6 Tips for Bringing Dehydrated Hair Back to Life

If you’re like us, you could use an extra five minutes in the morning to snuggle up in bed—and it's tempting to reclaim those five minutes from your beauty routine. But when there’s a certain expectation of how you should look when you walk through the door of your office, how can you compromise between sleep and beauty? Stress no more—we’re here to help! Since we believe everybody deserves to press snooze without having to sacrifice their appearance, we’ve put together five of our favorite work makeup looks using no more than three makeup products each. The result? A gorgeous, bright-eyed visage that doesn’t take forever to create. So, hit snooze, enjoy those few extra minutes of sleep, then scroll down to learn how to make the most of your complexion with different combinations of foundation, highlighter, lipstick, eyebrow makeup, and more. 

WORK MAKEUP LOOK #1. THE MODEL-OFF-DUTY LOOK

Models are known for their dewy skin that glows oh-so-subtly in the right light. Pair it with a peachy-pink pout and you’ll have a natural-looking, office-ready makeup look that you can’t go wrong with. 

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer

L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops 

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Shining Peach

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Apply your glow lotion

Don’t worry about going through a full skin care routine. With our highlighter lotion (a.k.a. glotion), a skin care-meets-face makeup hybrid, you can save time, gain sleep, and look dewier than ever. Simply squeeze some onto a makeup blender, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, and blend it onto your skin.

Step 2: Get glow-y

To take your model-off-duty look to the next level, squeeze a few highlighter drops onto your makeup blender and stipple it across your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and around the inner corners of your eyes. Now, you’re almost ready to glow and get ‘em!

Step 3: Finish with lipstick

Instead of reaching for a heavy matte formula, stay loyal to the light model-off-duty look with a shiny lipstick in a peach shade.

WORK MAKEUP LOOK #2. THE GLOWING FACE AND MATTE LIPS LOOK

There’s nothing like a little contrast to create a head-turning, office-ready makeup look. Ahead we teach you how to keep it low-key while accentuating all of your best facial features.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation

L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter Palette

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Matte-ly In Love

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Apply foundation

Embrace a dewy, glowing face with a radiant finish foundation. Simply apply some of the face makeup onto a makeup blender and buff it onto your face for airy, radiant coverage. 

Step 2: Get your glow on

Define your bone structure with a little strobing that only requires a highlighter palette. Use a fluffy, angled highlighter brush to apply the color of your choice to your cheekbones, brow bones, and bridge of your nose. Be sure to blend your highlighter out so that it looks like light reflecting off your skin instead of product layered on top of it.

Step 3: Paint your pout

To create that beautiful juxtaposition, smooth your matte lipstick over your pout. Ta-da, you’re done—with time to spare! 

WORK MAKEUP LOOK #3. THE NUDE BROWS AND LIPS LOOK

Not really feeling face makeup right now? No worries! With the right eye makeup and lip color, you’ll be able to create a foundation-free, office-appropriate makeup look in no time.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Boost & Set Brow Mascara

L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Brow Raiser Highlighter Duo

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Glossy Fawn

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Sculpt your brows

No, we’re not talking about the super-sleek brows that are always popping up on Instagram—instead, we’re eluding to the gorgeous arches that are seen strutting down the runway and sidewalks in everyday life. In other words, bold and beautiful while still looking totally natural. To get the look, brush your brows with brow mascara up and over, following the pattern of your brow growth. Next, highlight the underside of your brows using a highlighter to help frame your face.

Step 2: Paint your pout

Keep the natural look going with a glossy nude lipstick.

WORK MAKEUP LOOK #4. THE PRETTY FILTER IRL LOOK

Oh, you know the one! Channel your inner Snapchat filter by bringing the poreless skin meets bright doe eyes look to life.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Nude

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Apply makeup primer

Primer, although known for its ability to elongate makeup wear, can also be worn alone for a poreless, no makeup, makeup look. So, smooth some matte primer on and skip out on any other face makeup.

Step 2: Make your eyes pop

Nope, you don't need loads of eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara to make your eyes pop. Instead, trace your waterline using a nude eyeliner pencil to create the appearance of bigger eyes. Top off your lashes with a quick coat of voluminous mascara and that’s a wrap on this look. 

WORK MAKEUP LOOK #5. THE WASH OF COLOR LOOK

Like to really play up your pretty peepers? This eye-catching office makeup look is for you!

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Acro-Matte

L’Oréal Paris Unlimited Lash Lifting and Lengthening Washable Mascara

Step 1: Perfect your complexion

While this makeup look is focused on your eyes, why not give yourself a flawless complexion to tie it all together? To do just that, apply a lightweight, full coverage foundation using a makeup blender.

Step 2: Color your lids

Swipe a color onto your lids—we recommend a brown-based maroon shade if you’re not sure what’s suitable for the office. Make sure to blend the shade into your crease with a fluffy brush for a seamless look.

Step #3: Coat your lashes

Finish things off with a few coats of mascara for long, voluminous lashes.

Next, learn how to rock a trendy hairstyle with little to no effort. Read our article, 12 Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Lazy Girls, for plenty of ideas for those workdays when you’re running a little late.

How Can You Tell If Your Hair Is Dehydrated? 

Hair that lacks hydration (a.k.a. dehydrated hair) typically looks dull and feels rough. Additionally, it’s tough to style, extra oily, lacks volume and split ends are much more noticeable. In appearance, it’s very similar to dry hair which is why it can be tough to distinguish between the two. 

To help identify if you have dehydrated hair, here are a few things to look for: hair that feels super dry after the wash process, hair that is flat and constantly greasy at the scalp and hair that feels rough to the touch, even after using smoothing products. If any of these struggles ring a bell, you likely have dehydrated hair.

What's the Difference Between Dehydrated Hair and Dry Hair?

It’s so common for people to refer to dehydrated and dry hair interchangeably so it can be confusing to understand that they’re not the same. Dehydrated hair happens when there is a lack of water. Simply put, water is a key nutrient for your hair and when there is a significant lack of it, your strands won’t be able to retain any moisture. 

On the flip side, dry hair usually stems from excessive exposure to chemicals (like in relaxers), hair dyes, and heat. Certain hair styling products and overwashing can also cause dryness as they strip away your hair’s natural oils. Overall, dehydrated hair needs water to retain moisture while dry hair needs oil to seal the cuticle and lock in moisture.

How Do You Fix Dehydrated Hair? 

With the right products, practices and tips, you can put dehydrated strands in your rearview for good. Check out our six tips for reviving dehydrated strands, below.

1. Use a Hydrating Hair Care System

The key to getting your dehydrated hair back on track is all about boosting your strands with hydration. The easiest way to achieve that is by using a moisturizing hair care system like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo, Paraben-Free and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Conditioner, Paraben-Free. 

This duo is formulated with hyaluronic acid to re-plump dry, dehydrated strands while giving your thirsty hair noticeable body, bounce and shine. Hyaluronic acid is a game-changer for dry skin as it helps the skin to retain moisture, so it only makes sense that the same can apply to your hair.

2. Add Reparative Products to Your Hair Care Routine

Adding a hydrating serum to your hair care routine is another way to give your strands some much-needed, long-lasting hydration. The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Moisture Plump Serum, Paraben-Free is a go-to because it also contains hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture without weigh-down. Spray it all over the length of your hair daily to revive dehydrated strands by adding shine, bounce and volume.

For day-to-day styling, try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free 21-in-1 Color Caring Spray, Leave-In. With 21 benefits including moisturizing and detangling hair, controlling frizz and more, it’s a great treat for dehydrated strands while leaving hair light, smooth and refreshed.

3. Protect Your Hair at Night

Regardless of the condition of your strands, you should always try to protect your hair while you sleep. Sleeping on cotton sheets and pillowcases can remove moisture from your hair because cotton is an absorbent material, so consider switching to a silk pillowcase or wrapping your hair with a silk or satin scarf. Silk or satin causes less friction and helps to avoid any damage to your hair while you recharge.

4. Avoid Heat Styling

It can be hard to say no to your hot tools but don’t underestimate what a difference skipping on heat can make. Over-processing can lead to dehydration so opt for heat-free hairstyles like overnight beach waves or a low bun. 

For those with curly hair, protective hairstyles can keep your dehydrated strands from getting worse. The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Super Curls Cream Leave-In is great for creating soft and bouncy natural curls with no weigh-down and includes nourishing ingredients such as sunflower seed oil. 

Editor’s tip: When you have to use hot tools, make sure to prime your strands with a heat protectant like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In or the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer, Heat Protectant. Another tip is to use your hot tools on the lowest temperature setting while only passing through each section of hair once if possible.

5. Use a Deep Conditioning Treatment

When working with dehydrated hair, you’ll want to add a deep conditioner to your routine as they go the extra mile to help provide your hair with nourishment and result in soft, moisturized strands. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Signature Masque, Color Care Hair Mask, which works for all hair types, providing deep hydration and enhancing shine while leaving you with noticeably healthier-looking strands. 

6. Get Routine Trims

If your dehydrated hair is suffering from split ends and damage, a routine trim is the best way to remove the dead ends and prevent breakage. If you dread haircuts, try a hair dusting as they remove only the dead parts of your hair, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice on length every time you get a haircut. When your ends are healthy, the products and techniques you use to revive your dehydrated strands will seemingly start to work better.

Next: How to Use Conditioner the Right Way

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Paul Yem, Photo Assistant: Matt Licari, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Wardrobe Assistant: Jazmine Alzado, Model: Shann Hitch