How to Tell if Your Hair Is Damaged or Dry (Or Both?!)

Don’t know how to tell if your hair is damaged or dry? Here are all of the signs to look for, and how to fix these hair issues.

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When your hair feels unhealthy, and you can’t get it to look good no matter what, it can be pretty confusing to figure out what’s wrong.

You’ve got QUESTIONS. Is my hair permanently damaged?

Can I revive it?

How do I know if my hair is dry?

…What kind of treatment do I use?!

If you want to sort out what’s going on with your hair, there are some things you can look for, and I’m going to guide you through the signs for both dry and damaged hair.

You’ll also learn what causes both dry and damaged hair, and the different treatments you can use to solve them.

It’s important to understand the difference between the two, so you can give your hair what it needs to be healthy.

So whether you’ve got dry hair in need of hydration, or damage in need of repair, this post has you covered. Here’s the difference between dry and damaged hair, and the steps you can take to get your healthy hair back.

Contents

Dry vs. Damaged Hair

The signs of dryness and damage can be similar, but there are some key differences you can look for.

Hair feeling a little thirsty? First, let’s start off with what the signs of dry hair are, and what causes it.

What Is Dry Hair?

Dry hair is often misidentified as damaged. Dry hair lacks moisture and its natural oils, and leads to the hair having a stiffer texture.

Your hair doesn’t feel as soft as it should, and the strands seem a bit brittle. Dryness is super common and it can be caused by several factors.

But don’t stress too much about it! Dry hair is manageable and can be improved with the right hair care steps.

What Causes Dry Hair?

Consider your lifestyle and hair routine, and whether any of these are regularly a part of it. You may not even have noticed that you’ve got a habit that causes dry strands!

Over-shampooing: shampooing too frequently can strip your hair, and removes your hair’s natural oils too often.
Harsh hair products: products such as styling products with drying alcohols, and shampoos with harsh cleansers can dry out your hair.
Environmental elements: dry weather or excessive UV exposure can zap moisture from your hair.
Diet: if you’re dehydrated or lacking nutrients on the inside, it’s going to show on the outside! Make sure you’re including a lot of water and nutrient-dense foods in your diet.

Signs of Dry Hair

Lack of shine and luster
Tangles easily
May also have a dry and flaky scalp
Feels rough to touch, strands lack softness
Prone to split ends
Appears dull and lifeless, hair lacks body

What is Damaged Hair?

Hair that’s damaged is a more severe condition than dryness, and it needs immediate care.

It happens when the hair cuticle (the outer layer of the hair strand) is weakened or destroyed, leading to breakage and brittleness.

Damaged hair can be somewhat restored, but if it’s REALLY bad, you may just have to cut it off.

What Causes Damaged Hair?

Heat styling: especially if used frequently, on high settings and/or without a heat protectant.
Chemical processing: such as bleach and relaxers, or chemicals in pool water.
Rough handling: ripping brushes through hair without proper detangling, using elastic bands to tie hair back, or friction from towel-drying and pillowcases.
Environmental elements: exposure to sun, wind, pollution and harsh weather.

Signs of Damaged Hair

Hair always feels dry, and doesn’t retain moisture
Constant split ends
Thinning at the ends, or sections of shorter hair that have broken off
Frizz and flyaways
Lack of elasticity, hair snaps instead of stretching and bouncing back
No shine, hair looks dull
Hair texture looks and feels rough, lacks softness
Your hair is unusually tangly

woman wearing yellow robe, looking at a strand of her hair

Now that you know how to tell if your hair is damaged or dry, here are some tips to help you tailor your hair care routine for your specific needs.

You’ll also find some of the best products to add to your routine to help get your hair back in its best shape.

How to Fix Dry Hair

Add hydrating masks and deep conditioners into your routine
Use heat tools less often, and on low settings – and always use a heat protectant
Shampoo less frequently, if possible, and focus it on the roots, not the ends
Use natural oils to help seal in moisture and reduce scalp flakes
In the warmer months, follow a summer hair care routine and protect your hair from the sun
Try using a humidifier at home to put moisture back in the hair
Sleep on a silk pillowcase
Don’t forget to nourish your hair from the inside out too! A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein is essential for healthy, hydrated hair

Best Products for Dry Hair

– Rahua Hydration Shampoo

– Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

– Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

– Philip B Thermal Protection Spray

– Slip Silk Pillowcase

– Oribe Gold Lust All Over Oil

– Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus Liquid Marine Collagen

How to Fix Damaged Hair

Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for damaged hair
Use bond builders and deep conditioners regularly
Avoid heat styling tools as much as possible and if blow drying/diffusing, use low heat and a heat protectant
Use a wide-toothed comb or wet detangling brush to minimize breakage while detangling wet (for those with curly hair)
Protect your hair from harsh winds and elements by following winter hair care steps in the colder months
Sleep on a silk pillowcase
Take collagen to help promote faster healthy hair growth

Best Products for Damaged Hair

– Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Super Moisture Shampoo for Damaged Hair

– Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

– Umberto Giannini Rosemary Scalp and Hair Oil

– Philip B Thermal Protection Spray

– Briogeo Wide Tooth Comb

– WetBrush Original Detangler Brush