How to Rescue the Dry Ends of Your Hair
Do the ends of your hair feel extra dry? Even through healthy hair, this is a common problem, all thanks to the fact that the ends of your hair have been around for the longest. But, if you don't take action – and fast – that damage can start to work its way higher up the hair shaft. Think of each strand like a piece of rope; once it's frayed at the ends, it starts to unravel.
So, let's take a look at the ways you can fix the dry ends of your hair. From instant tricks to long-term solutions, these are the steps you need to take...
Why Are the Ends of My Hair Always So Dry?
There are two reasons dry hair is more brittle through the ends. First up, it comes down to sebum production. Your follicles produce natural, protective oils that travel through your hair from root to tip to keep each strand nourished. But, because the ends are the last area these hydrating oils will reach – if at all – it's common for the very tips to feel drier than the roots or mid-lengths.
Then, of course, there's the time factor. The ends of your hair have been around for longer than the roots, so they've taken a bigger hit of daily wear and tear. On average, your hair grows six inches in one year, which gives you an idea of how old your hair really is. The good news is, you can salvage split, broken ends with the right hair care regimen. Put the focus on rehydrating the ends, and the rest will follow.
So, How Do You Fix Dry Ends?
1. Trim Split Ends Away
The quickest fix for dry ends is a simple trim. Ask your stylist to cut away the damage, so you can avoid further hair breakage throughout vulnerable strands. If you don't want to lose length, request a Cut & Seal Service, a Wella Professionals exclusive that sees splits precisely targeted with an 'invisible cut', and then sealed with ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue. That second step is key, as the revolutionary leave-in treatment helps to repair hair damage in 90 seconds* while leaving you with 99% less breakage**.
Head over to the Salon Finder to find your nearest Wella salon and get that trim booked in.
2. Make Those Trims Regular
It's not enough to just go for one cut. To keep dry hair at bay through the ends, book in for regular trims, so stressed-out strands always appear tidy. This also means your stylist won't need to take off as much length at each appointment – ideal if you're trying to grow your hair out and want it to look ultra-healthy.
3. Use a Hydrating Shampoo
No matter your hair type – straight, wavy, curly or coily – your dry ends need moisture. So, reach for a conditioning shampoo to wash parched hair with a dose of extra care. Massage INVIGO Nutri-Enrich Deep Nourishing Shampoo into wet hair for a superboost of oleic acid, panthenol and vitamin E. Your hair will be left feeling clean, fresh, instantly nourished and ready for conditioner.
Dealing with extra damaged hair? Then go for ULTIMATE REPAIR Shampoo, infused with AHA and Omega-9 to repair the hair fibre from the inside out. This luxuriously rich, creamy formula rinses away drying impurities, like pollutant particles, without stripping your hair. Your antidote to harsh shampoos, it's gentle yet deeply effective.
4. Nourish with Deep Conditioning Treatments
Deep condition dry ends with a smoothing, sumptuous hair mask; one that hydrates your hair while pumping strands with bespoke benefits to suit your individual goals. If you're craving shine, Oil Reflections Luminous Reboost Mask will give hair a healthy sheen, featuring a precious botanical oil blend for instant smoothness and moisture. To get softer, stronger hair, ULTIMATE REPAIR Mask will identify and treat the areas that need it most, meaning those ends should get a super-boost of nourishment. Or, if you have curly hair you want to enhance, boost definition with NutriCurls Deep Treatment, which lends dry, fragile hair the strength it needs to bounce and glow.
5. Follow the Baggy Method
Also known as 'baggying', the baggy method sees dry, brittle hair treated to a mask, like the ones above, then sealed with plastic wrap or a cap to trap in nourishment. Before you apply your mask, you don't want your hair wet, so blot it with a microfiber towel after shampooing to soak up excess water. Then, treat lengths and ends to your go-to moisturizing product and secure your wrap or cap in place. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes, allowing parched strands to soak up all the goodness. After rinsing, you'll be left with silky feeling, more manageable hair.
Unsure what mask to choose? Check out our recommendations for the best masks for dry, damaged hair.
6. Try a Leave-In Conditioner
Is your hair highly porous? Dry hair often is, as once the hair shaft is stripped of protective oils, it's prone to gaps and tears through which much-needed moisture can escape. For this reason, you might find you don't get the full benefits of a rinse-out conditioner. Because they're only left on strands for a few seconds, there's not always enough time for your hair to retain all that nourishing goodness.
That's why we recommend adding a leave-in conditioner to your rehydrating regimen, which treats the hair cuticle to a longer-acting dose of nourishment. Our pick is Elements Renewing Leave-In Spray, a mist-on hero that tames frizzy hair. Mist through after towel-drying clean, damp hair to let the blend of vitamin E and aloe vera work its magic.
For extra intensity, upgrade to ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue, a leave-in treatment that repairs hair damage in 90 seconds*. Really. All you have to do is spray it through your clean hair after blotting with a microfiber towel, then let it absorb for the full 90 seconds before styling as usual.
7. Treat to Hair Oil
Parched hair needs a regular dose of hydration, so don't leave conditioning until hair wash day. In between shampoo sessions, top up moisture with a drop of hair oil massaged through the ends. Oil Reflections Luminous Smoothing Oil can be used on damp or dry hair, meaning you can use it daily. And a little goes a long way; start small with one pump, then add more if and when you feel your hair needs it. The delicate oil is packed with macadamia seed and avocado oils, two lightweight nourishers for hydrated hair that appears smooth and silky.
8. Shield Against Heat Damage
The last thing dry ends need is sizzling temperatures from hot tools, so make sure you add a heat protectant to your hair care kit. ULTIMATE REPAIR Protective Leave-In is the dream because, not only does it protect against heat up to 230°C/450° F, but the delicate cream also feels instantly nourishing through dry hair. Apply it to damp strands before blow-drying hair, and through dry hair before styling. It's also a must-have in your suitcase, as it shields against the merciless summer sun.
While you're upgrading your styling routine, it might be time to turn the temperature down on your heat styling tools too. So, use straighteners, hair dryers and curling irons with adjustable heat settings, and dial them down to suit your hair thickness. Here are your ideal temperatures:
- 120-150°C/250-300°F for fine or damaged hair.
- 150-180°C/300-350°F for medium or wavy hair.
- 180-200°C/350-390°F for thick or curly hair.
Dealing with an Oily Scalp and Dry Ends?
An oily scalp with dry lengths is more common than you might think. Struggling to strike a balance? Here are some quick ways to care for your hair from root to very tip...
1. Change Your Washing Technique
At least once per week, treat oily hair to a clarifying shampoo; a deep cleanser that hits the 'reset' button on greasy roots. We love INVIGO Scalp Balance Deep Cleansing Shampoo. But, instead of massaging it through wet hair from root to tip as you would with a moisturizing shampoo, you should focus this formula just on the roots, where your hair needs it most. Then, simply let the lather run through the lengths and ends of your hair as you rinse it away. This way, your scalp is left fresh and clean while your dry ends aren't stripped of the oils they crave.
2. Multi-Mask the Roots and Ends
Have you heard of multi-masking? It's traditionally a skincare technique that sees you apply different masks to different parts of your face so you can control shine or vanquish dullness. But, you can actually apply the concept to your hair regimen too, using the right combination of products. Focus one mask on your roots to absorb excess sebum, and another through the lengths to revive dry ends. Our go-to duo: Elements Purifying Pre-Shampoo Clay through the roots, and ULTIMATE REPAIR Mask on lengths and ends. With kaolin clay, the Pre-Shampoo Clay helps to absorb excess sebum in just a few minutes and even boosts root volume – ideal for thin and fine hair types.
3. Focus Caring Formulas Through Lengths and Ends
This applies to all caring formulas, from hydrating conditioners and masks to hair serums and oils. When using care products that add nourishment and moisture, keep them away from oily roots, and focus on the lengths and ends of your hair. This way, those dry ends will get instant suppleness from your favourite hair products, while the roots remain fresh and free of any residue. The perfect balance.
Looking for more tips to care for damaged tresses? Discover our complete collection of Hair Care Guides, featuring advice for every type and concern.
* When using ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue.
** When using ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue. Instrumental test versus non-conditioning shampoo.
