because its structure makes it particularly difficult for natural oils to make their way from the scalp to the very ends of your hair. 

Your age can also play a factor in the texture of your hair. As you age, your scalp produces less oil to moisturise your hair naturally. 

4/ Your health 

Your diet can have a huge impact on your hair’s health. Your hair needs a wide variety of proteins and vitamins such as A, C, D and E to retain strength and repair itself so what you eat is vital when it comes to hair health. 

Hormone levels likewise impact your hair’s health, and can change depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, menopause, pregnancy and hormonal contraception. If this is the case, then it might be worth speaking to your doctor about ways that you can manage your hair throughout these periods. 

You should also pay attention to smoking, consuming alcohol and caffeinated drinks if your hair is looking lifeless. 

How to prevent dry hair 

1/ Wash your hair less

Most experts recommend washing your hair every 2-3 days, although this depends entirely on your hair type. If your hair is fine and prone to grease, washing every 2 days is recommended, but for curly, thick or afro style hair, every 3-4 days should be fine. 

Top tip: Brush your hair while it's still dry to avoid damaging the cuticles. Damaged cuticles struggle to hold moisture. 

2/ Lukewarm water is your friend 

Always wash your hair with lukewarm water, and avoid placing your hair in warm, hot or steamy showers. 

Warm showers and baths are a luxury self care ritual, so if you do get the urge to step into hot water to soothe aching muscles, don’t forget to cover your hair in a shower cap to keep it out of the steam. 

3/ Be gentle with your brush 

Follow these tips to relax your brushing routine: 

• Only brush your hair when necessary 
• Avoid using metal brushes, especially on wet hair
• Start by brushing out your ends and work your way upwards to the roots 
• Fine tooth combs and round brushes are better for detangling 
• Use a hair detangling product to smooth your hair before brushing 
• Avoid brushing curly hair if its dry 
• Focus on the quality of your brush rather than the number of strokes

4/ Find the right products for your hair 

As well as looking for products that are suited to your hair type, make sure you avoid products that contain the following: 

• Sulphates like SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate), SLES (sodium laureth sulphate)
• Alcohol 
• Synthetic fragrances 
• Silicones 
• Parabens 

5/ Get a professional haircut every 6 weeks

The best way to deal with dry hair is to get your hair cut regularly. Haircare professionals recommend getting your hair cut every 6 weeks to remove split ends and restore it to its bouncy glory. 

We are haircutting specialists at RMUK, and pride ourselves on creating styles that match our client’s personalities, lifestyles, and wishes. 

   0113 243 6842       info@rm-uk.com       57 Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3BB

6/ Invest in head massages 

Head health is vital for hair health. Head massages stimulate hair follicles and promote blood circulation which encourages healthy hair growth. They also remove product build up which prevents the blockage of natural oils. 

Did you know? Stress can be a contributor to hair dryness and loss, and head massages have been proven to deeply relax and restore your mind. 

7/ Use heat protection products 

Good heat protection products create a shield around your hair cuticles to prevent your styling tools from causing excessive damage. 

Look for silicone ingredients including: 

• Cetearyl Methicone
• Cyclomethicone
• Dimethicone
• Dimethiconol

8/ Protect your hair from the sun

• Use a UV protective scalp serum 
• Look for leave-in conditioners that include UV filters

Use a deep conditioning product during spring and summer months

How to treat dry hair

1/ Haircut 

The best way to fix hair that is growing dry and brittle is to book yourself in for a professional haircut to remove dry, coarse and splitting ends. 

2/ Steam Treatment

Professional steam treatments are a fantastic solution for those who suffer from dry or brittle hair. This treatment works by applying steam to hair follicles so moisture and hydrating products can penetrate deeper into the strands.

3/ Olaplex Strengthening Treatment

Weak and lifeless hair can be revitalised with an Olaplex Strengthening Treatment. 

RMUK favours the use of Olaplex for our hair strengthening treatments. Their specialist, cruelty-free products work to repair broken bonds while building strength to prevent any further damage.

Olaplex’s patented technology actively works to rebuild damaged bonds in hair using non-toxic ingredients, for increased hair wellness and ongoing strength. 

4/ Kérastase Conditioning Mask

Hair masks are a phenomenal tool for restoring lacklustre hair.

• RMUK uses the wide range of hair treatments from Kérastase to create a tailored treatment for your hair. Conditioning masks work to deeply nourish hair, and restore natural shine.

At RMUK, we offer a wide range of hair treatments that are guaranteed to nurture dry hair back to health. Simply give us a call or pop down to our salon for a chat. 

 0113 243 6842      |      info@rm-uk.com      |     57 Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3BB

How to prevent frizz

A common side effect of dry hair is frizz. Frizz can prevent the neat, seamless finish you’re looking for, so these steps will help you regain your smooth locks after treatment: 

• Rinse with cold water 
• Finish your wash with moisture-based conditioner 
• Use hair masks regularly for deep protection against breakage 
• Dry hair with a microfibre towel or cotton t-shirt 
• Detangle your hair with a wide toothed comb 
• Avoid using a hairbrush on your hair while it is wet/damp
• Use hair serums and moisture rich styling mousse 

Did you know? Dry, coarse hair combined with humid weather conditions makes the perfect recipe for frizz.

How to dry your hair safely

Air drying: 

1. Use hydrating shampoos, conditioners and hair masks 
2. Rinse your hair with cold water before leaving the shower 
3. Dry your hair with a microfibre towel or cotton t-shirt - be careful not to scrub, rub or twist using a towel as this can stress your cuticles and lead to dryness 
4. Detangle - don’t ‘brush’ - your hair with a wide toothed comb 
5. Apply styling mousse or gel to damp hair - avoid dry shampoos and conditioners 
6. Set your hair into your desired style using UV protective styling spray 
7. Leave to dry 

Blow drying:

1. Prepare your hair using heat protection spray
2. Use a round brush or wide toothed comb to gently detangle your locks 
3. Holding your hairdryer 6 inches away from your hair, slowly work your way from the back of your head towards the front and crown 
4. Reduce the heat as your hair dries to avoid damage 
5. Leave your hair lightly damp to avoid applying too much heat 

Top tip: Use a diffuser to distribute the heat over a wider surface area. 

Wherever you are on your hair care journey, we have the treatment for you. Whether you’re looking for a deeply moisturising hair mask, strengthening treatment or cut and colour, RMUK will give you the confidence to wear your mane with pride.  If your hair is feeling lacklustre, book an appointment today and we will restore your tresses to their natural glory. 

0113 243 6842      |      info@rm-uk.com      |     57 Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3BB