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Brillo pad hair, also known as “bird’s nest hair,” is a term used to describe hair that is dry, frizzy, unruly, and damaged that looks like a brillo pad. It can be difficult to manage and style, and often feels rough and tangly to the touch.

If you have experienced brillo pad hair, you are not alone – many people struggle with this issue at some point in their lives. If you too are looking for a way to fix and soften your brillo pad hair then don’t worry we have got you covered.

Let’s get your query resolved. 

What Is Brillo Pad Hair?

When your hair appears fried, gets tangled often, lacks any shine, and appears extremely dry and damaged, it means you have brillo pad hair. This is because your hair starts to resemble the brillo pad that you might be using in your household. 

In case you feel you have brillo pad hair then don’t worry, here is an in-depth guide on what causes brillo pad hair and how you can fix it and soften it at home.

What Causes Brillo Pad Hair?

The main reason that you are dealing with brillo pad hair is improper hair care routine, use of the wrong hair products, or that you might be washing your hair with hard water.

Excessive heat styling and skipping a heat protectant beforehand

There are several reasons why someone might develop brillo pad hair. One common cause is heat styling, such as blow drying, flat ironing, or curling your precious hair repeatedly. The high heat of these tools can strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, leaving it dry and brittle.

I know it’s really hard to resist heat styling but we can always try to minimize it. Also if you don’t use a good heat protectant before you use your heat styling tools then you are contributing to the damage just by sheer ignorance. 

Here are some of the best heat protectants that will help protect your hair from heat damage the next time:

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Using the wrong hair products

Another potential cause of brillo pad hair is the use of the wrong hair products. For example, using products that are too heavy or greasy for your hair type can weigh it down and cause buildup, leading to frizz and tangles. On the other hand, using products that are too lightweight or are not formulated for your hair type can cause the hair to feel dry and unmanageable.

We are blessed to be living in an era where there are specifically formulated hair products available for your hair type and need. Take advantage of it and use them. 

Also, if you feel that a hair product has worked for one of your close friends or an influencer that you really adore and just tried it despite your hair type being completely opposite then you surely are going in the wrong direction. 

Take a minute, go through the reviews online and research your hair type and texture before ordering your next hair product. I have linked a couple of best-reviewed products for different hair types that might help:

• Best shampoo for oily hair
• Best hair products for dry hair
• Dry hair care routine
• Oily hair care routine that you can follow
• Oily scalp dry hair routine
• Best products to keep your hair straight
• Curly girl method
• Best sulfate-free shampoo for dandruff
• Best volumizing mousses

Still using products that cause build-up

Using hair products that cause buildup is another common reason for brillo pad hair. Over time, certain products can leave a residue on the hair that can make it feel heavy, greasy, and unmanageable. This is especially common with products that contain silicones or other synthetic ingredients that can be difficult to fully rinse out.

You can use good clarifying shampoo to remove product build-up or use silicone-free conditioner, or mineral oil-free hair oils and you can go for ACV rinse or hair detox to get rid of the product build-up.

Lack of nourishment and hydration

Lack of hydration is another factor that can contribute to brillo pad hair. The hair needs a certain amount of moisture to stay healthy and smooth, and if it is not getting enough hydration, it can become dry and brittle.

If you belong to a dry hair family make sure you use a good hair conditioner every time you wash your hair. You can also take advantage of the good hair oils for thicker hair that are sealing or penetrating oils and incorporate deep conditioning hair masks, hair spa at home, or leave-in conditioners.

Protein Overload Causes Brillo Pad Hair

Protein overload is one of the main reasons that lead to brillo pad hair.

The hair is made up of a protein called keratin, and it is important to maintain a healthy balance of protein in the hair. If you use too many protein-rich products or treatments, or if you have a medical condition that causes your hair to be excessively protein-sensitive, it can lead to dry, frizzy, and tangly hair.

If you feel protein overload is the reason for your brillo pad hair then you need to opt for shampoos that are protein-free and concentrate on nourishing masks and better hydrating products that are free of protein. I would also recommend you opt for ACV rinse or lemon rinse every time you wash your hair.

Overwashing

Excessive hair washing can also contribute to brillo pad hair. While it is important to keep the hair clean, washing it too frequently can strip it of its natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness and frizz.

Use good dry shampoos, and lemon rinses, if your hair gets greasy fast but washing your hair more than 3 times a week, deprives your hair of the nourishment that it needs to flourish better. 

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Improper Nutrition

Improper nutrition can also affect the health and appearance of the hair. A diet that is low in essential nutrients such as protein, iron, and vitamins can lead to dry, brittle, and unmanageable hair. 

If you consume too many foods that cause hair loss or have a habit of consuming alcohol or smoking it might indirectly contribute to your hair condition. 

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can also cause brillo pad hair. For example, conditions such as thyroid problems, anemia, and hormonal imbalances can all affect the health and appearance of the hair. Like your hormonal imbalance can cause excessive facial hair growth aka hirsutism, the same way it can contribute to brillo pad hair.

Environmental Factors

Environmental changes can also impact the hair. For example, if you live in a dry or humid climate, or if you frequently expose your hair to chlorine or saltwater, it can lead to dryness and frizz.

You need to take extra care and protect your hair from pollution, climatic changes, and harmful UV rays. 

• How to take care of hair in summer
• Winter hair care guide
• Hair products with SPF to protect your hair from harmful UV rays

Washing your hair with hard water

If you live in a region where you only have access to hard water for washing your hair then over time it will cause mineral build-up on your hair leaving your hair rough, damaged, and brittle. It might also compromise your hair color.

That is why you need to protect your hair from hard water and use a hard water shampoo with chelating ingredients.

Solutions for Brillo Pad Hair

If you are dealing with brillo pad hair, several solutions can help to fix and soften it. Although we covered them in brief above, here is an in-depth solution on how to fix brillo pad hair:

Deep Conditioning Hair Masks

One of the most effective ways to combat dry, frizzy hair is to use a deep conditioning treatment regularly. This can help to restore moisture and nutrients to the hair, leaving it feeling softer and more manageable.

Use these deep-conditioning hair masks once a week and they will help hydrate those unruly manes well. And don’t worry you won’t have to spend a lot on these deep conditioning hair masks because I have linked some of the best hair masks that you can DIY at home too:

• Coconut oil and aloe vera hair mask
• Fenugreek and aloe vera hair mask
• Coconut milk hair and rose petal mask for dry hair

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Befriend Leave-in Conditioners

Another solution is to use a leave-in conditioner to help control frizz and add moisture to the hair. These products can be applied to damp or dry hair and can help to smooth and tame unruly locks.

I have ignored the goodness of leave-in conditioners for the longest time and now I regret it. It is something that you need to incorporate into your hair care routine to see what a magical hair product it is.

Last update on 2024-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

• Can you use a regular conditioner as a leave-in?
• How to use coconut oil as a leave-in conditioner?

Use the right hair products

It is also important to be mindful of the hair products you use. Choose products that are formulated for your hair type and avoid those that contain harsh chemicals or sulfates, which can strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture.

Look for products that are enriched with natural ingredients such as coconut oil, argan oil, or avocado oil, which can help to nourish and hydrate the hair. You can check out the effects of different hair products on your precious hair shafts.

Minimize Heat Styling

In addition to using the right products, you can also take steps to protect your hair from heat styling tools. Use a heat protectant spray before styling, and try to avoid using hot tools on a daily basis. Instead, opt for air drying or using lower heat settings whenever possible.

Apart from it using a good quality styling tool is also something you need to consider. Because cheap heat styling tools use poor materials which causes more damage to your hair in the long run. 

• Best Flat Irons For Silk Press On Natural Hair
• Best Flat Iron With Teeth For That Perfect Straight Hair
• Best Flat Iron For Curly Hair (In-Depth Reviews & Buying Guide)

Don’t Overwash Your Hair

Another way to help fix brillo pad hair is to avoid over-washing it. While it is important to keep the hair clean, washing it too frequently can strip it of its natural oils and moisture. Instead, try to limit washing to a few times a week and use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.

Use good ole dry shampoos, lemon rinses, reverse washing, or wash your hair with just water in the meantime.

Take Care Of Your Diet

Finally, pay attention to your overall health and nutrition. A well-balanced diet that is rich in protein, iron, and essential vitamins can help to nourish and strengthen the hair from the inside out.

Also, minimize alcohol intake, drink plenty of water and stay away from smoking. It not only is injurious to your health but to your hair as well.

Over to You

It is quite common to have brillo pad hair and you don’t need to feel alone. All you need is just a little patience and the right hair care routine to fix it. 

By following the abovementioned tips and using the right products and techniques, you can help to fix and soften brillo pad hair and achieve smooth, healthy, and manageable locks. I have tried my best to incorporate as well detailed solutions as I could for fixing brillo pad hair.

In case you feel I missed out on any of the important ones, feel free to share via comments. Before you leave, don’t forget to check out:

• 7 Best Olive Oil Shampoos For Dry Hair
• How to Moisturize Extremely Dry Hair at Home
• 7 Exclusive Tips To Improve Hair Health Naturally

Have a lovely day.