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Having brittle hair is undeniably frustrating. It can be difficult to style your hair in the way that you want, and you may even experience discomfort or itchiness if your hair is particularly dry.
So, what causes your hair to become brittle? And how do you put things right? The good news is that treating hair that is brittle is actually really simple. Read on to discover four simple solutions that will rehydrate your hair and give you back your confidence in no time at all.
What is brittle hair?
Brittle hair lacks moisture, making it dry, dull, and difficult to style. Some people with brittle hair also struggle with split ends and frizz, while you may even experience some discomfort, like itchiness if your hair is particularly dry.
Why is my hair dry and brittle?
There are lots of things that can lead to your hair becoming brittle. For instance, some of the most common brittle hair causes include:
Shampoos
It's so important to check the ingredients in shampoos before applying them to your hair. If you use a product that is high in chemicals, it may cause your hair to dry out.
Washing hair too frequently
It's not necessary to wash your hair every day, contrary to what some people believe. Washing your hair too often can lead it to dry out, and you can also remove some of the essential oils from your hair by washing excessively.
Too much hot or dry air
If you live in a hot country and don't keep your hair hydrated, you may suffer from brittle hair. Equally, too much exposure to dry hair (such as that produced by air conditioners) can cause your hair to be brittle.
Poor drying habits
If you use a cheap hair dryer and don't rotate your blow dryer around your hair sufficiently, you can damage your hair with too much heat, causing it to become dry and brittle. Opting for the best hair dryer and improving your drying technique is a super simple solution.
Genetics
In some instances, dry brittle hair can be caused by genetics. For instance, Menkes disease is fairly common cause of brittle hair. If you think you might have a genetic condition, it's a good idea to check with a health professional.
How to fix brittle hair?
The good news is that fixing hair that is brittle is relatively straightforward for most people. Changing a few simple things in your daily haircare routine can make all the difference, as we explain below:
Solution #1: Change your shampoo and conditioner
One of the leading causes of dry hair is harsh shampoo. As a result, choosing the best shampoo for dry brittle hair can make all the difference. Look for products that contain natural ingredients and those that work to hydrate your hair, such as avocado oil.
What's more, you should get into the habit of conditioning your hair every time you wash it. A natural conditioner adds much-needed moisture to your hair and keeps it from becoming dry. Also, don't wash your hair any more than 2-3 times per week, as this is the maximum number of washes it needs to stay in good shape.
Solution #2: Use a hair mask
One of the best ways to rehydrate your hair is to use a hair mask from time to time. You can buy a hydrating hair mask online, or you can opt for a brilliant homemade hair mask that adds moisture to your hair.
You don't need to wear a hair mask every day, but treating your hair with a mask a few times a month can breathe new life into your hair. Look at ingredients like Moroccan oil and avocado oil, as they're excellent for rehydration.
Solution #3: Dry your hair properly
Another common cause of brittle hair is improper drying. Rubbing too hard at your scalp with a towel, or blow drying your hair with an inferior dryer can cause your hair to dry out. It can even damage your hair. So, you need to make sure you're drying your hair correctly.
Upgrading your hair dryer is an easy place to start. Replace your cheap model with a pro hair dryer that ensures even heat distribution across your scalp. You can also consider using a diffuser nozzle or a concentrator nozzle to help you dry your hair properly.
If you're concerned about your hair-drying technique, consider speaking to your stylist next time you visit and ask for some pointers. This can make a big difference to the dryness of your hair.
Solution #4: Consider speaking to a healthcare professional
Though having hair that is brittle isn't an immediate health concern, if you think your dry hair might be a result of a medical condition (or indeed a genetic condition), it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Final thoughts
Brittleness in hair is something that many people experience from time to time. The good news is that if you want to rehydrate your hair, there are lots of super simple steps you can take, as introduced above.
Feel free to try out each of our solutions and see if any of our tips work for you. You can also check out the FAQs below for more information on treating hair that is brittle.
Brittle hair FAQs
Q1: What is the technical term for brittle hair?
Fragilitas crinium is the technical term for brittle or dry hair. It is also the term used for split hair.
Q2: Why is my hair so dry and brittle?
You may have brittle and dry hair for numerous reasons. You might be using a harsh shampoo, drying your hair improperly, or you may have a genetic or medical issue, as explored above.
Q3: What's the easiest way to fix dry and brittle hair?
The easiest way to fix brittle and dry hair is to change your shampoo and conditioner to more natural products. You can also use a hair mask and improve the way that you blow dry your hair. These simple steps tend to work for most people.
