Each hair on your scalp has two inner layers and a top layer called the cuticle, according to the Nemours Foundation, a children's health organization. A healthy cuticle has a layer of scales that overlap in a flat layer to keep the inner hair layers as protected as possible. Alternately, damaged scales can separate, which can cause the hair to dry out and become dull, frizzy and unmanageable. Fortunately, most cases of dry and unmanageable hair are reversible.
Harmful Habits
The way you care for your hair can cause your hair to become dry and unmanageable. For example, shampooing too frequently, swimming in chlorinated pools, brushing your hair when it's wet or exposing your hair to dry air can cause damage, according to Discovery Health.
Harmful Styling
Using heated styling tools such as straightening irons, curling irons and hair dryers can also cause your hair to dry out. Avoid using them on wet hair, turn down the heat and don't use them whenever possible, recommends the Nemours Foundation. Chemicals such as dyes, perms and relaxers can also dole out damage if you put them in your hair too often. A professional stylist is the best person to decide what chemicals would work in your hair and how often you should get a treatment, according to the Nemours Foundation.
Potential Health Problems
Although less common, health problems can also cause hair to become dry and unmanageable. If you have an illness that has caused you to have a nutritional deficiency, for example, you may begin to notice that your hair is drier and more difficult to tame. A hormonal imbalance, such as an underactive thyroid or parathyroid, may also be to blame, according to MedlinePlus. Prolonged illness and certain medications can also lead to dry and unmanageable hair, according to Discovery Health.
Treatment
Shampoo your hair every few days rather than every day. Too much shampoo -- especially if it contains harsh chemicals -- can remove healthy oil from your scalp. However, washing your hair with a gentle shampoo with a pH of 4.5 to 6.7 can stimulate your oil glands and prevent your hair from becoming saturated in oil, according to Discovery Health. Follow up your hair washing by towel drying your hair to get rid of excess moisture, applying a conditioner to your roots and ends and leaving it in for at least one to two minutes, recommends Women's Healthcare Topics. Another way to help your hair retain more of its natural moisture is to wear a protective cap when you're outdoors or during swimming, recommends the Nemours Foundation. Finally, maintain your hair's health by trimming off dry and split ends every six weeks or less, recommends Women's Healthcare Topics.
Medical Help
You may need medical treatment if your hair remains dry and unmanageable despite your attempts to treat it from home or if you are experiencing any other unexplained symptoms such as hair loss, according to MedlinePlus. Your doctor will likely do a full examination, ask you questions about your lifestyle and may perform blood tests and inspect your hair underneath a microscope to rule out or pinpoint any medical cause.
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