Dull and dry hair is difficult to mask with a gel or hairstyle because its straw-like texture makes it susceptible to permanent breakage. If your hair's moisture content is below 10 percent, your scalp might not be producing enough natural oil and your hair will have trouble attracting and holding onto moisture, according to Women's Healthcare Topics online. However, most cases of dull and dry hair aren't caused by a serious problem and the condition is easy to treat.
External Causes
Hair often becomes dry and dull when it is abused. Use of a harsh shampoo, too much shampooing, overexposure to chemical treatments such as dyes and hair straighteners, overexposure to chlorine in spas and swimming pools, too much time spent in the sun and wind, high mineral content in the tap water and overuse of heated styling tools such as hair dryers and curlers can cause hair to become dry, according to Discovery Health.
Health Causes
People who take good care of their hair can still develop dry or damaged tresses. Conditions such as anorexia nervosa, Menkes kinky hair syndrome, low thyroid levels, low parathyroid levels and nutritional deficiencies can all have dull and dry hair as a side effect. Cancer treatments, certain medications and long-term illnesses can also cause hair to become dry, according to Discovery Health.
What to Do
Since too much washing and harsh shampoo can cause hair dryness, shampoo your hair only one to two times per week with a gentle shampoo that has a pH of 4.5 to 6.7, suggests Discovery Health. Add conditioner to your regimen; find a fragrance-free conditioner because it will likely contain less alcohol than the aromatic varieties. If your hair is still dry despite conditioning, use an overnight conditioner or a hot oil treatment. Finally, protect your hair. Brush gently and not too often, talk to your stylist about how frequently you should get chemical treatments, wear hats or scarves over your hair in the wind and sun, wear a swim cap if you swim often and get your hair trimmed every 6 weeks, recommends Women's Healthcare Topics online.
When to See a Doctor
Contact your doctor if your hair continues to be dull and dry after you have made a concerted effort to treat it, says PubMed Health. Also seek medical advice if your dull and dry hair is accompanied by hair loss or any other symptoms that you can't explain.
Diagnosis
When you see your doctor about your dry hair, she may do a full physical exam to rule out underlying health problems, says PubMed Health. She might also order an examination of your hair under a microscope or take blood tests. She may also ask questions about how long hair dryness has been a problem, whether it is continuous or sporadic, what and when you eat and how you wash and style your hair, says PubMed Health.
Member Comments