WEll, I'm no hairstylist. But I don't think you can fix already broken, split ended hair. You need to get it cut and then use conditioners after shampoo. Probably some leave in type conditioners. Stay away from blow drying, curling irons, flat irons, perms and bleaching. Maybe an occasional oil treatment?

I'm not sure... I have dry hair, but I have kinda short hair... jaw line and have to get it cut every 5 to 8 weeks. (depends on $$$ and how often I "Trim" it up! lol)
so, I don't have spit ends,,, or broken "rough" hair. sorry! I guess, just dry in the sense I don't have oily scalp.

Aside from a good trim, a product called BioSilk is awesome!! Just a teeny tiny bit rubbed in will help dry damaged hair. It makes your hair feel silky smooth.

My remedy would be a return to my youth (sigh)

I have very, very fine and thin, very dry hair. I used a shampoo for color treated hair and a small dab of conditioner in the shower. Any more and I wouldn't be able to do anything with my hair. Then I use a spray on and leave conditioner lightly. This is what my stylest told me to do.

Then I put on a whole bunch of product in order for the hair style to actually be a style instead of a limp drippy, wispy mess. The leave on conditioner evidently fills up the little layers of cuticle so that the product don't dry it out further. This is the premise.

I blow dry to give a start on the style but not until dry, only until almost dry, then I let it finish to dry on it's own, about a half hour. I use a "coolish" curling rod.

I figure I'll be bald in my old age, I can't give up the product and the curling rod - but my hair is very dry, this comes with menopause.

You might want to have your thyroid checked when you next see your doctor - very dry hair and/or nails can be a symptom of thyroid problems.

If they even still make this stuff, the Australian 3 Minute Miracle really is.

I just this morning put mayo all over my head, put some plastic wrap over it, let it sit for about an hour, and then then washed it out. Really didn't seem to help me much... but some people swear by it.

There are a lot of home conditioning treatments you could try... Olive Oil, honey, etc..

I should try that Biosilk. Can you buy that in the store? And what is it you recommend... a shampoo, a leave in conditioning treatment, hair serum? There's always so much out there I never know what's what.

I do think a lot of hair dryness has to do with age... I used to have the best hair and have really done nothing differently and have just seen the shine sucked out of it.

I switch shampoos and conditioners from time to time and you could try a clarifying shampoo too. Some of your problem could be buildup. I color my hair so I don't do it often now, but I used to do a vinegar rinse from time to time (I forget the water/vinegar proportions but I'm sure you could look it up)... It would really softened my hair up. I think the vinegar rinse really is just a clarifying rinse thing and it can strip hair if you do it too much so be careful, but it really does seem to soften it up.

Thanks for the advice...I have never had this problem before.
I am wondering now if I am pre-menopausal. I am 42 years old.

A couple changes recently: I started taking BC about 6 months ago do to a divorce - first time ever on that.
Also have been taking Vicodan for back pain.

Do you think either of those could be the cause?
My hair is already pretty short - not quite to my collar. I really don't want to go any shorter.
I feel like it is making me look tired and frumpy! I have tried some stuff (Bed Head brand) that I put on after styling, and it feels nice, but looks like my hair is weighted down.

Hormonal birth control, pregnancy, menopause, prescription drugs and chemotherapy among many things, can change the texture of hair. Diet can change hair texture too, but most Americans receive enough nutrition, and unless you suffer from anorexia nervosa that is probably not the cause, so don't waste your money on any "vitamins for hair" sold on the internet through SPAM.

Try a conditioner that contains silicone. This coats the hair and makes the hair shaft feel smoother.

Biosilk Silk Therapy is what it's called. It's kinda expensive, but a larger bottle could last at least a year. You literally use a dime size bit in your hand.

The way you use it is after you wash your hair, before you dry it, just rub some into your hands and run your fingers thru your hair, paying closer attention to the ends where hair tends to be the most damaged. It serves as a great detangler too.

If you put too much, your hair will feel greasy/oily after it dries though so just use a little bit.

You used to only be able to get it in beauty suppy stores or salons but I've seen it in some regular retail stores too.

Here is a link that might be useful: BioSilk

Thanks for the info on the BioSilk and the link. I'll try to find it and give it a try.

Get your thyroid level checked. My hair was a mess and I found out that was my problem.

I stopped last night and got some hair serum called F/X.
It seems to have helped some. It is very oily and is a leave-in treatment after showering. My hair definately feels better, but only looks marginally better.
I'll keep using it and then try to remember to get my thyroid tested next Dr visit.

And when you get your thyroid test, be sure to ask for all three, as the general test often doesn't show much. The doc should know what you mean.