How To Deal With Dry, Brittle Hair Falling Out: 9 Effective Solutions

Medically reviewedby Dr. Amy Revene M.B.B.S.
WrittenbyLuat Duong
Last updated

Dealing with dry, brittle hair that's falling out can be frustrating. It's like watching your once vibrant strands turn into a dull, lifeless mess. But keep hope! Hair woes can often feel like an uphill battle, but you can turn things around with the right approach.

Imagine your hair surviving and thriving—soft, strong, and full of life. 

In this guide, we'll explore 9 effective solutions that are simple yet transformative. From gentle care routines to high heat products to nourishing treatments, get ready to give your hair the love it deserves and bring back its natural luster and strength.

What is brittle hair?

brittle hair

Brittle hair is a condition characterized by dryness, fragility, and an increased tendency to break or snap. This hair type often appears dull, feels rough to the touch, and lacks elasticity, making it prone to damage from everyday handling like brushing or using styling products.

Hair typically becomes brittle due to a lack of moisture and essential oils, vital for maintaining its natural luster and flexibility.

This condition includes overusing heat-styling tools, excessive chemical treatments (coloring or perms), environmental stressors like sun exposure or harsh weather, and insufficient hair care routines. 

Replenishing moisture through deep conditioning treatments, minimizing heat and chemical processes, and adopting a gentle hair care regimen can help restore hair's vitality and enough moisture and prevent further damage.

Why you can trust Scandinavian Biolabs?
TrichoAI Hair Loss Analysis
Our free, anonymous and dermatologist-developed AI analyzes your hair loss in 30 seconds, suggesting personalized solutions to combat thinning. Understanding your hair condition has never been easier.
Yes, I want to fix hair loss

Symptoms of brittle hair

Brittle hair manifests through a lack of moisture and flexibility, leading to hair that easily breaks or feels rough. Key symptoms include:

  • Increased hair breakage and split ends: Hair strands become more fragile and prone to breaking off mid-shaft or at the ends, resulting in uneven hair length and an abundance of split ends. This is often the first sign noticed.
  • Dullness and lack of shine: Healthy hair reflects light, giving it a natural shine. On the other hand, Brittle hair has a rough outer layer that fails to reflect light, making the hair appear lifeless and dull.
  • Rough texture when touched: When running your fingers through your hair, it may feel coarse or straw-like. This texture indicates the hair cuticles are damaged and raised, causing a rough feel.
  • Difficulty in detangling: Brittle hair tangles more easily due to the rough and damaged cuticles. Combing or brushing can become a challenge, often leading to more breakage.
  • Hair thinning or loss due to breakage: Over time, the cumulative effect of breakage can lead to visibly thinner hair. Unlike hair loss from the roots, this thinning occurs because the hair breaks along its length.
  • Reduced elasticity, causing hair to snap when stretched: Healthy hair can stretch and return to its original length without breaking. Brittle hair lacks this elasticity, so it's more likely to crack under tension, such as when brushing or styling.

    What is the cause of dry, brittle hair falling out?

    dry brittle hair

    Dry, brittle hair falling out can be caused by a combination of factors that damage the hair's structure and diminish its natural moisture. These causes vary widely, from daily habits to hormonal changes to environmental exposure.

    1. Chemical treatments

    Frequent use of dyes, relaxers, or perms can severely affect the hair's health and integrity. These chemicals strip the hair of its natural oils and proteins, making it dry, brittle, and prone to falling out.

    2. Heat styling tools

    Regular hair dryers, flat irons, and curling irons at high temperatures can sap moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and fragile. Over time, this heat damage leads to weakened strands that break easily.

    Moreover, conditions like tight ponytails, frequent hair extensions, and using other harsh chemicals on hair can also lead to hair shedding, thus causing hair dryness.

    3. Environmental stressors

    Exposure to the sun, wind, dry air, and cold can strip hair of moisture, leading to dryness and brittleness. Chlorinated water and salty air also contribute to hair damage.

    4. Poor nutrition

    A poor diet, lacking essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, can weaken hair from the inside, making it more susceptible to dryness and breakage and promoting healthy hair growth. Protein, vitamins A, C, D, E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for healthy hair.

    5. Over-washing and harsh hair products

    Washing your hair too frequently or using harsh shampoos can strip away natural oils that protect and moisturize your hair. Sulfates, alcohols, and fragrances in hair products can exacerbate dryness and fragility in wet hair.

    6. Underlying health conditions

    Certain health conditions, such as thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, and scalp infections, can lead to dry, brittle, and thinning hair and increased hair fall. Stress and aging can also affect hair health and texture.

    How do you fix dry, brittle hair falling out?

    It's crucial to address external and internal factors affecting hair health to fix dry, brittle hair that's falling out. Here are eight comprehensive solutions to restore moisture, strength, and vitality to your hair.

    1. Bio-Pilixin Hair Activation Serum

    dry, hair follicles

    Revive your dry, brittle hair with Bio-Pilixin Activation Serum, A Magic Potion for Strong, Shiny Hair.

    Struggling with dry, brittle hair can be tough, but there's hope! Meet Bio-Pilixin Activation Serum, a growth booster and a lifesaver for adding shine to your hair. This unique serum is packed with goodies like Niacinamide and Capilia Longa that go deep into your hair, helping it grow and look shiny and healthy.

    These ingredients bring life back to dull hair, giving it a beautiful, natural shine. They also help keep hair hydrated, which is important if it feels dry frizzy, and lifeless.

    Using this serum is easy. Like other shine products, apply it to clean, slightly damp hair, focusing on the middle to the ends. You can use it before styling to protect against heat or dry hair, add extra shine, and control frizz.

    So, if you're tired of dealing with dry, brittle hair, try Bio-Pilixin Activation Serum. It's not only about making your hair grow but also about making it shine beautifully.

    And with a 150-day money-back guarantee, it's risk-free to see if it's right for your hair care routine. Get ready for more robust, shinier, and thicker hair now!

    Bio-Pilixin® Activation Serum | For Women
    Bio-Pilixin® Activation Serum | For Women
    Drug-free & clinically tested
    Bio-Pilixin® Activation Serum | For Men
    Bio-Pilixin® Activation Serum | For Men
    Drug-free & clinically tested

    2. Deep conditioning treatments

    Regularly applying deep conditioning treatments or hair masks can restore moisture, natural oil, and elasticity to dry, brittle hair, thus making your hair healthy.

    Look for products rich in nourishing ingredients like keratin, argan oil, and shea butter. These treatments once a week can help repair damage and prevent future breakage from completely drying out.

    3. Minimize heat styling

    heat style

    Limit heat styling tools and apply a heat protectant shampoo or spray before styling. Let your hair air-dry when possible, and opt for heat-free styling methods to reduce further damage and moisture loss.

    4. Improve your diet

    For hair health and to cover your nutrient deficiencies, incorporate a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and biotin, such as fish, nuts, leafy greens, and eggs, can strengthen hair from within and promote healthier growth.

    5. Use gentle hair care products

    Switch to sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are gentler on your hair. Products formulated for dry or damaged hair can help replenish moisture without stripping away natural oils.

    6. Protect hair from environmental stressors

    Wear a hat or use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection to shield your hair from the sun's damaging effects. Similarly, minimize the daily exposure of hair to chlorine and saltwater and consider using a humidifier in dry indoor environments.

    7. Regular trims

    Regular trims every 6–8 weeks can prevent the spread of split ends, contributing to hair breakage. Even if you're growing your hair, trimming the ends can keep it healthy and strong.

    8. Avoid harsh chemical treatments

    Reduce the frequency of chemical treatments like hair dye, relaxers, and perms. Consider using more natural coloring techniques, a heat protectant spray, or semi-permanent dyes, and give your hair a break between treatments to recover.

    9. Manage stress

     

    dry brittle hair
    High-stress levels can contribute to hair loss and poor hair and scalp health. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as exercise, meditation, or yoga into your routine can help improve overall well-being, including hair health.

     

    Conclusion

    In our journey to conquer dry and brittle hair, we've explored a variety of solutions, emphasizing the importance of hydration, gentle care, and proper nutrition.

    A standout in our arsenal is the Bio-Pilixin Activation Serum, a dual-action hero that stimulates hair growth, enhances shine, and manages frizz. 

    Incorporating ingredients like niacinamide and Capilia longa deeply nourishes the top, washing your hair shaft and reviving the natural luster of your locks.

    Its lightweight formula promises to bring life back to dry, brittle hair without weighing it down, making it an essential part of any hair care regimen.

    FAQs

    What causes dry, brittle hair?

    Dry, dry and brittle hair is often the result of chemical treatments, heat styling, environmental stressors, poor nutrition, over-washing, and certain health and medical conditions too. These factors damage the hair's structure and strip it of moisture, leading to fragility and breakage.

    How can I prevent my hair from becoming dry and brittle?

    Prevent dry, brittle hair by minimizing heat styling and chemical treatments, using gentle hair care products, protecting hair from environmental damage, improving your diet with nutrient-rich foods, and staying hydrated to support overall hair health.

    Are there any specific vitamins or foods that promote healthier hair?

    Yes, foods rich in proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, D, and E, and minerals like zinc and iron support hair strength and growth. Add fish, nuts, eggs, and leafy greens to your diet for healthier hair.

    Can trimming my hair help with dryness and brittleness?

    Regular trims remove split ends, preventing further breakage and making wet hair easier to manage. While it doesn't directly affect dryness, trimming helps improve your hair's overall appearance and health.

    Is it possible to restore shine to dry, brittle hair?

    Absolutely. Restoring shine to dry, brittle hair involves replenishing moisture through deep conditioning treatments, using shine-enhancing products like the Bio-Pilixin Activation Serum, and adopting hair care practices that minimize damage and promote hair health.

    References: 

    1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7522433/ 
    2. https://www.dovepress.com/clinical-study-to-evaluate-the-efficacy-and-safety-of-a-hair-serum-pro-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CCID 

    Read more:

    1. Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? We Revisited The Evidence
    2. The Connection Between Itchy Scalp and Hair Growth: What You Need to Know
    3. Best 15 Shampoos for Hair Loss in Men: These Works For Your Hair
    Luat Duong

    Luat Duong is a Copenhagen-based writer and content strategist specializing in hair loss and health. His work has been featured in MyHealthGuide, The Right Hairstyles, and Woman's Era. He is a graduate of Vaasa University. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.