Dry hair feels rough, frizzes easily, and lacks shine because the fiber is missing lipids and water. It improves with a routine that cleanses without stripping away oils, nourishes the lengths after every wash, includes a leave-in treatment, and uses less heat in day-to-day life.
What is dry hair and how do you recognize it?
The sebum produced by the scalp gradually moves down each strand, coating it in a fine film that keeps it flexible. When that film doesn't reach the ends, or is lost through washing and heat, the cuticle lifts, water evaporates, and the hair becomes stiff. Curly and wavy hair suffer more: oil travels with difficulty down a spiral strand. The signs:
- Rough texture to the touch, especially from the mid-lengths to the ends.
- Frizz and volume that is hard to control.
- Frequent knots and ends that look dull.
- Hair that only feels better when you apply a product to it.
It should not be confused with a dry scalp, which feels tight and sometimes itchy. You can have oily roots and dry lengths at the same time, and each area requires its own care.
Why does hair dry out?
General causes
- Hair shape: curly, afro, and wavy hair tend to be drier.
- Shampoos with harsh surfactants or very frequent washing. The surfactant surrounds the oil so that water can wash it away, and it doesn't distinguish between dirt and the coating that hair needs.
- Blow dryer, flat iron, or curling iron at high temperatures.
- Dyes, bleaching, and straightening treatments, which leave the fiber more porous.
Lifestyle and climate in Colombia
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Dry mountain cold. In Bogotá, Tunja, or Pasto, the air holds little humidity, and hot shower water strips away more lipids.
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Dry heat. In Valledupar, Neiva, or Cúcuta, the fiber also loses water.
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Humidity in low-lying tropical areas. Dry, porous hair absorbs humidity from the air unevenly, resulting in frizz.
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Sun, sea, and pool water, which cause dryness if you don't rinse and protect your hair.
Your wash routine for dry hair
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Nourishing shampoo with lukewarm water, massaging the scalp. Let the lather slide down the lengths without rubbing them.
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Conditioner with every wash, on lengths and ends, for 1 minute.
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Mask twice a week instead of conditioner, for 3 to 5 minutes.
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Dry gently, pressing with a towel. Detangle with a wide-tooth comb starting from the ends.
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Leave-in care on damp hair: a cream if you use heat, an oil or a balm if you air dry.
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Between washes, a few drops of oil on dry ends restores softness.
Products we recommend
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Nourishing Cream Shampoo 250 mL: a cream shampoo for very dry hair, with camelina oil, which protects and nourishes the fiber and leaves it shinier with less frizz and fewer knots.
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Restorative Conditioner 200 mL: with organic jojoba oil for dry and damaged hair; it nourishes and leaves hair easy to comb without weighing it down.
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Repair Hair Mask 200 mL: a mask with organic jojoba oil for dry and damaged hair, to be used twice a week for 3 to 5 minutes.
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Ultra-Nourishing Hair Cream 150 mL: a rich leave-in cream that nourishes and controls frizz in the driest, curly, or frizzy hair, with heat protection up to 230 °C.
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Ultra-Nourishing Hair Oil 100 mL: an extra-rich oil for before blow-drying or as a finishing touch. In a consumer test with 69 people published by the brand, the majority noticed their hair was nourished and shiny from the first use.
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Botanical Repair Balm 150 mL: a leave-in balm for lengths and ends; on damp hair, it makes combing easier, and on dry hair, it controls frizz. Available in a mini format.
When to consult a dermatologist
Dryness of the lengths can be managed at home. Book an appointment if the hair breaks very close to the root, if it falls out in large amounts or you notice patches with less hair, if the scalp has flaking, redness, crusts, or itching that doesn't go away, or if the dryness appears suddenly along with other changes, such as fatigue or very dry skin. Sometimes there is an underlying cause that should be checked by a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Does dry hair need water or oil?
Both. The conditioner and mask provide hydration and softness; the oil or leave-in cream helps keep it from escaping.
Should I wash dry hair less often?
Spacing out washes usually helps, especially for curly hair. If your roots get oily quickly, wash as usual and focus the nutrition on the lengths.
Does oil make hair greasy?
If you use too much or apply it near the roots, yes. Start with a few drops on the ends and move up only if necessary.
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