Before you research this season’s trendiest hairstyle or pinpoint which cut is perfect for your face shape, there’s a more pressing matter: making sure your hair is strong and healthy-looking. Ask any stylist, and they’ll agree; the journey to having great hair starts with healthy strands. And understanding the basics behind hair strengthening is essential to reaching your ultimate hair goals. Seasonal hair dryness, hair breakage from heat products or neglect, and even just not knowing the right products to use for your specific hair type can all take a toll on your hair.
If any of the above ailments sound familiar, then it’s time to dive deep into how to strengthen hair. Learn how to make hair stronger, grow longer, and maintain its integrity with 17 easy tips.
What Causes Weak Hair?
General hair weakness can be caused by a variety of factors and most are preventable. Identifying what lifestyle choices or styling techniques are contributing to weakening your hair is an essential step toward understanding what makes hair stronger.
Lack of overall moisture is one of the top factors causing weak or brittle hair. Dry hair, which can impact all hair types, leads to easy breakage. Some hair types, like natural curls and coils, can even be particularly prone to dryness. A few major causes of dry, brittle, or weak hair include damage from frequent salon color, chemical treatments, or heat styling too frequently. Dryness can also be the result of washing your hair too often, rinsing hair in hard water, and not using hydrating hair products in your routine. Even environmental factors, such as living in a dry climate, can play a part in overall hair weakness.
Not using proper protection (at least when it comes to heat styling) is also a common culprit behind weak hair. Utilizing flat irons, high-intensity blow dryers, or curling wands without a heat protectant like Redken One United Leave-In Conditioner can leave your strands vulnerable to weakness.
And, not surprisingly, skipping regular maintenance like routine trim appointments with your stylist can lead to split ends, which leave your hair more susceptible to breakage.
Good hair day by @nikcabral, @daianedamazio_ and @symonmh
17 Ways To Strengthen Hair
Now that you have a better understanding of what factors can contribute to hair weakness, it’s equally as important to master how to strengthen hair at home. But knowing what makes hair stronger is just the beginning. You also need to take action! Try these hair-strengthening remedies and hair-strengthening treatments to help care for weak strands and support stronger hair.
1. Shampoo regularly
This may seem like common sense, but hair that’s frequently styled needs to be washed on a regular basis. Product formulas can create buildup, which can ultimately lead to an itchy scalp and potential flakes. Keep your hair fresh by thoroughly scrubbing with your fingertips every time you wash. As for exactly how often to wash, that depends on your hair type. Be sure to take your texture into consideration. (Read our guide on how often to wash hair if you aren’t sure what’s right for your mane.)
2. Choose one hair system
We always recommend having a hair goal in mind. While switching your aim up every few months is no problem, focusing on one attainable goal at a time will help you see the difference in your hair.
If you’re angling to minimize breakage or boost shine, pick a haircare system (usually consisting of a shampoo, conditioner, and weekly treatment) specially formulated for that cause. For hair-strengthening recovery, opt for Biolage Strength Recovery Conditioning Cream for Damaged Hair, plus the coordinating shampoo and repairing spray. The line, which is infused with vegan squalane, helps protect against and repair damage.
3. Protect your hair at night
One of the keys to healthy-looking hair is having a good shield—and not just from your go-to hot tools either. Before heading to bed, protect your hair while you sleep by using a no-tangle elastic to tie your hair into a loose knot or braid—just be sure not to tie it too tight. If you have textured or natural hair, reach for a silk hair wrap. Bonus points if you add an overnight serum like Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Overnight Hair Serum for moisture.
4. Invest in satin
If there’s one lesson we’ve learned, it’s that strong hair and cotton sheets don’t always go together. Instead of risking static and knots, opt for a satin pillowcase that won’t snag hair. You’ll be surprised at how strong your hair feels without nightly friction.
5. Brush from ends to roots
One of the most common mistakes that can get in the way of hair strengthening occurs during brushing. Dragging the bristles through your hair from roots to ends can place unnecessary stress on your strands and may cause breakage. To brush your hair correctly, simply place your hand midshaft and begin by brushing just the ends. Work backward up the strand an inch at a time so you’ll be completely detangled by the time you reach the root.
6. Never style wet or damp hair
As a rule, we try to avoid manipulating our hair unless it’s totally dry. Wet and damp strands can be more fragile than their dry equivalents, breaking easily. To avoid most water-induced damage, always rough dry your hair about 70% of the way before starting in with a brush.
7. Rely on heat protectant
This may seem like a basic tip, but you’d be surprised how many women forget to use a heat protectant as a part of their routine. Hot temperatures can wreak havoc on your strands, so make sure to protect your mane every single time you style.
8. Style with the lowest heat possible
There’s an additional note on heat styling to keep in mind: You probably don’t need to use the highest setting on your curling iron for your hair to look good. In fact, many professionals recommend beginning as low as possible. Gradually raise the temperature until you begin to see results. You want to use the lowest setting that doesn’t require you to take multiple passes over the same section of hair.
9. ...Or avoid heat altogether
There have been many advancements in formulas designed for air-drying hair, and, much to our joy, the practice has become more and more effective. Use Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner post-wash to keep curls conditioned and defined without picking up a single heat tool.
10. Take care of your body
Living a healthy lifestyle can benefit your hair. That’s one of the many reasons it can be good to eat a balanced diet, manage stress, and get plenty of exercise.
11. Don’t pick your split ends
If there’s one golden rule of strong hair, it’s that you should never pull at or pick split ends. Doing so can cause the hair to split even further up the strand, increasing your chances of hair breakage. Instead, try a leave-in formula like Redken’s Extreme Anti-Snap Anti-Breakage Leave-In Treatment for added conditioning or Matrix Instacure Anti-Breakage Porosity Spray, which is infused with liquid protein and helps visibly reduce split ends.
Good hair day by @madisonsullivanhair.
12. Schedule regular haircuts
When you go too long between cuts, your hair can suffer more than just looking shapeless and falling flat. Overgrown ends are prone to splitting, which can lead to frizz and breakage, making your hair more difficult to manage. Seeing a stylist regularly for upkeep can prevent issues before they start and give you the opportunity to get professional-level treatments to build strength and resilience in your hair.
13. Remember that color takes time
Don’t try to rush a hair color transformation and go from black to blonde hair in a single session. Pros often remind us that color changes are a lengthy process, sometimes requiring two or three sessions. To protect the integrity of your hair, be sure you’re taking your time.
14. Make your color last…
Not all color choices require the same maintenance. Blonde and red shades are notorious for upkeep and the potential for premature fading, which is why you might find yourself back in the salon chair every few weeks. To get serious about strong hair, talk to your stylist about transitioning to a color that lasts longer or is gentler on the strands—think dark shades that don’t require bleach or balayage applications that grow out without noticeable roots. Use salon-quality products at home to ensure your shade stays beautiful for as long as possible.
15. ...Or take a break from color
There’s no rule saying you can’t take a break from color treatment, especially if it’s one of the easiest ways to strengthen hair at your disposal. If strength is a priority, step away from the blonde for a few months and reassess. You never know: You may return to the salon with a newfound desire to try a color that was previously outside of your comfort zone.
16. Let salon experts deal with the damage
If you tried a home treatment to no effect or just can’t seem to keep heat styling from taking a toll, turn to the professionals. Talk your stylist through your daily routine (rather than trying home remedies to strengthen hair), detailing any products you use and how you apply them. A trusted expert can help you identify any problematic parts of your routine.
17. Invest in serious treatment when you need it
The reality is, sometimes you need to invest in the future of your hair beyond what you can accomplish at home. Don’t be afraid of professional, salon treatments if it’s what makes hair stronger in the end.
Next Up: 17 Ways To Protect Your Hair While Sleeping
Interested in personalized haircare advice? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
Header photo credit (middle): @nikcabral, @daianedamazio_, and @symonmh
