What is dry hair?

When your hair will not get or keep enough moisture, it becomes dry. It loses its shine and might seem frizzy and drab as a result.
Dry hair may affect men and women of any age, but as you get older, you’re more prone to acquire it.

There are three layers to your hair, including natural oils in the outside layer to help protect the inner layers. They also reflect light, giving your hair a shiny appearance. The sheen and shine of your hair are two significant indicators of its health.

The outside layer of your hair breaks down as it dries, making it seem dull and unhealthy.

Causes of dry hair
Dry hair can be caused by a number of reasons, including the climate, hair care practices, and your physical health.

The following are some examples of environmental factors that might produce dry hair:

• Living in a hot and dry climate
• Spending a lot of time in the sun or wind
• Swimming in chlorinated or salty water on a regular basis

Dry hair is commonly caused by poor hair care habits, such as:

• Frequently shampooing your hair
• Applying rough shampoos, conditioners, or hairstyling products
• Hair that has been dyed or chemically treated
• Blow-drying your hair on a regular basis
• Use of straighteners, curlers, or electric curling irons

Dry hair can also be caused by an underlying health issue that impairs your hair’s ability to retain moisture. Here are several examples:

• Anorexia nervosa: Anorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder that can cause malnutrition. It can lead to hair that is dry and brittle, as well as more significant side effects.
• Hypoparathyroidism: Hypoparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid gland in the neck produces insufficient parathyroid hormone, causing calcium levels in the blood to drop. Calcium is an important mineral for hair, bones, and skin health.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid glands generate insufficient thyroid hormones. One of the first signs of this disease is dry, brittle hair.
• Menkes syndrome: Menkes syndrome is a rare genetic condition in which the body’s cells cannot absorb enough copper. Copper deficiency affects the health of your hair, leading it to become dry.

Diagnosing dry hair

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have very dry hair that does not improve with modifications to your hair care routine. They might be able to figure out what’s causing the problem. They may also send you to a dermatologist, a specialist in skin and hair problems.

Your doctor or dermatologist may ask you questions about your symptoms, hair care regimen, and lifestyle during your consultation, such as:

• How long have you been dealing with dry hair?
• Do you wash your hair on a regular basis?
• What kind of hair products do you apply to your hair?
• How do you style your hair?
• What does a normal diet look like for you?
• Are there any other signs or symptoms you’re experiencing?

They’ll probably look at your hair and scalp. They may prescribe one or more tests in some situations. Furthermore, they could take a sample of your blood or urine to look for symptoms of hypothyroidism or hypoparathyroidism, for example.

Treating dry hair

Dry hair may often be treated by making simple lifestyle changes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• You should not shampoo your hair every day.
• Every time you wash your hair, condition it.
• Use a shampoo and conditioner designed specifically for your hair type.
• Use styling products that are moisturising.
• Chemical hair treatments should be avoided.
• Reduce the amount of time you blow-dry your hair.
• Flat irons, curling irons, and electric rollers should all be avoided.

Shampooing your hair every day can strip it of its protective oils, leaving it dry. Instead, wash your hair once or twice a week. Hair oils or leave-in conditioners can also be used to increase shine and softness.

Online, you may get a variety of hair oils and leave-in conditioners.
It’s also vital to maintain your hair safe from the sun and heat. Wear a hat when you walk outside if you live in a dry region, and avoid long – term exposure to dry or windy air. When swimming in a pool or the ocean, you should wear a bathing hat to protect your hair from chlorine and salt water.

If your dry hair is caused by an underlying medical condition, your doctor may prescribe medicines or other therapies to treat it. Once you’ve taken care of the underlying problem, your hair may start to look better. Work with your doctor to choose the best option for you.

Conclusion

Hair damage is indicated by dry hair. Your hair can become brittle if left untreated, making it easy to break or tear.

Simple lifestyle modifications can easily cure most cases of dry hair.

Make an appointment with your doctor if your dry hair persists. They can assist you figure out what’s causing your dry hair and suggest remedies.