6 Common Hair Problems—and the Expert-Approved Ways to Treat Them

Split ends

One of the biggest beauty myths is that you can "reverse" split ends. Unfortunately, the only way to fix a split end is to cut it off, says Gillen. However, you can keep them from getting worse or prevent them from happening in the first place. A finishing serum with keratin or a high-grade silicon oil will help seal the ends together and prevent it from climbing further up the hair strand. The ghD Advanced Split End Therapy ($30; nordstrom.com) acts like a cast for split ends, temporarily uniting broken hair fibers to make them less noticeable.

To prevent more breakage from happening, blow-dry your hair on cool, and use a fine-toothed comb instead of a brush to detangle (brushing can drag the knots and result in breakage). If you use heat styling tools daily, invest in a quality heat protectant and avoid placing heat directly on to the ends of hair.

Oily scalp

From hormonal changes to poor diet, there are many reasons why your hair is getting greasy. But the biggest culprit? Overwashing. "It's the classic 'chicken or the egg' syndrome," says Gillen. "Is your scalp oily because you wash your hair too much, or are you washing your hair too much because your scalp is oily? The first question I ask a client with this issue is how often they're washing their hair. If it's more than 2 to 3 times a week, you're probably drying out your scalp. This causes the scalp to produce more oil to compensate."

According to Gillen, the key lies in pH-balancing hair care, which uses ingredients like lactic acid to regulate how your skin produces oil. It might take a month or two to fully regulate the oil production, so in the meantime try to cut back on hair-washing and opt for dry shampoo between washes.

Frizz

Frizz happens when hair's outermost layer, the cuticle, isn't sealed all the way, causing moisture to seep in. This could be from a number of reasons, including dryness, damage, sun exposure, or a bad blowout. In order to manage frizz and keep hair sleek, the cuticle must lay flat. Look for styling products, like Sachajuan Styling Cream ($35; dermstore.com), that lightly coat hair to keep out moisture from the elements. Leave-in products that contain protein—like wheat, yogurt, collagen, vegetable, or silk amino acids—can also help strengthen porous cuticles.

Limp strands

Limpness is often caused by a buildup of oil and products, which can weigh hair down at the roots. Solution: Apply a clarifying shampoo to your scalp to clear up any residue. Then, use conditioner only from the mid-shaft to ends, and hit your roots with a volumizing leave-in spray after styling to pump up the volume—we love R+Co Balloon Dry Volume Spray ($33; dermstore.com).

RELATED: I Tried Over 25 Volumizing Hair Products—These Are the Only Ones Worth Buying

Hair loss

Hair thinning and hair loss can be due to a number of reasons, including stress, hormonal imbalance, and using the wrong hair products. If you've switched over to a new product recently, try using the process of elimination to pinpoint the culprit. Vitamins like vitamin B5, manganese, and magnesium can also help to strengthen and support hair follicles, says Gillen. Look for OTC-shampoos that contain amino acids and antioxidants to feed your scalp.

For worse cases, you could ask your dermatologist about a prescription shampoo like ketoconazole, which affects two hormones associated with hair loss—testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). If you continue to notice a lack of hair on your head, see a doctor. It could be a symptom of a greater problem (like thyroid problems, iron deficiency anemia, and more).

RELATED: Here's Everything You Need to Know About Hair Loss—and How to Live With It

Dandruff

Dandruff, while harmless, can be a serious nuisance to manage. Try exfoliating your scalp with salicylic acid to gently lift the top layer of dry skin, and pair it with an exfoliating brush, like the Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager ($18; sephora.com). This will break down the dead skin cells that accumulate on the scalp and lead to white flakes. Special dandruff shampoos containing zinc or sulfur can also help. Modern formulas no longer smell repellent, and are gentle enough to be used every day. In need of a quick fix? Apple-cider vinegar, which has anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties to lower levels of yeast on the skin, has also been touted as an effective home remedy against dandruff.

RELATED: 5 Best Ways to Fight Dandruff and Soothe Your Itchy Scalp—Including One Natural Remedy