How to Take Care of Dry Hair

Hair that looks and feels like it’s been through a drought is no walk in the park, but it’s actually easier to take care of than you would think. Yep, we’re serious! You shouldn’t have to make any drastic changes to manage dry hair—it’s all about following simple hair care tips. Basically, shower your strands with a little love and attention, and you’ll likely notice hair that feels softer. For more specifics, keep reading. Here are our seven best tips for taking care of dry hair.

Dry Hair Tip #1: Switch to a Hydrating Hair Care System

When it comes to taking care of dry hair, you could argue that the most important aspect is the shampoo and conditioner you choose. It’s a must to seek out hair care products that are formulated for dry hair. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Renourishing Butter. Apply the shampoo to wet hair and massage gently into a thick lather. Rinse out, then follow with the conditioner. Once or twice a week, swap out conditioner for the hair mask, focusing the product on your lengths and ends. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes, then rinse. For added detangling and extra conditioning, try using it as a pre-shampoo treatment.

Dry Hair Tip #2: Make Hair Masks Part of Your Weekly Hair Care Routine

Speaking of hair masks…you don’t have to wait for a special occasion or the day when your hair is at its driest to break one out. Try using one once or twice a week in place of conditioner to help keep your mane hydrated. (Get the 411 on all of our hair mask options by reading our article, The Best L’Oréal Paris Hair Masks, Balms, and Butters for Every Hair Type.)

Dry Hair Tip #3: Just Say No to Scalding Showers

Spending time in a steaming shower may feel enjoyable in the moment—we can all admit that. But that doesn’t stop the fact that turning the temperature up too high can lead to hair that feels dry, dry, dry, as super-hot water can strip your hair of essential oils. While you don’t have to bathe in freezing H20, taking the temperature down to lukewarm water should do the trick. Curbing your time in the shower can also help.

Dry Hair Tip #4: Limit Heat Styling and Blow-Drying

As cute as the styles you can create with hair straighteners, curling irons, and blow-dryers are, sometimes it’s best to give your hair a rest from the heat, especially if it’s dry. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck with less stylish strands. Look for products that you can use to air dry your hair, such as mousse, styling spray, or styling cream. Try the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Ruffled Body Mousse, L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray, or L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Undone Style Cream. On the occasions when you want to blow-dry or flat iron your hair, spritz on a heat protectant first, and use the lowest heat setting that you can to style your hair while still only having to pass through each section of hair once. (We’ve got plenty of air dry styles for you to try in our article, 8 Adorable No-Heat Hairstyles.)

Dry Hair Tip #5: Invest in a Humidifier

Ah, winter—the colder air can lead to your skin and hair feeling drier. Put moisture back in the air by using a humidifier. Set one up in your bedroom and turn it on before you go to sleep.

Whether you have dry hair, oily hair or something in between, we’ve got hair care tips for you. If it’s oily roots you’re dealing with, check out our article, How to Help Your Hair Look Less Greasy, to learn how to manage it.