What Causes Dry, Brittle Hair & How Can You Treat It?

We always think about our hair on daily basis. Fretting over a bad hair day, enjoying a nice blowout, or maybe wondering whether to try out the new hairstyle you noticed on your favorite Instagram influencer.

Brittle hair is basically a combination of frizzy, split-ended, dull, dry, lackluster hair. Just like dry skin, it presents itself differently, from mild dullness to full-blown hair loss and breakage. Dry and brittle hair shouldn’t be taken lightly and it’s something that must be treated. Brittle hair could be the result of a number of things and develops when your hair doesn’t get or retain enough moisture. It happens when your scalp doesn’t make enough oil to moisturize your hair, or your hair lets the moisture escape. This reduces its sheen and can make it appear frizzy and dull.

If you’ve got brittle hair and are not sure why, here are a list of factors that could cause it:

1. Excessive heat styling

Heat styling includes the usage of blow dryer, flat iron, curling rod and other similar devices. Hair dryers with high heat (more than 175°C) can cause the formation of water bubbles inside your hair, which in turn will damage the shaft. Essentially, excessive heat cooks your hair and damages it. Hair colouring and bleaching also will cause damage to your hair. While we love to switch up our hair color from time to time, it doesn’t do your mane any favours in the long run.

2. Chemical treatments

Treatments such as keratin treatments strip off the cuticle layer of your hair, and penetrate to middle, cortex layer. This layer consists of the structures that determine the colour, texture, as well as strength of your hair. The chemicals in the treatment attack these structures and ruin the appearance and health of your locks. Repeated chemical treatments can make your hair dull and brittle.

3. Poor nutrition

A diet with lack of protein and vitamins can result in your hair becoming brittle, dull and dry too. If you consume only sugar and bad fats, your hair will not receive the nutrients it needs. Poor nutrition doesn’t only make your hair brittle, but can also cause it to fall out. For lustrous and healthy locks, eat more foods that are rich in Vitamins A, C, D and E4. Weather

You’ve probably noticed that your hair is extremely bitter when it was overexposed to the sun, extreme heat, cold winds and low humidity. This is because these weather conditions can dehydrate your hair and make it prone to breakage. When your hair is constantly exposed to different elements (eg. rain, wind, heat and humidity), it can slowly start to impact your mane and result in dry and brittle hair.

5. The wrong shampoo

Everyone’s hair is different, which is why shampoo that works well for your friend, may not work for you. When selecting a shampoo and conditioner, always check the hair care product label before purchasing. Avoid those with alcohol, which can strip away your hair’s natural oils and moisture, and look for products formulated with nourishing care oils such as olive oil, argan oil and coconut oil. That is why it’s important to be cautious while picking a shampoo.

6. Changes in your hormone

Physiological shifts within the body can be caused by birth control pills, menopause, as well as pregnancy. These changes cause a hormonal imbalance, which in turn, has adverse effects on your hair. These effects present themselves in different ways, including brittleness and dryness. If you think this is why your hair is brittle, it’s best to consult a doctor to know what your treatments are.

How To Fix Brittle Hair

1. Use hydrating shampoo and conditioner

Provide your hair with supplementary protein, nutrients and moisturizing oils to help restore your hair’s healthy condition and strength.

Try: Real Effect Intense Nourishment Shampoo and Real Effect Intense Nourishment Conditioner

With exclusive surfactants obtained from Royal Jelly, Olive and Coconut contained in the formula shampoo and conditioner, the hair structure will be taken care of and hair dryness can be prevented from occurring. The most damaged parts of the hair fibre will be repaired and nourished by the innovative Restructuring Complex obtained from Chestnut Honey, Royal Jelly, Hibiscus Flowers, Bitter Orange and Sweet Orange Blossom too.

2. Follow up with hair mask and serum

This step may take a few extra minutes in the shower but the moisturizing and reconditioning benefits are worth it.

 

 

Try: Real Effect Super Nourishing Mask With Replenishing Action

This fine product delivers a highly nutritious restorative for dry, brittle, and tired hair, helping it become full-bodied and silky without weighing it down. It’s rich with Amino Acids of Royal Jelly and Shea Butter that helps to nourish and repair damaged hair.

To prevent and limit the formation of split ends,

Try: Real Effect Intense Nourishment Serum

Containing amino acids of Royal Jelly and Babassu Oil, it provides an emollient and nourishing action, helping seal damaged ends. The hair surface will go back to being smooth and silky, resulting in truly soft and radiant hair.

3. Choose hair styling products made with hydrating ingredients

Look for moisturizers with powerful ingredients such as shea butter, argan oil and coconut oil, while avoiding harsh and drying ingredients like alcohol and sulfates.

4. Try washing your hair every other day

Washing your hair every day can strip away the natural oils that keep your hair hydrated and conditioned. Try washing your hair every other day instead, using a dry shampoo if needed on the days between.

5. Use protective hair product when exposing your hair to heat or sun

Spritz on a thermal protector spray before using heat tools and protect your hair with a spray-on SPF for hair before spending the day in the sun.