How to Fix Dry and Brittle Hair: Best Hair Treatments to Try
Dry and brittle hair is a common problem that can make your hair look dull, frizzy, and prone to breakage. Whether caused by excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental factors, dehydrated hair needs special care to restore moisture, strength, and shine.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best hair treatments for dry and brittle hair, including salon options, DIY remedies, and essential tips to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
What Causes Dry and Brittle Hair?
Before choosing the right treatment, it’s important to understand what’s causing your hair to lose moisture and strength.
Common Causes of Dry and Brittle Hair:
✔ Excessive Heat Styling – Frequent use of flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers strips hair of its natural oils.
✔ Overwashing – Washing your hair too often removes essential moisture, leading to dryness.
✔ Chemical Treatments – Bleaching, coloring, and perming damage the hair cuticle and weaken strands.
✔ Lack of Hydration – Dehydration in the body affects the scalp and hair, making it dry.
✔ Environmental Factors – Sun exposure, pollution, and harsh weather conditions contribute to moisture loss.
✔ Poor Diet – A lack of essential vitamins and nutrients, such as biotin and omega-3 fatty acids, weakens hair.
Best Salon Hair Treatments for Dry and Brittle Hair
If your hair needs intense hydration and repair, professional salon treatments can deliver long-lasting results.
1. Deep Conditioning Treatment
✔ Best for: Mild to moderately dry hair
✔ How often: Once a week or bi-weekly
How It Works:
- A moisture-rich conditioner is applied to your hair.
- Heat or steam is used to open the hair cuticle, allowing deep penetration of nutrients.
- It restores moisture and elasticity, leaving hair soft and shiny.
💡 Tip: Opt for a treatment with shea butter, argan oil, or coconut oil for extra hydration.
2. Olaplex Treatment
✔ Best for: Hair that is dry and damaged from bleaching or chemical treatments
✔ How often: Every 4-6 weeks
How It Works:
- Olaplex rebuilds broken hair bonds, making hair stronger and healthier.
- It repairs damage from within, rather than just coating the hair.
- Ideal for those with color-treated or chemically processed hair.
💡 Tip: Follow up with Olaplex No.3 at home for maintenance.
3. Hair Botox Treatment
✔ Best for: Extremely dry, coarse, or frizzy hair
✔ How often: Every 2-4 months
How It Works:
- Contains vitamins, amino acids, and proteins to restore hydration and smooth hair texture.
- Unlike Keratin, it doesn’t straighten hair but deeply conditions it.
- Reduces frizz and adds shine.
💡 Tip: Great for curly and wavy hair that needs hydration without losing natural texture.
4. Hot Oil Treatment
✔ Best for: Hair that is dry due to lack of natural oils
✔ How often: Once a week
How It Works:
- Warm natural oils are applied to the hair and scalp.
- The oils penetrate the hair shaft, sealing in moisture.
- Helps prevent split ends and breakage.
💡 Best Oils: Argan oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil.
5. Keratin Treatment
✔ Best for: Frizzy, dry, and unmanageable hair
✔ How often: Every 3-6 months
How It Works:
- Keratin is infused into the hair to smooth and strengthen strands.
- Seals the cuticle, reducing frizz and preventing moisture loss.
- Leaves hair looking shinier and healthier.
💡 Tip: Avoid sulfate shampoos to maintain the treatment’s longevity.
Best DIY Hair Treatments for Dry and Brittle Hair
If you prefer natural remedies, these DIY treatments can restore moisture and strength to your hair.
1. DIY Deep Hydration Hair Mask
✔ Best for: Extremely dry hair
✔ How often: Once a week
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana (moisturizes and softens hair)
- 2 tablespoons honey (locks in moisture)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (deep hydration)
How to Use:
- Mash the banana and mix with honey and coconut oil.
- Apply to damp hair and leave on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and shampoo.
💡 Tip: Banana is rich in potassium, which helps repair weak and brittle strands.
2. DIY Aloe Vera Hair Treatment
✔ Best for: Soothing a dry scalp and hydrating hair
✔ How often: Twice a week
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons fresh aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon argan oil
- ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil
How to Use:
- Mix all ingredients and apply to the scalp and hair.
- Leave on for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water.
💡 Tip: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe a dry, itchy scalp.
3. Avocado & Olive Oil Hair Mask
✔ Best for: Nourishing dry, brittle hair
✔ How often: Once a week
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado (rich in fatty acids)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (deep conditioner)
How to Use:
- Blend avocado and olive oil into a smooth paste.
- Apply to your hair, focusing on dry ends.
- Leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing.
💡 Tip: Olive oil prevents split ends and improves hair elasticity.
How to Prevent Dry and Brittle Hair
Besides using treatments, a good hair care routine will help prevent dryness and damage.
1. Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo
✔ Sulfates strip moisture from hair, making it drier.
✔ Use gentle, hydrating shampoos with natural ingredients.
2. Wash Your Hair Less Often
✔ Washing too frequently removes natural oils.
✔ Wash only 2-3 times a week to retain moisture.
3. Avoid Excessive Heat Styling
✔ Heat weakens the hair cuticle, making it prone to dryness.
✔ Use a heat protectant spray before styling.
4. Stay Hydrated & Eat a Healthy Diet
✔ Drink plenty of water to keep hair hydrated from the inside out.
✔ Eat foods rich in omega-3s, biotin, and vitamin E for stronger hair.
5. Get Regular Trims
✔ Prevent split ends by trimming hair every 6-8 weeks.
Final Thoughts: How to Restore Dry and Brittle Hair
If your hair is feeling dry, weak, and prone to breakage, don’t worry—the right treatments can revive it.
- For intense repair: Choose Olaplex, Hair Botox, or Deep Conditioning treatments.
- For frizz control: Try a Keratin treatment or Hot Oil therapy.
- For a natural approach: Use DIY hair masks with hydrating ingredients like avocado, honey, and coconut oil.
By following these treatments and hair care tips, your hair can regain its moisture, softness, and shine.