5 solutions that will make dealing with dry hair a breeze

When we have dry skin we’ll usually move quickly to try and correct it. Perhaps we’ll make an effort to up our water intake and get a bit more shut-eye, or apply our moisturiser a little more liberally.

Dry hair, while something we experience just as regularly, can be much more difficult to rectify.

Caused by a host of potential factors (sun damage, our diet, heat tools, colouring, pollution), it can be tricky to know the best dry hair treatments and how to fix dry hair.

If you’re looking to fix dry hair, try our pick of the best dry hair solutions.

1. Use a super hydrating shampoo

It sounds obvious, but it takes a bit of research to find a shampoo and conditioner that’s actually as nourishing as it claims to be on its packet, and can help to fix dry hair.

Look to formulas that are loaded up with nourishing, vitamin-rich ingredients that are free from any nasties. Herbal Essences’ new bio:renew Potent Aloe collection is a great dry hair solution as it has been developed using hand-picked Aloe vera, that is six times more concentrated than the standard level, to help fix dry hair and protect against further damage and breakage.

The new collection has been developed alongside the experts at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – a world authority in plant science. Kew’s scientists have verified, via botanical fingerprinting, that the Aloe used in Herbal Essences bio:renew Potent Aloe is rich in polysaccharides (the ‘goodies’ that aid regeneration and healing), promoting healthy hair growth and scalp health.

One person already won-over by the new Potent Aloe collection is singer-songwriter Thelma Plum. As the brand’s first-ever Australian ambassador, Thelma says she is excited to inspire a new generation of women to embrace authentic and natural beauty via this dry hair treatment.

“It feels so good to be using a product on my hair that has been created using botanicals and one of my personal favourite plants, Aloe vera,” she says. “The products leave my hair feeling moisturised and nourished and are free from sulfates too.”

The perfect dry hair solution.

2. Get regular trims

Nothing says ‘dry hair’ like split ends. Make sure you’re giving your ends a trim every six to eight weeks, especially if your hair has a tendency to be dry.

You don’t need to fork out money and book in with your hairdresser, rather you can do it yourself. Simply wet your hair, allow it to air dry for five minutes and then – using hairdresser scissors – start cutting. The period of air-drying will allow the damaged ends to make themselves apparent, and allow you to trim and fix dry hair. It will also avoid any at-home trimming horror stories.

3. Use a silk pillowcase

Cotton or linen pillows may look beautiful but they can be serious moisture zappers when it comes to our hair. Soaking up oils from our hair and skin, these pillowcases cause split ends, frizz and dullness.

Silk pillowcases are a great dry hair solution as they will help you to maintain your hair’s moisture levels and style, which means you’ll also be using your heat tools a lot less. Not only do silk pillowcases help to fix dry hair, they’ll also help improve your complexion too, as often our regular pillowcases soak up our overnight skincare products.

A dry hair treatment that works while you sleep? Yes please.

4. Up your omega-3 intake

When it seems as though no amount of dry hair treatments will do the trick, it may be time to look at your diet.

Start by upping your intake of naturally occurring omega-3s (try nuts, seeds, salmon, sardines) and antioxidants (opt for berries, eggplant, red wine, spinach), which have both been shown to improve hair health.

If you’re still not noticing a difference to your hair after three months, speak to your doctor; it may be worth trialling a supplement such as biotin or folic acid. Other supplements that work as solutions for dry hair include collagen, silica, and vitamins C and E.

5. Turn down the heat

While it’s a little unrealistic to try and never use heat tools, try to use them less.

Hairdryers, straighteners and curlers wreak havoc with even the healthiest of hair, often overheating and frying cuticles, leading to coarse texture and dullness.

When using heat tools, always apply a protective spray beforehand and opt for the lowest heat setting. A smart dry hair solution, this will help to prevent hair from becoming overheated and damaged.

Brought to you by Herbal Essences