Got Dry, Fried Hair? How to Treat and Fix, According to Stylists

Fried hair — whether from a dye job, hot tools, or neglect — is a common concern. Fortunately, there are a ton of hair products and treatments out there that promise to revive and restore dry, brittle strands, but which ones actually work? And how long do we have to wait until we see results?

According to hair experts Lucie Ducrot and Judy McGuinness, the extent of damage done to your hair will determine which restorative methods work best for you and when you can expect to see some progress. Ahead, they share their favorite products and practices for reversing a dull, damaged mane to bring you the hair commercial-worthy tresses of your dreams.

Meet Our Expert

• Lucie Ducrot is a hair designer at the Julien Farel Restore Salon and Spa.

• Judy McGuinness is a New York City-based hairstylist.

Keep reading for eight expert-approved ways to fix fried hair, stat.

Invest in Quality Cleansing Products

The products you include in your haircare routine will have a direct impact on your hair's health. When it comes to cleansing products, choose restorative shampoos and conditioners. Also, try to steer clear of any harsh and drying ingredients, such as alcohol and sulfates.

Don't Overwash Your Hair

Speaking of your cleansing routine, don't overdo it. Overwashing your hair can actually strip it of much-needed nutrients and natural, protective oils. The result? Dry, damaged strands. To determine how often you should be cleansing your hair, consider your hair type and texture.

Related: How Often You Should Actually Wash Your Hair, Based on Your Hair Type

Dry with a Microfiber Towel

You may not even realize it, but rubbing your wet hair with a towel post-shower can exacerbate damage. To cut down on friction, wrap your strands in a microfiber towel, which will cut down on drying time and give you a frizz-free finish.

Try an Anti-Aging Treatment

As it turns out, anti-aging treatments aren't just for your skin. According to Ducrot, they can also work wonders on hair. She recommended Restore ($50), which is an anti-aging treatment that is meant to target the lengths of your hair, along with your scalp.

"It's a non-foaming creamy hair formula that gives instant shine, smoothness, and moisture to the hair and makes it infinitely more manageable," she said.

Related: Skincare for Your Hair is About To Be All the Rage

Try Conditioning Treatments

Fried hair lacks moisture, so boosting hydration is a surefire way to bring your locks back to life. Conditioning treatments, from deep conditioners to leave-in conditioners to hair masks, can all work to restore hair by delivering and locking in moisture.

Tips

If you have fine hair, opt for leave-in conditioners which won't weigh the hair down. Alternatively, deep conditioners are often preferred by those with thicker strands.

Apply Hair Oils

Hair oils are a savior for fried hair. Thirst-quenching strands easily absorb the oils, which provide instant nourishment. You can incorporate hair oil into your routine by using it as a pre-shampoo treatment, which works ace on fine strands. You can also apply it as a hot oil treatment or leave it on overnight to maximize results.

Restore Proteins

Opt for protein treatments, which will add the keratin and lipids back into your hair, advised McGuinness. However, let a professional handle it, as this treatment can have adverse effects on your hair if you leave it on too long, noted McGuinness.

Depending on how dry your hair is, results will vary. If your hair isn't too damaged, you might see results after the first treatment, said McGuinness. If things are a bit more serious, it might take two to three months of bi-weekly treatments, along with conservative heat styling. Aka grab hold of that heat protectant — and don't let go.

Get a Haircut

The best method for fixing dry hair will depend on the extent of the damage and the elasticity of the hair.

"Once the hair is fried, it loses natural moisture and elasticity, and sometimes the best solution is to stop the damage, grow out your hair, and cut off the damaged hair," Ducrot told us.

If your hair is beyond damage from, say, a bleach job, getting it back to its natural, virgin state will necessitate a haircut, confirmed McGuinness. However, in order to prevent damage from coloring in the first place, be sure to work with a trained colorist and use products that work to repair hair after over-processing.

Related: How to Regrow Healthy Hair After It's Been Dyed

"It's so important to consult with your hairstylist to make sure that they're interested in maintaining the integrity of your hair," said McGuinness. "If they tell you you can go from dark brunette to platinum in one day — run away! Thankfully, products like Olaplex are amazing at preventing breakage in the first place as well. Do your research and have realistic expectations as to what your hair can do, as prevention will be the key to keeping your hair healthy."

Frequently Asked Questions

What does fried hair look like?

Fried hair will typically look dry and dull with split ends and frizz. It will also feel brittle and can break easily.

What hair types are more prone to dryness?

Curly, coarser hair types are more susceptible to dryness since they lose moisture more easily. That's why it's so important to use conditioning hair products to hydrate and define curls.

What ingredients are best for fried hair?

Moisturizing ingredients, such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, and glycerin, are great for dry, damaged hair. Just be sure to consider your hair type before treating strands since certain ingredients may be too heavy for certain hair types. For instance, shea butter works well on thicker, denser hair but can make finer, thinner hair appear greasy or weighed down.

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