Why Is My Hair So Dry or Damaged?
Understanding what causes dry hair and then fixing it.
If your hair feels more like straw than silk, you’re not alone.
Dry and damaged hair treatments are needed for these common hair concerns — and while there is a solution for dry hair (don’t worry, we’ve got you), understanding the cause is the first step to truly restoring your hair’s health. Often, it’s not just one thing — it’s a combination of habits, environment, and even your lifestyle that can lead your hair down the dehydrated path.
So let’s break it down. Here are the main reasons your hair might be crying out for help.
1. Over-Washing
We get it — clean hair feels great. But if you’re washing it every day (or even every other day) with harsh shampoos, you could be stripping away the natural oils that protect your scalp and hydrate your strands.
Solution preview: Try spacing washes out and using hydrating, sulphate-free formulas (we’ll talk more about that here).
2. Heat Styling Overload
Blow dryers, straighteners, curling wands — all amazing tools, but they come at a cost. Frequent use without protection can literally fry your hair’s outer layer, causing it to become brittle, dry, and prone to breakage.
Top tip: Always use a heat protectant and let your hair air dry sometimes. If you can’t, use a medium to low heat setting.
3. Chemical Treatments
Bleach, colour, relaxers, perms — all great for changing up your look, but they compromise your hair’s structure. Once the cuticle is damaged, moisture escapes and dryness sets in.
If your hair feels rough and doesn’t hold moisture well after a colour treatment, this could be why.
Note: Deep conditioning masks and restorative hair treatments are important for this.
4. Environmental Stress
Sun exposure, cold winds, salty sea water, and chlorinated pools can all take a toll. Think of it like skin — your hair needs protection from the elements too.
Hint: UV rays can damage hair just like skin — especially coloured hair.
5. Hard Water
If you live in an area with hard water (rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium), it can leave build-up on your hair and make it harder for moisture and products to penetrate. Result? Dry, dull hair that feels weighed down.
How to tell: A tell-tale sign is your hair feeling filmy or rough after showering.
6. Lack of Moisture-Rich Products
Sometimes it’s not what you're doing — it’s what you're not doing. Dry hair craves moisture, and not all shampoos and conditioners are created equal.
If you’re using generic or drying formulas (hello, sulphates and alcohols), your hair won’t get the hydration it needs to stay soft and shiny.
7. Health & Nutrition
What’s going on inside your body affects what grows out of it. Diets low in essential fats, vitamins (like B vitamins and biotin), and hydration can show up in your hair.
Likewise, stress and hormone shifts (like pregnancy or menopause) can affect how nourished your hair feels and looks.
8. Neglect or Incorrect Brushing
Snapping your hair with a rough brush, using the wrong hair tie/bobble (due to friction on the hair) or skipping regular trims can make dryness worse. Damaged ends split and creep up the hair shaft, leading to more breakage and less shine.
What Now?
If any (or all) of these sound familiar, the good news is that dry and damaged hair is absolutely fixable — with the right care and products.
We've created a dedicated Dry & Damaged Hair Solutions page that breaks down exactly what to do next. From our go-to products to expert tips, it’s your next step to hair that actually feels good again.
Feeling seen?
You’re not alone — and we’re here to help. Sign up for hair care tips and special offers, or head straight to our solutions page to start your hair healing journey.