What Is Dry Hair?
Dry hair develops when the hair does not get or retain enough moisture and oil, making it appear frizzy, dull, unhealthy, and unmanageable. In addition, dry hair is more vulnerable to tangling, breakage, and hair loss. Dry hair can occur at any age with no gender predilection, but it is more likely to develop in older age. Natural hair oils in the outer layer protect the inner layers of healthy hair. As a result, they appear shiny and lustrous. Conversely, in dry hair, the outer layer breaks down, making the hair appear dull and unhealthy.
What Causes Dry Hair?
Various factors such as environmental conditions, hair care practices, and health conditions may cause dry hair.
Hair care practices that often lead to dry hair include:
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Frequent hair washing.
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Regular use of harsh shampoos, conditioners, serums, or other products containing harmful chemicals.
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Hair coloring or dying or other chemical treatments on hair.
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Excessive blow-drying of hair.
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Use hair styling products such as electric curling irons, straighteners, or curlers daily.
Certain environmental conditions that can cause dry hair include:
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Dry, hot climate.
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Prolonged and frequent exposure to sun and wind.
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Regular exposure to chlorinated or salty water.
In some cases, dry hair results from underlying health issues that affect the hair's ability to retain moisture or oil include:
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Anorexia Nervosa: This is an eating disorder that can lead to malnutrition. Malnutrition can cause dry and brittle hair.
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Hypoparathyroidism: Hypoparathyroidism is when the body produces abnormally low parathyroid hormone levels. Low levels of parathyroid hormone decrease calcium levels in the blood. And as calcium is a key nutrient for healthy hair, the hair becomes dry and unhealthy.
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Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid glands do not produce enough thyroid hormones in hypothyroidism. Dry hair is one of the early symptoms of this disease.
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Menkes Syndrome: It is a rare genetic condition in which cells do not absorb enough copper. Due to low copper absorption, the hair becomes dry and brittle.
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Dry Scalp: The hair relies on natural oils in its roots to keep it moisturized. Since the roots are under the skin, a dry scalp often occurs with dry hair.
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Age: With increasing age, the hair makes less oil.
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Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes after menopause in women can also lead to dry hair.
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Lack of Protection: Hair strands of healthy hair have a protective layer called the cuticle. The cuticle helps protect the hair from sun damage. These layers lie tightly together in a healthy cuticle and retain moisture. When a cuticle's layers peel away from hair, it can not hold moisture, and some oil escapes resulting in dry hair.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Hair?
Dry hair often looks dull, frizzy, brittle, lacks sheen and texture, and is more vulnerable to tangling, breakage, and hair loss.
How Is Dry Hair Diagnosed?
If a person has severely dry hair and the hair condition does not improve with a hair care routine changes, visit a dermatologist. A dermatologist can rule out the underlying cause of dry hair. During an appointment, a dermatologist often examines the hair and scalp.
In addition to the medical history and physical examination, a dermatologist may perform the following diagnostic tests that include:
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Microscopic examination of the hair.
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Blood tests and urine tests for medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or hypoparathyroidism.
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Scalp biopsy.
When to See a Doctor?
Call a health care provider if:
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The hair condition does not improve with at-home treatments.
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Severe hair loss.
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Other unexplained symptoms.
What Are the Treatments for Dry Hair?
If someone has an underlying medical condition causing dry hair, it is best to consult a dermatologist. A dermatologist may recommend medications or other treatments to address it. The hair may improve once the underlying condition is treated. In addition, simple lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and a good hair care routine can manage dry hair.
A home-care should include the following practices:
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Avoid frequent hair washing to preserve the natural oils in the scalp and keep hair well moisturized. Try hair washing once or twice a week instead.
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While hair washing, focus on primarily cleaning the scalp rather than the hair's ends. As the ends of the hair are comparatively dry, they become more coarse and dehydrated after being washed from shampoo.
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Rinse hair only using cool or lukewarm water as hot water damages hair.
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Avoid a harsh shampoo and use gentle sulfate-free shampoos.
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Avoid frequent hair blow-drying. Let the hair air-dry when possible.
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Protect hair from heat damage from hair-styling products like straighteners, electric rollers, or curlers.
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Avoid chemical treatments on hair, such as dyes and hair colorants.
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Use conditioners after shampooing the hair.
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Massage with natural hair oils to add luster and softness.
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Protect hair from sun exposure. Wear hats or scarves to protect the hair from harmful sun rays.
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Avoid prolonged exposure to dry or windy air.
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Protect the hair from chlorine and saltwater by wearing a bathing cap while swimming in a pool. Rinse hair immediately after swimming
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Avoid alcohol-based hair products as alcohol dries out the hair.
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Trim split ends to make hair feel smoother.
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Take a diet rich in omega-3, vitamin A, vitamin B12, iron, folate, and selenium to keep hair healthy, shiny, and voluminous.
Conclusion:
Dry hair signifies damaged hair. If left untreated, hair can become brittle, resulting in hair fall. Fortunately, most cases of dry hair can be treated with lifestyle changes, a good hair care regimen, and dietary modifications. However, if the dry hair persists or the hair condition does not improve with at-home treatments, contact a dermatologist. A dermatologist may help pinpoint the cause of the dry hair and recommend medications or other treatments to address it.
