Dry hair is a common problem. It often feels rough, lacks shine and can become frizzy or break more easily. But what exactly does it mean when your hair is 'dry'? And more importantly: what can you do about it?

What is dry hair?

Hair is considered dry when it doesn’t retain enough moisture or loses moisture too quickly . The hair cuticles – the outer layer of the hair – are often exposed, causing hydration to evaporate and your hair to become more vulnerable.

Dryness is extra normal for curly hair. Because sebum has a harder time sliding down the bends of the curl, the lengths and ends often get too few natural oils. The result? Dry, frizzy or coarse locks.

How do you recognize dry hair?

You can recognize dry hair by one or more of these signs:

• Your hair feels rough or straw-like
• It lacks shine and looks dull
• It breaks easily when brushing or styling
• You often suffer from fluff
• It does not feel soft after washing, but rather dry or stiff

Causes of dry hair

There are several reasons why your hair may feel dry:

• Using shampoos with sulfates or drying ingredients
• Washing too often with hot water
• No or too little care after washing
• Heat damage (hair dryer, straightener, sun)
• Dyeing or bleaching
• Sea, chlorine or sun exposure

Below you will find some practical tips to prevent and care for dry hair.