Dry, brittle hair: causes and habits that help
Dry, rough hair that breaks: the most common causes (heat, colouring, harsh washing, detangling) and simple habits to protect the fibre.
The short answer
Dry, brittle hair most often comes from a weakened fibre: heat from styling tools, colouring or straightening, sun, harsh washing and rough detangling. Habits that help: a gentle shampoo, conditioner on the lengths at every wash, detangling from ends to roots and less heat.
Lengths that snag, break when brushed and lack shine: it is one of the most common problems. The good news is that a few changes in habits often make a real everyday difference.
Where does dryness come from?
The sebum produced by the scalp travels poorly down the hair, especially when it is long, wavy or curly. The ends, which are the oldest parts of the hair, are therefore naturally the driest.
What weakens the fibre
- Heat from hairdryers, straighteners and curling irons.
- Colouring, bleaching and straightening, which make the fibre more porous.
- Sun, wind and sea water.
- Harsh washing, with a stripping shampoo or scrubbed lengths.
- Rough detangling, especially on wet hair.
Wash gently
Choose a gentle shampoo, applied to the scalp only. The lengths are cleaned by the lather running down as you rinse. Our Fortigrow shampoo is stated by the brand to be free from sulfates and parabens.
Never skip conditioner
After every shampoo, apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends, not the roots. Use the time it is left on to detangle with a wide-tooth comb, starting with the ends. This is the role of SilkyTouch.
Dry without damage
Squeeze your hair in a towel instead of rubbing it. If you use a hairdryer, keep the heat moderate and dry from root to tip.
Protect the ends
A small amount of serum on the ends, as a finishing touch, helps keep them smooth. To go further, read our article on dry and split ends.
If your hair breaks a lot and you are also losing hair at the root, medical advice can help check for a deficiency or another condition.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my hair break so much?
Breakage rarely has a single cause: heat, chemical products, friction and rough detangling add up and weaken the fibre. If breakage comes with significant hair loss, seek medical advice.
Should I cut damaged ends?
Regularly trimming damaged ends stops breakage from travelling up the hair.
Is conditioner enough?
It is an essential base for the lengths. Pair it with gentle habits: pat-drying, patient detangling, limited heat.
