dry hair is a sign of damaged hair. if left untreated, your hair can become brittle and prone to breakage or wear.
what is dry hair?
when your hair doesn't get or stay hydrated enough, it becomes dry. this reduces its luster and makes it look frizzy and dull.
dry hair can affect men and women of any age, but as you age, you are more likely to develop it.
your hair consists of three layers. if your hair is healthy, the outer layer of natural oils helps protect the inner layer. they also reflect light and make your hair look shiny. shine and shine are two important signs of healthy hair.
when your hair is dry, the outer layer breaks down, causing it to appear dull and unhealthy.
causes of dry hair
a variety of factors can cause dry hair, including environmental conditions, hair care habits, and physical health.
some environmental conditions that can cause dry hair include:
- it lives in a dry and hot climate
- spend a lot of time in the sun or in the wind
- swim often in chlorinated or salty water
hair care methods that often cause dry hair include:
- wash your hair too often
- use a harsh shampoo, conditioner, or styling product
- dye your hair or chemically treat your hair
- blow dry your hair regularly
- use a motorized curling iron, straightener, or curler
in some cases, dry hair is the result of an underlying health problem that affects the ability of the hair to retain moisture. examples include:
- anorexia nervosa: an eating disorder in which anorexia nervosa can lead to malnutrition. it can lead to dry and brittle hair, as well as more serious complications.
- hypoparathyroidism: if you have hypoparathyroidism, the neck thyroid glands produce too little parathyroid hormone, which can reduce the amount of calcium in the blood. calcium is a key nutrient for healthy hair, bones, teeth, and other tissues.
- Hypothyroidism: W I hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland can not produce enough thyroid hormones. Dry and brittle hair is one of the early symptoms of this condition.
- Menkes syndrome: If you have Menkes syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, your cells won't be able to absorb enough copper. Low copper absorption can affect the health of the hair, leading to dryness.
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diagnosis of dry hair
if your hair is severely dry and your hair care routine changes and it doesn't get better, make an appointment with your doctor. they may be able to identify the root cause. they may also refer you to a dermatologist, who specializes in skin and hair conditions.
during your appointment, your doctor or dermatologist may ask you questions about your symptoms, hair care routines, and lifestyle, such as:
- how long has your hair dried?
- how often do you wash your hair?
- what type of hair products do you use?
- what tools do you use to design your hair?
- what does your typical diet include?
- do you have any other symptoms?
they may check your hair and scalp. in some cases, they may order one or more tests. for example, they may collect a sample of your blood or urine to check for signs of certain diseases, such as hypothyroidism or hypoparathyroidism.
treatment of dry hair
in many cases, you can treat dry hair with simple lifestyle changes. there are several things you can try:
- avoid washing your hair every day.
- adjust your hair every time you wash your hair.
- use shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair type.
- use moisturizing styling products.
- avoid chemical hair care.
- blow-dry less hair.
- avoid flat irons, curlers, and drum motors.
washing your hair every day robs you of the protective oil from your hair, causing it to dry out. try washing your hair once or twice a week. you can also use hair oil or a leave-in conditioner to add shine and softness.
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it is also important to protect hair from heat and sunlight. if you live in a place with a dry climate, wear a hat when you go out and avoid prolonged exposure to dry or windy air. when swimming in a pool or ocean, you should wear a swimming cap to protect your hair from chlorine and saltwater.
if a potential medical problem is causing your hair to dry, your doctor may recommend medications or other treatments to fix it. once you have treated the underlying condition, your hair may improve. work with your doctor to find the treatment option that works best for you.
bottom line
dry hair is a sign of damaged hair. if left untreated, your hair can become brittle and prone to breakage or wear.
most cases of dry hair can be effectively treated with simple lifestyle changes.
if your hair is still dry, make an appointment with your doctor. they can help you pinpoint the cause of dry hair and recommend treatments.