Dry, brittle hair appears dull and lifeless. Breakage occurs frequently, and hair issues such as split ends, frizz and damage are common. While you may be the cause of your brittle hair, many medical conditions can also be at fault. Therefore, rule out medical causes before you assume that your hair changes are a direct result of your cosmetic routine.
Diseases/Disorders
WrongDiagnosis.com lists 61 causes for dry, brittle hair, the majority of which are medical. Diseases and disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease, eating disorders and hair disorders cause dry, brittle hair. The body's thyroid function is the major medical cause. Additionally, many medicines can cause dry, brittle hair as a side effect.
Nutrition
Nutritional deficiencies caused by eating disorders, illness and poor eating habits greatly affect hair. Protein is used in the replacement of skin and hair cells so diets poor in protein have a negative impact on the health of the hair. Those who do not or cannot eat and digest protein notice a change in their hair very quickly. In just a few days after a major diet change, new growth appears thinner and more brittle.
Chemicals
Hair that has been severely damaged by chemicals appears dry and brittle. Chemical processes include any salon service that permanently alters hair including perms, relaxers, color and lighteners. While hair is usually strong enough to withstand several chemical applications, severe damage can result from a stylist error, back-to-back or repeated applications and any pre-existing condition that weakens the hair. You can avoid damage with a consultation before chemical services.
Heredity
Genetics also play a role in hair health. Not only do genetics determine your hair color, they also determine thickness, texture and strength of your hair. Several inherited diseases and disorders affect hair growth as well, including the rare trichothiodystrophy syndromes. According to the "Journal of Medical Genetics", these disorders are identified by the absence of hair sulphur, which causes the hair to become brittle.
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