Dry and damaged hair: how to nourish it?
Dry hair lacks lipids and water; damaged hair has a damaged cuticle. Nourish them on the surface with rich treatments, protect them from external aggressors, and support the hair fibre from within.
By the Luxéol team · Reading time: 5 min · Updated 9 July 2026
Key takeaways
- Dry hair lacks sebum and hydration; damaged hair has an open or cracked cuticle.
- The main culprits: heat, colouring, sunlight, chlorine, harsh brushing and overly harsh shampoos.
- Nourishing means providing lipids; hydrating means providing water. Dry hair often needs both.
- A regular nourishing mask and a leave-in treatment on the ends quickly improve their appearance.
Dry or damaged hair: what is the difference?
The two often go hand in hand, but they do not mean the same thing. Dry hair lacks lipids and water: the scalp produces little sebum, or it does not reach the ends. Damaged hair has suffered damage: its cuticle, the protective layer of scales, has opened or broken, leaving the hair fibre vulnerable.
Hair can be dry without being very damaged (hair type), damaged without being dry (just after colouring), or both at the same time — the most common case.
Why is my hair dry or damaged?
- Heat: very hot hairdryer, straightener, curling iron.
- Colouring and bleaching, which permanently open the cuticle.
- Sunlight, chlorine and seawater, which dehydrate and sensitise hair.
- Harsh brushing and friction (towel, rough pillowcase).
- Very hard water.
How to nourish dry hair?
The idea: replenish lipids and water, then seal the cuticle.
- Use a nourishing mask two to three times a week, focusing on the lengths and ends.
- Apply an oil treatment (pre-shampoo) to very dry hair.
- Use a daily leave-in treatment on the ends.
- Choose a gentle shampoo.
- Finish with a cool-water rinse to smooth the hair fibre.
- Reduce heat and apply a heat protectant before styling.
Act from within too
A varied, balanced diet is essential for helping to maintain healthy hair. Zinc and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal hair.
The Luxéol solution
To repair the surface, a repair treatment helps coat the hair fibre and smooth damaged lengths. Combined with a gentle routine and a suitable diet, it restores suppleness and shine to dry hair.
Luxéol bond repair serum
A targeted serum to deeply repair damaged hair fibre and smooth dry lengths, to be used after shampooing, alongside a mask used 2 to 3 times a week.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my hair is dry or damaged?
How often should I use a mask?
Is coconut oil good for dry hair?
Should very damaged hair be cut?
Food supplements should be used as part of a healthy lifestyle and are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have a persistent scalp or hair condition, consult a healthcare professional.
Sources
- French Society of Dermatology — hair structure and cuticle.
- Vidal.fr — “How to care for your hair.”
- European Register of Health Claims (EC Regulation No. 1924/2006) — zinc, selenium.
In the same section
