How to Rescue Super Dry Hair: Stylist Tips from Pasadena

“My hair feels like straw. What can I do?” That’s something I hear almost every week at Bokaos Salon & Spa. And honestly? You’re not alone. Between Pasadena’s sunshine, city air, and the heat from styling tools, dry hair creeps up on a lot of us. I’m Hasblady Guzman, and after more than two decades behind the chair, I’ve found some simple ways to bring life back into tired, thirsty strands.

1. Wash Less, Condition Smarter

One of the biggest things I notice is people shampooing too often. Every time you wash, you strip away oils that your hair actually needs. Try spacing it out to every couple of days instead of daily. If your scalp feels greasy, a quick refresh with water or a light rinse can help without drying your ends out. Pair that with a deeper conditioning routine once a week, and you’ll start noticing more softness.

2. Give Heat Styling a Break

Flat irons, blow dryers, curling wands, they do their job, but they also pull moisture right out of your hair. If you can, lower the heat settings and work in smaller sections. Your style will hold better than you think. And giving your hair even one or two days without hot tools lets it bounce back naturally. In the salon, I see the difference almost immediately when clients start cutting back.

3. Use Oils the Right Way

A drop or two of a natural oil can be a lifesaver for dry ends. The trick is to use less than you think and apply it only where your hair needs it most. Warm it in your hands first, then gently smooth it over the bottom half of your hair. Done right, it tames frizz and adds a healthy finish without weighing everything down. Here in Pasadena, where the air can be dry, a little extra moisture like this goes a long way.

4. Try a Professional Treatment

Sometimes your hair needs more help than you can give it at home. That’s when an in-salon treatment makes all the difference. At Bokaos, we offer conditioning and repair services that soak deep into the hair and restore softness from the inside out. Clients often tell me their hair feels brand new after just one session. It’s like hitting the reset button when nothing else seems to work.

5. Take Care of Your Scalp

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. If it’s itchy, flaky, or tight, your strands will suffer too. A gentle massage when you wash or a simple hydrating treatment can wake up the scalp and encourage stronger growth. I always tell clients, don’t forget the base, because that’s where the magic begins.

A Client Story

One of my regulars came in after spending months outdoors, and her hair was brittle no matter what she tried at home. We adjusted her wash routine, added a weekly mask, and finished with a salon treatment. Within weeks, she told me people were asking if she’d done something new with her hair. The truth? Just small, consistent changes made the difference.

Final Thoughts

Dry hair doesn’t have to be your new normal. With a few tweaks to your routine and some extra care when needed, you can bring back softness and shine. If you’re unsure where to start, come sit in my chair. Sometimes it only takes a fresh set of eyes and the right plan to get your hair back on track.

Visit us at Bokaos Salon & Spa, One Colorado Square, 52 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103. Call (626) 304-0007 or book online. Let’s get your hair feeling healthy again.