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What are the Best Styling Products for Dry Hair?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

Dry hair can be very unmanageable, often looking frizzy, rough, and full of split ends. Though some people have naturally dry hair, others' hair becomes dry as a result of sun damage, chlorine exposure, or excessive heat styling, dying, or perming. As you may imagine, the best styling products for dry hair are those that add moisture and prevent further dryness.

Choose cream-based styling products for dry hair, and avoid those with alcohol, as they tend to contribute to dryness. Keep an eye out for products containing pro-vitamins. Many good styling products are labeled anti-frizz or frizz control.

Hair dying may lead to problems with dry hair.
Hair dying may lead to problems with dry hair.

To care properly for dry hair, it is important to use not only the right styling products, but also the right kind of shampoo and conditioner. Choose those labeled for dry or damaged hair, and do not shampoo your hair excessively. Shampooing strips your hair of oils, so washing your dry hair every day can contribute to frizz, even if you have a good shampoo.

Getting regular trims may help prevent dry, damaged hair.
Getting regular trims may help prevent dry, damaged hair.

Conditioner is a dry-haired person's best friend. In addition to regular conditioner, dry hair will benefit from conditioning oils, deep conditioning treatments, leave-in conditioners, and hair masks. Many of these products require multiple applications before showing results, particularly on very damaged hair, so be patient and consistent.

Anti-frizz products are among the best styling products for dry hair, especially if you wish to make the hair straight. Work the product into your hair before blow-drying, and blow-dry from the top of the head down, using the lowest heat setting, to protect the hair shaft from damage. Take care not to hold the dryer in one place for too long or to blow dry the hair completely dry, as both can further damage dry hair. Also, give your hair a break from blow drying from time to time. If you wish to create a more sculpted hairstyle, choose mousse or wax-based products rather than alcohol-based hairspray or gel.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a WiseGEEK editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a WiseGEEK editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon169571

My mother introduced me to the Shielo Volume Hairspray a few years ago and I have never gone back to another product and or even tried a new product. I definitely found what I was looking for with the hairspray. The price is good for a premium hairspray. It is lightweight but holds very well. It doesn't leave any residue on your hair no matter how much you use! I can spray my hair at five thirty in the morning and when I come home around four o'clock in the afternoon my hair is still held nicely in place.

I also sometimes use it when my hair is still wet to add volume and hold. It is the best hairspray I have ever used and I would recommend it to anyone!

cmsmith10

@anon3225: I have extremely frizzy, coarse hair. I have to straighten it every day. About a week ago, I used a chemical straightener on my hair. I do NOT recommend that. It completely fried my hair. Every since then I have had to use deep conditioning treatments.

I use anti frizz serum on a daily basis. It makes my hair softer and much more manageable.

anon3225

Thanks! this has really helped me i have hair that needs to be styled everyday if i don't straighten it it looks mad! i hate straighting my hair but its the only thing that seems to get my hair looking under control. would you recommend using anti frizz creme before?

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    • Hair dying may lead to problems with dry hair.
      By: pavel Chernobrivets
      Hair dying may lead to problems with dry hair.
    • Getting regular trims may help prevent dry, damaged hair.
      By: fmarsicano
      Getting regular trims may help prevent dry, damaged hair.
    • Conditioner is a dry-haired person's best friend.
      By: Africa Studio
      Conditioner is a dry-haired person's best friend.
    • Cream-based styling products are best for dry hair.
      By: Tatyana Gladskih
      Cream-based styling products are best for dry hair.
    • Those with dry hair should avoid shampooing every day.
      By: esp2k
      Those with dry hair should avoid shampooing every day.
    • Leave-in conditioner can help manage dry hair.
      By: thelosteyeball
      Leave-in conditioner can help manage dry hair.