If your hair has become frizzy, lacks its usual shine, and is challenging to style, you've likely asked yourself, "Why is my hair so dry?" Dry hair is a common issue that has a variety of causes. Various factors, including environmental conditions, hair care habits, and physical health, can cause dry hair. Understanding the causes of dry hair can help you determine the best treatment options for your unique hair.
Healthy Hair vs. Dry Hair
When your hair is healthy, natural oils, called sebum, coat the outer layer of the hair shaft to lock in moisture and protect the inner layers. The outer layer, or cuticle, also reflects light, giving your hair its sheen and luster, two signs of healthy hair.
Your hair becomes dry when the cuticle breaks down, reducing the amount of moisture retained in the shaft. The lack of moisture reduces your hair's sheen, causing it to become dull, frizzy, and unhealthy-looking. Dry hair is brittle, more prone to breakage, and can lead to scalp issues such as dandruff.
Common Causes of Dry Hair
Your hair is sensitive to various environmental factors, including sun exposure, air pollution, chemicals, minerals, weather, and heat or cold. These factors can damage your hair by impacting surface quality and structural components, leading to various hair-related issues, such as dryness, brittleness, and breakage.
Hair care routines and the products used are often factors in developing dry hair. Chemically treating your hair, washing it too often, or using harsh shampoos can damage the cuticle and lead to dry hair. Styling practices, including regularly blow-drying your hair or using other hot styling tools, can also contribute.
Several underlying medical conditions can affect the hair's ability to retain moisture and cause dry hair. Some of these conditions include hypothyroidism, Menkes syndrome, hypotrichosis, and Cushing's syndrome. Additionally, eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, can cause nutritional deficiencies that lead to dry, brittle hair and more severe complications.
Treating Dry Hair
You should not ignore changes in your hair. Changes in texture, density, or developing dry hair are often the first symptoms of an underlying health issue. However, dry hair can be treated and reversed in many cases by making a few lifestyle changes. A few simple things you can try include:
- Avoid washing your hair daily.
- Use a conditioner every time you wash your hair.
- Use the right shampoo and conditioner for your type of hair.
- Avoid chemical hair treatments.
- Limit hot styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons.
- Use moisturizing styling products.
- Protect your hair and scalp from direct sunlight and harsh wind when you spend time outdoors.
- Wear a swim cap to protect your hair from damage caused by salt water and chlorine.
Get Help From the Experts
Dry hair can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including environmental conditions, hair care habits, and physical health. In some cases, an underlying health issue or medication can affect your hair's ability to retain moisture.
The first step to finding a solution for your dry hair is to determine the cause. At Mane Image, we are experts in all areas of hair care. Our team of experts can help identify what is causing your hair issues and offer solutions that fit your specific needs. Whether you are dealing with dry hair, changes in texture, thinning hair, or hair loss, we can help you find a solution. To learn more about the causes of dry hair and how you can treat it, contact us today to schedule your FREE initial consultation.
