Your hair probably needs more moisture if it feels like straw. The best course of action will usually depend on what is causing your hair to dry.
We’ll go over the typical reasons for dry, brittle hair in this post, along with several solutions.
Read on to find out more.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Hair damage is caused by dry hair.
✅ Your hair may grow brittle and fray or break easily if it is not treated.
✅ Simple lifestyle adjustments can easily address the majority of cases of dry hair.
Why is my hair so dry and brittle?
Typical hair care mistakes like these might lead to straw-like hair. Using heat-based drying and styling tools too frequently, shampooing too frequently, using a shampoo with harsh ingredients like sulfates that are drying for your type of hair.
Not using a conditioner frequently enough or one that is designed for your type of hair, not including a moisturizing hair mask in your hair care routine; and not being gentle enough.
How to restore brittle, damaged hair
It is important to address your hair care regimen as the first step in mending straw-like hair. Think about changing your actions and the items you use. Consider adjusting your diet to include nutrient-rich foods that support healthy hair. Try lowering the heat setting on your hair drying and styling tools and using them less frequently.
Also, choose a shampoo that’s appropriate for your hair type and reduce your shampooing frequency, and you could choose a conditioner that’s appropriate for your hair type and use it frequently. Make an appointment to see a primary care physician or dermatologist if you don’t experience improvement after making lifestyle and product modifications.
They might have more advice about how to take care of your hair. Additionally, they might perform tests for underlying illnesses. It’s most likely a moisture issue if your hair feels like straw. Changing your usual hair products and hair care routine can usually fix this.
Consult a dermatologist if modifications to your diet and lifestyle don’t help the issue. Potential medical disorders including hypothyroidism or hyperparathyroidism may be tested for.
Dry hair: what is it and what causes it?
When your hair doesn’t receive or keep enough moisture, dry hair begins to form. As a result, it loses some of its luster and could look frizzy and drab. Men and women of any age can have dry hair, but as you age, the likelihood of getting it increases.
You have three layers in your hair. Natural oils in the outside layer of healthy hair assist to shield the inner layers. They also reflect light, giving the impression that your hair is shining. There are two crucial indicators of healthy hair: sheen and shine.
The exterior layer of your hair breaks down when it is dry, giving it a dull and unhealthy appearance. A number of things, such as environmental circumstances, hair care practices, and physical health can cause dry hair. Others can be living in a dry, hot climate, and spending a lot of time in the sun or wind.
Regularly swimming in salty or chlorinated pool water won’t help either.
The following hair care habits frequently cause dry hair:
- over-washing
- using harsh shampoos, conditioners, or styling products
- chemically or dyeing your hair
- frequently blow-drying your hair
- and using electric curling irons, straighteners, or curlers.
Sometimes, underlying health issues that influence your hair’s capacity to retain moisture are the cause of dry hair. A few examples are:
- Anorexia nervosa: is an eating disorder that can result in malnutrition. Along with more severe issues, it might result in dry, brittle hair.
- Hypoparathyroidism: This condition causes the parathyroid gland in your neck to generate insufficient amounts of parathyroid hormone, which lowers the amount of calcium in your blood. Calcium is also essential for healthy hair and a vital vitamin for strong bones, teeth, and other tissues.
- Hypothyroidism: This condition affects the number of thyroid hormones produced by your thyroid glands. One of the early signs of this illness is dry, brittle hair.
- Menkes syndrome: Menkes syndrome is a rare hereditary disorder in which cells fail to properly absorb copper. Your hair’s health is impacted by low copper absorption, which leads to dryness.
Dry hair detection
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have extremely dry hair that doesn’t improve with modifications to your hair care routine. They might be able to identify the root issue. They might also suggest a dermatologist, a medical professional who focuses on problems with the skin and hair.
Dry hair is frequently treatable with straightforward lifestyle adjustments. You can try a few of these:
- Refrain from shampooing your hair daily.
- After every wash, condition your hair.
- Use shampoo and conditioner designed for your particular hair type.
- Avoid chemical hair treatments and use hydrating styling products.
- Use the blow dryer less regularly.
- Steer clear of electric rollers, curling irons, and flat irons.
Your hair’s protective oils can be removed by daily shampooing, which can cause dryness. Instead, try washing your hair just once or twice a week. To add shine and smoothness, you can also use leave-in conditioners or hair oils.
It’s also crucial to protect your hair from heat and sunlight. Wear a hat when you’re outside if you live in a dry region, and stay out of the wind and dry air for extended periods of time. When swimming in a pool or the ocean, you should wear a bathing cap to shield your hair from chlorine and salt water.
Your doctor may suggest drugs or other therapies if an underlying medical condition is the root of your dry hair. After you address the root issue, your hair may become better. Find the best course of therapy for you in collaboration with your doctor.
In conclusion
Hair damage is indicated by dry hair. Your hair may grow brittle and fray or break easily if it is not treated. Simple lifestyle adjustments can easily address the majority of cases of dry hair.
Make an appointment with your doctor if your dry hair continues. They can suggest remedies and assist you in determining the source of your dry hair.