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  3. Expert-Approved Tips for Dry, Thick Hair

Expert-Approved Tips for Dry, Thick Hair

Jaclyn Smock, Freelance Writer
By Jaclyn Smock Updated December 18, 2020
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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person wearing thin strapped top with bob cut thick gray hair
Credit: Getty / Andreas Kuehn

One surprising piece of advice? Believe it or not, you should be washing more, say our experts—not less.

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person wearing thin strapped top with bob cut thick gray hair
Credit: Getty / Andreas Kuehn

Just like you use a moisturizer on your face and lotion all over your body, your hair also needs a daily dose of hydration—especially if you have dry, thick hair that's prone to breakage, frizz, and dullness. There are plenty of reasons behind dry, lackluster hair, including everything from too much sun exposure to frequent hot tool use. Regardless of the cause of the issue, there's good news: There are many ways to nurse this hair type back to health. To help you do so, we spoke to several industry experts who shared their tips for restoring dry, thick hair back to its original glory.

Ultimately, says Elizabeth Cunnane Phillips, a consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley, this is one of the easier hair types to treat. "What a great problem to have!" she says of those with thick, oil-free strands. "But this really shouldn't be a problem if the correct protocols are in place." Part of that protocol, she continues, is an effective product regimen. "Products that add moisture and elasticity are key for this hair type, and should be delivered more frequently at higher concentrations," she continues. Just as essential? Caring for the part of your body that actually generates hair in the first place: your scalp. "Scalp care is essential to support your thick, luxurious head of hair," she says.

Ahead, you'll find several more ways to reinvigorate dry, thick hair. Some tips might surprise you—believe it or not, washing more (not less!) might actually be to your benefit—while others might inspire you to make key shifts in your routine (for example, consider swapping out your favorite cotton pillowcases for silk or satin options, instead or walking away from your favorite, but drying, styling mousse). Read on for more insight from our experts.

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Cleanse More

person washing hair in shower under running water
Credit: Getty / Moyo Studio

Wash more rather than less—which is likely contrary to general advice, explains Phillips. "People with this hair type can have buildup on their scalps," she notes. "It can be difficult to rinse out thoroughly, often because it is not cleansed enough."

  • How Often Should You Shampoo Based on Your Hair Type?

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Embrace Oils

person spraying oil into curly dark brown hair
Credit: Getty / Prostock-Studio

"Oils like avocado, argan, and olive are great for dry hair," says Gretchen Friese, a BosleyMD-certified trichologist. "They'll help replace the moisture that is missing and work to strengthen strands and create a healthier, shinier look."

  • Nine Reasons Why Your Hair Is Dry—Plus, Expert-Approved Tips That'll Help Restore Its Luster

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Look for Products That Yield Slip…

person applying hair product to curly auburn hair
Credit: Getty / iprogressman

There are two types of wet styling products: ones that yield slip, and ones that yield grip. "Slip products are what you need for dry, thick hair because they will give moisture, manageability, and softness to the hair," notes Leigh Hardges, a stylist at Maxine Salon. "These products are leave-in conditioners, styling creams, and various oil-or silicone-based products."

  • The Best Conditioners For Different Hair Types

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…Not Grip

person smiling brushing out black coiled hair
Credit: Getty / PeopleImages

Grip products, on the other hand, give hold and increase texture—and should never be used on dehydrated hair, since they're designed for straight, thin, or fine types. "These products are gels, thickeners, and mousses, which typically contain large amounts of alcohol and make it harder for thick, dry hair to be manipulated," Hardges continues. Phillips agrees, noting to avoid products that are touted to add body, as they may even be more drying.

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Care for Your Scalp

person wearing thin strap top and hair in a ponytail
Credit: Getty / Science Photo Library

"All scalps should be cared for irrespective of density and diameter of hair," says Phillips, adding that a weekly scalp mask is critical for those with this hair type.

  • Experts Explain Why Your Scalp Is Itchy

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Watch the Heat Settings

young woman brushing her hair in the mirror during her morning beauty routine at home
Credit: Getty / LaylaBird

Those with dry, thick hair can use hot tools, "but the maximum temperature should be 410 degrees Fahrenheit—and make sure you apply a heat protecting spray before," says Sunnie Brook, a Biolage brand ambassador. "Spraying a protectant will coat your strands, repair split ends, and leave thick, dry hair soft and shiny."

  • Six Expert-Approved Ways to Revive Damaged Hair

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Get a Trim

person cutting dark colored hair with scissors holding a comb
Credit: Getty / Leren Lu

"It's important to remove dead, dry ends to maintain the shape, health, and overall appearance of your hair. Also, hair that has become dead and dry loses the ability to hold shape and absorb moisture," explains Joseph Maine, a celebrity hair stylist and the co-founder of Trademark Beauty.

  • Three Signs That Your Hair Needs a Trim

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Upgrade Your Pillowcase

person sleeping in bed with white bedding
Credit: Getty / Luis Alvarez

Trade in your cotton pillowcase for a silk or satin iteration to combat frizz and dryness, says Lee Stafford, a celebrity hairstylist, adding that these are also great for detangling. "Cotton pillowcases suck all the moisture from your hair and skin while you sleep, so switching to silk will help keep thick hair feeling moisturized, especially in the winter months," Stafford adds.

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Wear a Protective Hairstyle to Bed

person braiding long red curly hair
Credit: Getty / Jamie Grill

Here's another bedtime tip: Beginning at the nape of your neck, arrange your hair into two long, loose braids. "The goal here is to avoid unnecessary fiber-to-fiber friction and friction between your hair and pillow. This can make the hair look frizzy and drier than it technically is," says Phillips.

  • Six Ways You're Damaging Your Hair Every Single Day

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Invest in Intensive Treatments

persons hands on long dirty blonde hair with conditioner
Credit: Getty / Piotr Marcinski / EyeEm

Nourish and deep condition thick, dry hair every five days, advises Phillips, who recommends one product in particular. "At Philip Kingsley, we use an award-winning deep conditioner called the Elasticizer Extreme ($99, net-a-porter.com)," she says. "It was created specifically for coarser textured hair that is thick and dry."

  • The Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Dry Hair

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    1 of 11
    2 of 11 Cleanse More
    3 of 11 Embrace Oils
    4 of 11 Look for Products That Yield Slip…
    5 of 11 …Not Grip
    6 of 11 Care for Your Scalp
    7 of 11 Watch the Heat Settings
    8 of 11 Get a Trim
    9 of 11 Upgrade Your Pillowcase
    10 of 11 Wear a Protective Hairstyle to Bed
    11 of 11 Invest in Intensive Treatments

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