The Common Causes & Best Solutions for Fixing Dry Hair in Men

The Common Causes & Best Solutions for Fixing Dry Hair in Men

Written by: Piers Le Moignan

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Time to read 9 min

We know that dry hair can feel like a nuisance. From itchy scalp to brittle strands, it can really throw off the whole look and feel of your hair. But there are some easy ways to fix dry hair for men that can restore your hair's health.


Depending on the reason behind your hair's lack of moisture, different solutions may work better for you. And it might take a bit more TLC and time to get your hair back to its best self.


That's not to say all love is lost, though.


To help you get on your way to a healthy barnet once more, we’ll give you a rundown on the best ways to fix men's dry hair, along with the possible causes so you can better understand what's going on with your hair.

‘Why is My Hair So Dry?’ The Causes of Dry Hair in Men

You can't really tackle any problem head-on (or hair-on, in this case) until you know what’s causing it.


The way in which you approach fixing your dry hair will depend on what's causing it, some of which could be...

a) Your Hair Type

Some hair types are naturally drier than others. If you have curly or coily hair (or type 3 or 4), it's more likely to be dry as the natural oils from your scalp struggle to reach the ends of your hair.


Also, these hair types are typically coarser and thicker, making it harder for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft. This is also linked to the porosity of your hair, which refers to how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture.


If you have high porosity hair, it means your hair has gaps or holes in the cuticle layer, making it more prone to dryness.

Other signs include…

  • Coarse & Thick Strands: Naturally curly or coarse hair types tend to be drier because natural oils have a harder time travelling down the hair shaft.

  • Frizz & Lack of ShineHair that looks frizzy and lacks natural shine is often a sign of a hair type that is prone to dryness.

  • Breakage & Split Ends: Coarse and curly hair types are more prone to breakage and split ends due to their structure and dryness.

b) Overwashing & Harsh Products

Washing your hair too frequently or with harsh products can strip away its natural oils and leave it feeling dry. This is because many off-the-shelf shampoos contain sulfates and other chemicals that can be too harsh for your hair, especially if you have a sensitive scalp.


Using high-quality haircare products is really important to prevent dryness. Look for shampoos and conditioners that are specifically designed for men's hair and contain natural ingredients like aloe vera or vitamins to nourish and hydrate your hair.


But more on this later.

Other signs include…

  • Straw-Like Texture: Hair feels rough and straw-like, indicating that it has been stripped of its natural oils.

  • Scalp Irritation: Frequent washing or using harsh products can lead to an itchy, flaky, or red scalp.

  • Increased Hair Fall: Overwashing and harsh chemicals can weaken hair, leading to increased shedding or hair breakage.

c) Poor Diet & Dehydration

What you put into your body is just as important as what you put onto your hair. A diet lacking in essential nutrients and hydration can contribute to dry hair.


Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated and incorporate foods rich in vitamins, healthy fats, and protein into your diet.


Everything you consume is eventually broken down and used by your hair follicles, so give them the fuel they need to produce healthy, moisturised hair.

Other signs include…

  • Dull & Lifeless Hair: A lack of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and proteins can make hair look dull and lifeless.

  • Slow Hair Growth: Poor nutrition can slow down hair growth, making it appear thin and dry.

  • Weak & Brittle Hair: Insufficient intake of essential fatty acids and other nutrients can make hair weak and brittle, leading to dryness.

d) Damage Caused By Heat or Environmental Factors

Excessive use of hot tools, like hair dryers and straighteners, can damage your hair and strip it of its natural oils. Additionally, exposure to environmental factors like sun, wind, and pollution can also dry out your hair.


To protect your hair from these external stressors, try using heat-protectant products before styling and consider wearing a hat when outside in harsh. weather conditions.

Other signs include…

  • Dry & Brittle Ends: Exposure to heat styling tools and environmental factors like sun and wind can cause the ends of the hair to become dry and brittle.

  • Colour Fading & Dullness: Hair exposed to excessive heat or environmental stressors may lose its colour and natural lustre.

  • Increased Frizz & Flyaways: Heat and environmental damage can disrupt the hair cuticle, leading to increased frizz and flyaways.

How to Fix Men's Dry Hair According to the Cause

When you think you've figured out what it could be that's causing your dry hair, you can try some of these solutions to help get your locks back in tip-top shape.

For Dry Hair Caused by Your Hair Type:

  • Use a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week to add moisture and nourishment to your hair.

  • Try the LOC method (leave-in conditioner, oil, and cream) to seal in moisture and prevent it from escaping.

  • Swap out your drugstore conditioner for a more nourishing one, like our Thickening Conditioner.

    Its powerful, advanced formula of organic actives, peptides, and aminos strengthens and nourishes hair at a cellular level, whilst combatting hair loss. It also cares for your scalp, providing all-round hair health.

  • If you have medium or long hair, use a brush or wide tooth comb in the shower to distribute conditioner evenly through your hair.

For Dry Hair Caused by Overwashing & Harsh Products:

  • Limit your hair washing to 1 to 3 times a week.

  • Swap your cheap haircare products for high-quality shampoo and conditioner that is sulfate-free and contains natural, hair-loving ingredients.

    Our Thickening Shampoo works incredibly well with our Thickening Conditioner, providing maximum hydration and nourishment to your hair and scalp. Unlike other shampoos, ours does not contain sulfate derivatives that can strip natural oils away.

  • Try a co-washing method where you use conditioner only to cleanse your hair between washes.

  • Replace harsh styling products with natural alternatives that contain hydrating ingredients, like our Marine Mist or Hybrid Hair.

    Both of these premium styling products contain natural and organic actives that nourish your hair and scalp while providing a strong, long-lasting hold. They're also great at smoothing down flyaways, which can be a common issue for dry hair.

For Dry Hair Caused by Poor Diet & Dehydration:

  • Drink between 2 and 2.5 litres of water a day.

  • Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats into your diet. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, nuts, and avocados can help promote healthy hair growth and hydration.

  • Consider taking a hair supplement to provide your hair with the essential nutrients it may be lacking, like vitamins A, C, D, E and biotin. But get advice from your GP before delving into any supplements.

For Dry Hair Caused by Damage from Heat or Environmental Factors:

  • Limit the use of hot tools on your hair and always use heat protectant products before styling.

  • Wear a hat in harsh weather conditions to protect your hair from sun, wind, and pollution.

  • Use a deep conditioning treatment or leave-in conditioner regularly to replenish any lost moisture.

  • Trim off damaged ends to promote healthy hair growth.

Is it Possible to Completely Fix Dry Hair?

For the most part, fixing dry hair is definitely possible.


While you might not be able to completely change the natural texture or porosity of your hair, you can definitely improve its overall health and moisture levels by following a proper hair care routine and making some lifestyle changes.


Similarly, hair damage can take time to reverse, if at all, so be patient and consistent with your hair care efforts.


Hydrating hair products will make a world of difference in not just masking dryness, but in treating it and preventing it from recurring.

Our collection of hair products, including our Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, are all specially formulated to nourish and hydrate your hair while promoting healthy growth.


We developed our formulas over years of research and development, working with Britain’s leading formulation house on some of the most advanced grooming products to date.


With natural and organic ingredients at our core, we believe that healthy hair starts with premium hair care.

Should I Cut Off My Dry Hair?

Getting regular haircuts (in combination with a sound hair care routine) can help prevent dryness and damage, but it's not always necessary to chop off all your hair.


If you have a lot of damaged ends, it might be best to get a trim to promote healthy growth and prevent further breakage. But if your hair is only slightly dry, you may be able to improve its moisture levels with the right products and techniques.


A lot of men find short hairstyles easier to manage, which can also help with the appearance of dry hair. Haircuts like a buzz cut, crew cut, or textured crop can also give the appearance of thicker, healthier hair.


But if you still follow poor hair care habits or don't incorporate enough moisture into your routine, it's likely that the dryness will persist even with shorter hair.

Summary: Restoring Dry Hair for Men

While we know it can be frustrating and inconvenient, dry hair in men is a common issue with many possible causes. However, it's not something you need to struggle with forever.


By understanding what may be causing your dry hair and taking the necessary steps to improve its moisture levels, you can restore your hair's health and achieve a fuller, more hydrated head of hair.


Want to elevate your hair care routine with premium products designed specifically for men's hair? Check out our full range of hair care products, including our Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, to promote healthy hair growth and combat dryness.


Your hair (and scalp) will thank you for it.

FAQs

Is Dry Hair Permanently Damaged?

Dry hair doesn't always mean your hair is damaged. It can also be a result of your hair type or lifestyle habits. However, if the dryness is caused by damage to the hair shaft, it can take time and proper care to restore its health fully.

How Long Does it Take to Fix Men's Dry Hair?

You can sometimes fix dry hair from the first use of hydrating products, but it may take a few weeks or even months to fully restore your hair's moisture levels and overall health. Consistency is key in any hair care routine, so stick with it for the best results.

Can You Fix Dead Hair?

Unfortunately, dead hair cannot be revived. However, you can still improve the appearance and texture of damaged hair with proper care and products that nourish and hydrate your strands.

How Do I Fix Extremely Dry Hair?

Extremely dry hair might require a bit more TLC and patience to restore its moisture levels. We'd suggest speaking to your barber or stylist for their opinion on the best course of action and incorporating deep conditioning treatments, leave-in conditioners, and regular trims into your hair care routine.

Piers Le Moignan

Piers Le Moignan is the founder and CEO of Salt Grooming, an award-winning British luxury men’s haircare and styling brand. 


Founded in 2018, Piers has quickly grown the company into a global brand that has distributed to 43 countries and counting.


Headquartered in London, Piers leads an agile workforce of 10 employees and consultants, including the company’s formulation team which features some of the UK’s leading cosmetic scientists. Piers is responsible for overseeing logistics, supply chain, and performance marketing, and is the driving force behind Salt’s product innovation and brand/creative direction. 


Previous to foundership, Piers spent a decade at some of London’s leading creative agencies, developing global brands and communications for the likes of Adidas, Jaguar Land Rover, British Airways, and more.

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