Thirst-quenching treatments for dry hair

Dry hair happens for all kinds of different reasons - bleaching, heat styling, the weather, lack of conditioning, age-related sebum loss on the scalp - the list goes on.

There's no need to worry, though, as there are plenty of hair treatments ready to lend a hand.

So how do you know if your hair is dry? Frizz is a tell-tale sign, as it occurs when hair reaches out into the atmosphere in search of moisture. Dry hair can also be dull, as light doesn't reflect off of roughed-up cuticles in the same way it does shiny flat ones. It'll be more prone to breakage too, showing itself in brittle lengths and split ends.

A visit to the hairdresser is an easy-remedy for frazzled ends, but there's still plenty you can do for thirsty lengths at home.

First, identify the cause of your dry hair and see if you can alter your regime to fix it. Straighten your hair every day? Cut that down to every-other, and make heat protector non-negociable. Dye your hair? The colouring process strips away moisture, so make sure you restore lost hydration with regular nourishing masks.

Ready to make a change? Give these hydrating hair treatments a try....

Must-try hair treatments for dry hair

Olaplex Hair Perfector No3, £26

If anything can bring exhausted locks back from the brink it’s this little bottle of goodness – just think of it as rehab for your hair. Using the same active ingredient as the in-salon Olaplex hair treatments, it works to rebuild bonds broken by chemical and heat damage. Slather onto towel-dried hair, comb through and leave for 10 minutes or longer (we’d recommend as long as possible for troubled hair) before rinsing. Follow with your normal shampoo and conditioner.

SHOP NOW: Olaplex Hair Perfector No3, £26, Look Fantastic

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Therapies Mayan Vanilla & Orange Blossom, £36

A delicious-smelling reformulation of the cult hair treatment, the original elasticizer was created for none other than Audrey Hepburn. As the name suggests, it hydrates hair to increase elasticity, reducing snapping and snagging. Because it goes on before your shampoo as a pre-wash treatment, it’s uniquely suitable for all hair types, from fine and thin through to coarse and curly. If your hair still feels a bit heavy after use, just shampoo twice.

SHOP NOW: Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Therapies Mayan Vanilla & Orange Blossom, £36, John Lewis

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Hair Treatment, £9.99

Harnessing the thirst quenching, plumping powers of hydration hero hyaluronic acid, think of this as skincare for your hair. Lovely and lightweight, the slippy serum can be applied directly to wet or dry hair, or added to your conditioner as a booster.

SHOP NOW: The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Hair Treatment, £9.99, Cult Beauty

L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil, £14.75

Heat-styling addicts, listen up. This oil shields hair from temperatures of up to 230°C, helping to prevent damage and dehydration. As with all hair oils, it can be used in a couple of different ways – comb through wet hair for a sleeker blow-dry or smooth onto dry hair to combat fluffy flyaways.

SHOP NOW: L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil, £14.75, Look Fantastic

Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Smooth Booster, £6.82 for members

If you’re not already a member of Beauty Pie, it’s fair to say you’re missing out. By cutting out the middlemen, they’re able to offer high-tech, high-quality products at impressively low prices. This intensive shot is designed to boost and shape coils and curls, all while keeping humidity-induced frizz at bay. A little goes a long way, so one bottle will last for ages.

SHOP NOW: Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Smooth Booster, £6.82 for members, Beauty Pie

Rahua Leave-in Treatment Light, £42

A luxurious treat for hair at the end of its tether, this omega-rich rahua oil locks in moisture for your blow-dry and beyond. The texture is thick, so use sparingly to start with until you’ve worked out how much your hair needs – you can always add a little more next time.

SHOP NOW: Rahua Leave-in Treatment Light, £42, Cult Beauty