Dry or frizzy hair

Frizz and dryness are mostly about the lengths of your hair, not the scalp. Hair that's been bleached, coloured or heat-damaged becomes more porous, and dermatologists' advice for dry, curly and coily hair focuses on conditioning the full length and gentle detangling. Conditioner is the main tool: it reduces friction between hairs, smooths the surface and cuts static (dermatology reviews).

Common signs

• Hair that feels rough or straw-like and tangles easily
• Frizz and puffiness, especially in damp weather
• Dull-looking lengths and ends

What usually helps

• Condition after every wash — through the full length if your hair is dry or curly (American Academy of Dermatology).
• Use a richer mask or deep conditioner now and then on very dry or bleached lengths.
• Detangle with a wide-tooth comb from the ends upwards, ideally with conditioner still in.
• Use the lowest heat setting that works and a heat protectant, and keep heat styling to a minimum.
• A loose plait, bonnet or silk/satin scarf can help keep lengths smooth overnight (evidence is limited).

Washing: Shampoo the scalp only and let the suds rinse through the lengths; if your hair is very dry or coily, you may not need to shampoo often.

Build your routine with this concern →

Read the full guides

• Conditioning and detangling without breakageShampoo cleans the scalp; conditioner protects the lengths. How conditioner works, where to put it, rinse-out versus deep conditioning, and how to detangle wet hair with…
• Hair porosity, density and thickness: what they really meanPorosity, density and strand thickness shape how your hair behaves as much as curl pattern does. What each term means scientifically, what changes them — and why the gla…
• Safe heat styling: dryers, straighteners and curling tongsHeat changes hair, and more heat does more damage. What the research says about dryer distance, straightening wet hair and heat protectants — and the simple habits that…
• Colour-treated and bleached hair: safer dyeing and aftercareHair dye reactions are fairly common, so the NHS advises testing a dye at least 48 hours before you use it. How to dye more safely, why bleached hair behaves differently…
• Sleep and hair: silk pillowcases, satin bonnets and night-time careSilk and satin are hugely popular for protecting hair overnight, especially curly and coily hair. Here's what's known (very little), what's sensible, and how to avoid ni…

Ingredients worth knowing

• Silicones Evidence: CosmeticSmoothing, detangling and shine in conditioners, serums and heat protectants
• Glycerin Evidence: CosmeticHumectant that helps products hold water; adds slip and softness
• Oils (coconut, argan, olive, mineral) Evidence: CosmeticPre-wash treatments, shine and softness — and descaling in some medicines
• Proteins (hydrolysed keratin, wheat, silk…) Evidence: CosmeticConditioning and temporary "repair" for damaged or bleached hair

Not medical advice. This guide is general information from the sources listed, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist. If you are worried, or symptoms are severe or not improving, get advice. Read our health information policy.

Sources

1. D'Souza P, Rathi SK. Shampoo and conditioners: what a dermatologist should know? Indian J Dermatol 2015 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2. Gavazzoni Dias MF. Hair cosmetics: an overview. Int J Trichology 2015 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3. American Academy of Dermatology – Tips for healthy hair aad.org
4. American Academy of Dermatology – Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss aad.org