Hair feels rough after combing. The ends look "tired". After the shower, hair quickly becomes dry again. Dry hair is one of the most common problems, especially during the winter season in Lithuania, when heated air and cold wind strip the moisture from your hair. In this article — the 7 most common causes, levels of dryness, and concrete solutions for each situation.
How dry hair differs from dehydrated hair
First, an important distinction that's rarely explained:
Dry hair (lack of oil)
- Hair feels rough along its full length
- The scalp may be dry, with dandruff
- Lacks natural shine
- Static builds up
- Solution: oils, masks with butters
Dehydrated hair (lack of water)
- Hair feels "papery" — without elasticity
- Breaks easily
- Cannot hold a curl
- Looks "lifeless"
- Solution: moisturising masks with humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid), changing washing habits
Most people have both at the same time, so a combined approach is needed.
The 7 most common causes of dry hair
1. Too strong a shampoo (sulfates)
Standard shampoos contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) — a surfactant that strips oils strongly. Used daily — it gradually depletes hair of all its natural oils.
Solution: a sulfate-free shampoo (e.g. Grossty Batana shampoo) or reducing washing frequency to 2-3 times a week.
2. Heat tools used too often
Blow dryer, flat iron, curling iron — they damage the hair cuticle (outer layer); it lifts, and moisture and oils evaporate.
Solution: reduce use, use heat-protectant products, max temperature 180 °C, give hair 1 day a week to "rest" without heat.
3. Chemical treatments
Colouring (especially bleaching), perm, keratin — all damage the hair structure and make it drier.
Solution: reduce frequency, intensive care after procedures. More — in the article on restoring damaged hair.
4. Environmental factors
- Sun (UV) — damages melanin and protein structure
- Heated indoor air in winter
- Cold, dry outdoor air
- Chlorinated pool water
- Salty sea water
Solution: seasonal preparation (winter — more moisturising; summer — UV protection; after the pool — rinse immediately).
5. Water that's too hard
In Lithuania water hardness ranges from medium to hard. Limescale settles on the hair and forms a "closed" layer that blocks moisture absorption.
Solution: a chelating shampoo once a week (removes limescale residues), a lemon juice rinse (1 tbsp + 1 cup of water, as the final rinse), or a water-softening filter for the shower.
6. Dietary factors
- Too few healthy fats (omega-3, omega-6)
- Too little water (dehydration from the inside)
- Too much sugar / processed food
- Lack of vitamin A (important for sebum production)
Solution: more nuts, seeds, fish, avocado. Enough water (2-2.5 L per day).
7. Genetics
Some hair types are naturally drier:
- Thick, kinky, curly hair (sebum has a harder time reaching the length)
- Afro-textured hair
- Hair with low sebum production (genetic)
Solution: more intensive daily care, more oils and masks.
Levels of dryness and solutions
Mild dryness
Signs: slightly stripped ends, occasional static, not a daily issue.
Solution:
- Switch the shampoo to sulfate-free
- Conditioner 1-2 times a week
- After the shower, 1-2 drops of batana oil on the ends
- Reduce heat tool use to 2-3 times a week
Result visible in 2-4 weeks.
Moderate dryness
Signs: rough texture, dry ends visible, daily use of oil or conditioner.
Solution:
- The full Grossty Batana routine: shampoo + conditioner + oil
- 1x a week the hair mask for 15-30 min
- Overnight batana oil 1-2 times a week
- Heat tools max 1-2 times a week
- A silk pillowcase
Result visible in 4-6 weeks.
Severe dryness
Signs: hair feels "papery", breaks easily, looks lifeless even after care.
Solution:
- The full Grossty Batana routine as above
- 2x a week the hair mask
- 1x a week batana butter overnight (deepest nourishment)
- Heat tools rarely (max 1x a week)
- No colouring/chemical treatments for at least 3-6 months
- Consider a trim — damaged ends may be irreversible
- Diet review
Result visible in 2-3 months.
Daily routine for dry hair
Morning
- Comb with a wide-tooth comb (safer than a fine one)
- 1 drop of batana oil into the palms, distributed only on the ends
- If you need to style — use moderate heat
Combing
- Start at the ends and work upwards
- Never comb wet hair with a fine-tooth comb
- 2-3 times a day is enough
Evening
- Comb gently, remove tangles
- On the pillow — a silk cover (reduces friction)
- 1x every 2-3 days — overnight batana oil
Washing
- 2-3x a week (not every day)
- Cooler water (not hot — strips oils)
- First wash — shampoo at the scalp
- Second — shampoo through the lengths
- Conditioner — only from the mid-length to the ends
- After the shower — dry with a soft towel (not by rubbing)
Seasonal care
Winter (November-March)
The driest period in Lithuania. Heated air + cold wind:
- Increased batana oil use (3 times a week)
- Indoor humidifiers
- Hats and scarves where hair doesn't rub
- More intensive masks
Summer season
Sun + chlorinated pool + salty sea water:
- UV protection sprays for hair
- After the pool — rinse with cool water immediately
- Moisturising masks after the sea
- Sun hats
Spring and autumn
Less intensive care — but a steady routine.
Typical mistakes
Mistake 1: Washing every day
Shampoo strips oils. Daily — depletes hair too much. Optimal: 2-3 times a week.
Mistake 2: Shower water too hot
Hot water lifts the cuticle, allowing oils to evaporate faster. Use warmer water and a final cool rinse.
Mistake 3: Rubbing hair with a towel
Friction damages the structure. Press, don't rub. A microfibre towel or soft cotton is better than a standard one.
Mistake 4: Combing wet hair with a fine-tooth comb
Wet hair is the most fragile. Use a wide-tooth comb or a wet brush.
Mistake 5: Excessive colouring/bleaching
Damages hair structurally. Dryness is one of the first signs. Reduce the frequency of colouring.
Quick-help tips
For an event the same day
- After the shower: 2-3 drops of batana oil through the lengths
- Comb with a wide-tooth comb
- Style loosely, dry naturally
Overnight (event the next morning)
- Evening: full overnight batana oil routine
- Hair into a high bun
- Silk pillowcase
- Morning: wash thoroughly
Strong help for severe cases
- Friday evening: full mask + overnight oil + butter
- Saturday morning: wash thoroughly
- Saturday-Sunday: minimal heat
- Sunday evening: another mask before Monday
Frequently asked questions
Is coconut oil suitable for dry hair?
Yes, but in a specific context. Coconut oil penetrates the hair very well, but it can feel too heavy for some. Try a small amount first. Batana oil is a more universal choice for most.
How often does dry hair need conditioner?
Every time, after shampoo. For dry hair conditioner is a must, not optional.
My hair is still dry after all the products. What's going on?
Probably dehydration, not just dryness. Add humectants (moisturising masks with glycerin or hyaluronic acid). Plus — review nutrition and water intake.
Does batana oil cause buildup?
Possibly, if you use too much or don't wash thoroughly. Once every 2-3 weeks — a clarifying shampoo to remove all residues.
How does batana oil differ from hair butter?
Oil is liquid, lighter, for everyday care. Butter is thicker, more intensive, for a weekly mask. Ideally — use both as needed.
Summary
Dry hair is a solvable problem, but it requires consistent care. Main rules: identify the cause (too strong a shampoo? heat? colouring? environment? diet?), choose a strategy by level of dryness, seasonal care, daily routine. Start with — a sulfate-free shampoo + conditioner + batana oil. For more severe cases — add a mask and butter. More on specific products — in the Grossty Batana collection. If dryness is related to damage — the article on restoring damaged hair. If the scalp is also dry — in the scalp health guide.
