Each hair on your head is made of three layers, with the outermost layer protecting the two on the inside, according to the Nemours Foundation. Whereas shiny, strong hair signifies a healthy head of hair, brittle and dry hair is generally a sign that the outer layer has been damaged and the inside layers have been exposed to the outside world. Understanding the cause of your brittle and dry hair is your first step in repairing your tresses or, if necessary, getting a treatment from your doctor.
External Causes
Overexposure to dry air--such as winter cold air and indoor heating or arid summer air and air conditioning--is a common cause of brittle and dry hair, according to MedlinePlus. Frequently washing your hair with hot water and a harsh shampoo or frequently exposing it to chlorine in pools and hot tubs can also cause dryness. Another common cause is overstyling; using a hot setting on the blow dryer, using a curling or straightening iron and getting chemical treatments such as dyes and perms can all be damaging.
Internal Causes
Sometimes brittle and dry hair is caused by an underlying health problem. Malnutrition, regardless of its cause, is one potential cause of hair dryness. The metabolic disease Menkes kinky hair syndrome and hormone problems such as underactive thyroid or underactive parathyroid are also health-related causes of brittle and dry hair, according to MedlinePlus. Sometimes the treatment of a health problem, rather than the health problem itself, causes hair brittleness. An example of that would be drugs for the treatment of cancer.
What to Do
Wash your hair only once or twice a week, recommends MedlinePlus. This will give your scalp a chance to imbue your hair with some natural oils. Whenever you do wash your hair, follow it with a hair conditioner and don't rinse it out for at least a minute. For ideal results, don't use heated styling tools or use hair-styling chemicals. However, if you must style, talk to a hair stylist about how often you should style your hair; he should have an idea of what's appropriate for someone with your hair type. Finally, visit a hair salon every six weeks so that a hair stylist can trim off the dead ends, recommends Women's Healthcare Topics online.
Getting Help
Schedule a doctor's appointment if your hair is brittle and dry, even if you only wash it a couple of times a week, you use a gentle shampoo and you use no chemicals or heated styling tools on it, recommends KidsHealth. Also schedule a visit if your hair doesn't feel or look any better after you've made lifestyle changes or if your brittle hair is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms, recommends MedlinePlus.
Finding the Cause
Your doctor will likely ask you a series of questions regarding your hair condition to get t to the root of the issue. Questions may cover: when your hair started to become dry and brittle, whether your hair problem is constant or sporadic, what and how often you eat, how you wash and style your hair, and whether you have any other symptoms with an unknown cause, says MedlinePlus. She may also take a blood test and examine your hair under a microscope to rule out potential medical conditions.
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