What Are the Causes of Dry Hair That Is Falling Out?

What Are the Causes of Dry Hair That Is Falling Out?
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Dry hair is often brittle and weak, and it may even fall out. While some hair loss each day is typical, losing more hair than normal can result from several causes, such as overstyling, inadequate nutrition and hormonal changes, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Altering your diet and hair care routine, as well as discussing other lifestyle remedies with a dermatologist, can help you put moisture back into your strands and keep them from falling out.

Improper Styling

Many common hair treatments and styling methods can rob your hair of moisture and cause damage to your scalp and follicles, and all of this can lead to hair loss. MayoClinic.com states that chemical processes like perms, hair dying, straightening and bleaching can make your hair become fragile, especially when you use them too frequently or incorrectly. Harsh brushing or using a hair dryer or flat iron too often can also damage your strands and cause them to fall out. Have a professional stylist apply any chemical treatments, and let your hair air dry when you can. Brush your locks gently, and apply a heat-protecting spray before you use any hot styling tools to help protect your locks and keep them hydrated and strong.

Inadequate Nutrition

If you are not getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet, you may be depriving your hair of the nourishment it needs to stay healthy. According to the Huntington College of Health Sciences, a deficiency of vitamin A can dry out your strands, as well as put them at risk for incurring environmental damage. A lack of B vitamins can weaken your follicles and cause your hair to fall out, and a zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss as well. Talk to your doctor about the supplements you can add to your diet to ensure that you are getting the right amount of daily nutrients. Do not take any vitamins or minerals without first discussing them with a physician, as some supplements can interfere with medications and medical conditions.

Age-Related Hormonal Changes

Hair loss that occurs naturally as you age is due to a change in your hormones. DermNetNZ.org says that both men and women may notice their hair beginning to thin after age 50, and that you are more likely to experience it if your parents did, too. This hormonal shift can also cause your hair and skin to lose moisture as well, which can lead to dried-out locks that fall out more easily. While this type of loss is not easily remedied, a doctor may have some suggestions for hair care products you can use to keep your strands hydrated and help them regrow. If you have a hormonal imbalance, he may be able to give you medications to correct this and help stop your hair from falling out.

References

Article reviewed by V. Mac Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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