Make Dry Hair Glossy Again With These Recos from a Celebrity Colorist

I’ve been getting my hair highlighted since well, forever. And I’ve been asking myself (and every stylist who will listen) how to moisturize dry hair for just about as long. I remember the exact day I first loaded my roots up with baby powder. It was the beginning of a long, complicated relationship with hair products that—in addition to chemical coloring treatments—left my locks bright, blonde, and easily molded to whatever style was popular at the moment. Of course, it also left my hair far rougher to the touch than it might have appeared to the naked eye.

Thankfully, I’ve transitioned from the platinum blonde of the early 2010s to a more natural golden hue, a process that included a personal mission (and the answer to my question): learning exactly how to moisturize dry hair.

I’ve picked up a thing or two about creating an effortless shine or locks that are naturally beautiful from the inside out. But when it comes to bringing brittle hair back from the brink, I needed an expert’s advice. Thankfully, celebrity stylist and colorist Mark DeBolt, co-owner of Mark Ryan Salon in New York’s Flatiron District, heeded my call. A trusted talent to well-foiled stars like Naomi Watts, DeBolt knows a thing or two about hair that’s been put to the test.

Simply put, hair needs moisture to be healthy, but that shouldn’t mean giving up your beloved balayage to help locks thrive. Ahead, discover a few of the top products for locking in hydration as well as pro-approved tricks to keep hair happy.

But before we get into exactly how to moisturize dry hair, let’s get to the root of the issue.

Feature image by Belathée Photography.

What Causes Dry Hair?

Dry hair origins can be traced back to a number of factors and stressors. Some culprits are in your control, while others are simply summed up by good old Mother Nature. A few of the most prominent perpetrators include:

• Chemical processing treatments, including highlights or balayage.
• Too much heat styling.
• Seasonal changes—when the air becomes drier.
• Genetics—the natural texture of hair can also contribute to it feeling dry.
• Washing your hair too much. (One to two sulfate-free shampoos a week is really all you need.)

We obviously can’t eradicate every bullet on the list above (I, personally, have no plans to stop getting my hair colored), but DeBolt came armed with options that can help get your hair back on its healthiest track.

What Brushes Are Best for Avoiding Dry Hair?

In our daily lives, it might seem like any old brush will do, but the right bristles can—on occasion—make or break your hair’s day. If dryness is what you’re dealing with, DeBolt recommends avoiding brushes with metal bristles, which are typically used to tackle tangles.

“These can get very hot,” he adds. “Boar’s hair is much gentler and will polish the hair, too.”

What Ingredients Are Most Nourishing for Hair?

When hunting down the masks and leave-in conditioners designed specifically to treat dry, brittle hair, DeBolt suggests keeping an eye out for nourishing oils. Some of his favorite hair-friendly oil options include:

• Jojoba oil
• Prickly pear oil
• Avocado oil
• Almond oil

DeBolt is also a fan of a good moisturizing balm. (Find a few of our most-loved hair balms here.)

How to Moisturize Dry Hair? These Products Get the Job Done.

When your hair care routine needs a little boost, these are the following primers, serums, and leave-in masks you can feel good about investing in (both your money and your time).

Ahead, discover the products that DeBolt (and Camille Styles editors) recommend the most when it comes to the age-old question: how to moisturize dry hair. Your strands will thank you.