Dry or oily hair can cause you to look less than your best and lead to irritating skin conditions. While some people’s hair might be naturally drier or oilier than others, changes in your hair can be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment, explains the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Causes of Dry Hair
Washing your hair too often and using harsh soaps and hair products is one of the most common causes of dry hair. Heated styling tools also can contribute to dry hair. Medical conditions that can remove moisture from your hair include malnutrition, thyroid or parathyroid problems, Menkes kinky hair syndrome and anorexia.
Causes of Oily Hair
Oily hair is usually a symptom of overactive oil glands. Not washing your hair as much as needed or thoroughly enough can leave your hair dirty and cause it to look and feel greasy. Since hormones can increase oil production, oily hair is particularly common in teenagers and people who take hormone medications, such as birth control pills, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Self-Care for Dry Hair
Changing your shampooing habits is one of the best things you can do to combat dry or oily hair. If your hair is dry, use a moisturizing shampoo daily. Following up with a moisture-rich conditioner can help keep your hair hydrated. Avoid heated styling tools as much as possible and keep them on low settings if you must blow dry or straighten your hair. Use warm water when you shower. Extremely hot water can damage your scalp and dry out your hair.
Self-Care for Oily Hair
Shampooing daily is important for people with oily hair as well. You might even need to wash your hair twice a day if your scalp gets sweaty frequently. Brushing your hair too hard or too often can pull oil from your scalp and coat your hair, so brush only when you need to if your hair is greasy, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. Avoid using heavy conditioners on greasy hair and opt for a light spray on the bottom half of your hair only, suggests Pantene celebrity hairstylist Cheryl Marks.
Medical Treatment
Medical treatment for dry or oily hair is usually unnecessary unless the dryness or greasiness is caused by an underlying condition. Dandruff is a common scalp complaint that causes dry scales and flakes of skin on the scalp. Medicated shampoos for dandruff containing salicylic acid, coal tar or selenium sulfide are available over-the-counter or through a prescription from your dermatologist.
Make an appointment to see your doctor if your hair does not improve with self-care, especially if you have other unexplained symptoms, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. Thyroid conditions and malnutrition that cause hair-related symptoms usually can be treated successfully with prescription medications and diet changes.
Member Comments