Caring for hair that is fine and overly dry can seem like an exercise in frustration. Dry hair lacks moisture, and can become brittle, porous, frizzy, dull and plagued by split ends. Learning Info notes that often dry hair has been damaged by chemical processing. With fine hair, individual hair shafts are thin in diameter. Problems with fine hair include limpness, inability to hold a hairstyle and lack of body or volume. The upside is that once your fine, dry hair is properly moisturized, conditioned and styled, its natural silkiness, shine and manageability can be restored.
Step 1
Use an all-natural moisturizing shampoo made for dry hair, being careful to avoid harsh or chemical-filled products, which can strip hair of natural oils. To thicken fine, dry hair, Hair Boutique advises using a volumizing shampoo that contains natural ingredients such as crustacean shell extract, shea butter, wheat micro-proteins or honey. Daily Glow recommends shampooing dry, fine hair no more than twice a week.
Step 2
Apply a moisturizing leave-in conditioner after shampooing, putting it sparingly on the roots but lavishly on the ends. The goal is to moisturize driest parts of the hair while avoiding over-conditioning, which can weigh fine hair down. Daily Glow advises using the conditioner even on days you do not shampoo; simply rinse your hair and apply.
Step 3
Boil six cups of water, then add 2 tbsp. each of loose chamomile and lemongrass teas and simmer covered over low heat for 10 minutes to begin this recipe from Spa Index for a conditioning and thickening rinse. Cool, strain, put in a spray bottle and use to refresh and treat your dry, fine hair on days that you don't shampoo. Chamomile gently cleanses hair and promotes shine, while lemongrass oils protect dry hair.
Step 4
Use a commercial hot oil treatment every week to nourish and hydrate dry hair. Alternately, you can use olive oil. Daily Glow recommends warming up the oil, massaging it into hair and scalp, covering with a hot towel for half an hour, then shampooing it out.
Step 5
Consult with a professional stylist who has experience with fine, dry hair to get the best possible haircut. Hair Boutique says that the best haircuts for fine hair are variations on the cap, bowl, and crop cuts, adjusted to suit your features. The site also recommends a style cut on the diagonal with hair shorter in front and angled in around your face; this pushes hair forward and gives the illusion of dimension and volume.
Step 6
Visit your stylist every six weeks to avoid split ends and to keep your haircut looking sharp. Hair Boutique notes that fine hair looks its worst when it starts to lose the shape of a haircut.
Tips and Warnings
- To moisturize dry hair, Learning Info recommends rubbing three drops of safflower oil into hair, starting at the ends. Daily Glow advises taking a vacation from chemical coloring, perms, rough handling, and heat styling--including blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons--while your hair is dry and damaged. Protect your hair from harsh weather and drying sun by wearing a hat in winter and sunscreen formulated for hair in the summer.
- Don't use heavy gels when styling fine hair; these can weigh hair down, causing it to look limp and matted. Spray gels and mousses are a better bet.
Things You'll Need
- All-natural moisturizing shampoo, preferably with crustacean shell extract, wheat micro-proteins or honey
- Commercial leave-in moisturizing conditioner
- 6 cups water
- 2 tbsp. loose chamomile tea
- 2 tbsp. loose lemongrass tea
- Commercial hot oil treatment
- 1/2 cup olive oil (optional)
- Heated towel (optional)
Member Comments