“Layer on serums and oils to keep [the ends] supple, and use strengthening treatments regularly,” Smith adds. Serums and oils work to hydrate the stands, while strengthening protein treatments help rebuild broken hair bonds—and you want a healthy balance of both to repair micro-breakage. 

See, protein treatments are great for sealing down the cuticle, but if you overdo it, you may wind up with hair that’s even more brittle and strawlike. (It’s a concept called protein overload, and we explain it in more detail here.) 

Smith recommends snagging bond-building treatments from Olaplex and K18, but you also want to introduce enough moisture to balance out the ratio; look for hydrators like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe, as well as a blend of oils to nourish the strands—feel free to also check out our favorite shampoos and conditioners for dry hair.