The best treatments for dry hair that create instant shine and volume

“Overuse of styling tools, environmental factors such as prolonged exposure to the sun and even hormones can all cause the hair to become dry and brittle,” says Robert Eaton, creative director at Russell Eaton salons and former British Hairdresser of the Year. There are many factors that contribute to dryness and, depending on your hair type, it can manifest differently. Curly hair, for example, is likely to have drier ends, while bleached hair may be dry and puffy from root to tip. Whatever your hair type, including a strengthening pre-treatment or moisturizing styling solution are easy additions that will keep dry-looking hair at bay. “I would always recommend a client experiencing this to add a weekly hair mask or leave-in conditioner to their hair routine, as they are specifically designed to help rebuild the structure of the hair and, over time, will help it become shinier, stronger and more resilient,” he says. Here are some of the best…

If you have tinted or bleached hair, you will be familiar with the damage that comes with color. This pre-wash treatment is arguably the star in the Olaplex system, and it’s a product that most hair colorists use in-salon to mitigate some of the damage and dryness. It works by using a single strengthening ingredient to repair the bonds that become damaged by chemical services, such as relaxing or coloring, then sealing the cuticle to lock in moisture.

This leave-in conditioner and styling-cream hybrid from Oribe is excellent for finer hair, as the texture is lightly whipped, so it won’t weigh hair down. It nourishes with a combination of amber, moringa seed and ginger-root extract, which add strength and help to condition dry hair. Apply to the mid-lengths and ends with your fingers while your hair is still wet, then dry as normal.

Curls can often appear and feel drier than straight hair, because the shape of the curl can stop oil from traveling from the roots to the tips. Without moisture, curls can become frizzy, rough to the touch and difficult to style. If your own curls feel parched, a treatment that injects a healthy dose of moisture can help. I like to use this intensive treatment by Sachajuan instead of my usual conditioner every so often. I work it through my wet hair, wrap the hair in a towel and then leave it to do its thing for a while before rinsing it out. The heat generated under the towel allows the hair cuticle to open, making the treatment more effective.

Split ends are a fast track to dryness and a key indication that your hair is in need of a treatment. While no product can fix split ends for good (only a trim will do that), this serum by Virtue helps to temporarily seal them – stopping them from traveling up the hair shaft and creating further frizz and dryness. The genius of this product is the keratin used to fortify the hair is made from human keratin through regenerative medicine, meaning it bonds well with the hair without coating it.

This formula by Ouai Haircare combines vitamin E, amino acids and hydrolyzed proteins for an extremely lightweight spray conditioner. Spritz it through your hair after each wash and you’ll notice elasticity return to dry or brittle hair. If you’re heading out into the sun, remember to mist it over your hair every time you top up your facial SPF, as it protects against UV damage as well as heat.

This Briogeo mask is a rich treat for most hair types but works especially well for thicker, Afro or textured hair. After washing hair and squeezing out excess water, apply it from root to tip and top with a shower cap to generate a steamy, moisture-filled environment. This makes the ingredients even more moisturizing while softening dry, frizzy hair.

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