How to care for dry hair?

 

Why is my hair dry?   

Dry hair is often the result of a weakened, porous hair fibre, caused in part by a greater need for moisture and deeper nourishment. Beyond genetic predisposition, a number of external factors can make the problem worse, including exposure to the sun, dust and wind, as well as friction from accessories such as hats, beanies, scarves and helmets. Addressing dry hair starts with paying closer attention not only to your haircare routine, but also to the way you brush your hair. 

How to care for and restore dry hair?

Countless natural beauty rituals and time-honoured haircare secrets can help restore dry hair to its healthiest-looking condition. To target your hair’s specific needs, two steps are essential. 

1. Oil treatments and masks for intensive nourishment   

Ideal for deeply nourishing dry hair, plant oils offer a wealth of benefits for restoring the hair fibre. Here are some of our favourites: 

• Olive, argan, sweet almond, coconut and avocado oils: essential oils for drenching the hair fibre with nourishing lipids.
• Castor oil: a go-to ingredient for an extra boost of nourishment and to support hair growth.
• Hazelnut or jojoba oil: ideal for hair with roots that tend to become oily quickly, providing essential fatty acids without weighing the hair down.
• Shea butter: apply from the ends upwards towards the lengths, avoiding the scalp. It is particularly effective at restoring shine to dry, dull hair.

Hair masks are another valuable ally: choose aloe vera for gentle hydration, or egg yolk and olive oil for intensive nourishment and exceptional shine. 

2. Washing your hair less often: the secret to a naturally balanced routine   

One of the simplest - and most economical - techniques is also one of the easiest to overlook: washing your hair less frequently. When the scalp produces relatively little sebum, there is no need to wash it too often; excessive cleansing, on the other hand, can strip the hair fibre and leave it feeling stressed and weakened. By extending the time between washes, you give your scalp the opportunity to restore its natural oils. This is where the right brush can make all the difference: daily use of the Altesse Studio care brush helps prevent precious sebum from remaining concentrated at the roots, while distributing it through dry lengths that need it most. It acts as a natural care ritual in its own right and is also the perfect companion for anyone looking to embrace a longer-term sebum-balancing routine. 

Why is brushing an essential part of naturally nourishing dry hair?   

As we have seen, dry hair is associated with a lack of lipids, as well as a scalp that may not produce enough sebum. Daily brushing can be a simple yet effective way to help restore balance. 

Brushing gently massages the head and scalp, helping to stimulate them while evenly distributing sebum from roots to ends. Acting as a natural conditioning agent, sebum nourishes the lengths and forms a protective barrier that helps lock moisture into the hair fibre. 

The key is choosing the right brush. Altesse Studio care brushes are made with first-cut boar bristles, the finest part of the bristle, which, like human hair, are composed of keratin. They pick up sebum at the roots and distribute it along the hair fibre, restoring softness, flexibility and shine. To make the most of this ritual, follow the 100-stroke brushing routine morning and evening. 

The right brush depends on your hair type:

• Fine to normal hair: our care brush for fine to normal hair is ideal for distributing sebum through the lengths while helping to create natural-looking volume.
• Thick, wavy or curly hair: our care brush for thick or curly hair is the first 100% boar-bristle care brush specially designed for these hair types, helping to nourish the lengths while reducing puffiness and frizz.

It is our expertise, built over generations since 1875, that has enabled us to design brushes specifically suited to the needs of dry hair, whatever your hair type. 

Caring for dry hair: your questions, our expert answers 

Can you brush dry hair every day? 

Yes, morning and evening, following the 100-stroke brushing ritual. This daily routine helps distribute the hair's natural sebum along the fibre without weighing it down. 

How often should you wash dry hair? 

As the scalp produces little sebum, it's best to wash your hair less often. Washing every three days is a good starting point, using a gentle shampoo.