Dry hair is not an unusual occurrence but if your hair is dry, it could be due to either internal or external factors. For example, dry hair may be a result of overusing hair styling tools, such as blow dryers, curling irons or flat irons; the high heat can easily dry out your hair. Additionally, some illnesses and medications have side effects of dry hair and skin. Luckily, there are treatments for the various causes of dry hair that help to restore its natural moisture.
Identification
Dry hair can be a sign of damaged hair. It may break easily, lack shine or volume, or result in split ends. Dry hair tends to appear frizzy, lifeless and lackluster. Oftentimes, dry hair is accompanied by a dry scalp. Your scalp features sebaceous glands that constantly secrete oil in order to lubricate your scalp and hair. If the glands fail to produce enough oil, your scalp, and subsequently your hair, dries out. Environmental factors, such as the cold and dry conditions of winter, can dry hair out. Other factors include malnutrition, dehydration or illness.
Risk Factors
Air-conditioned or heated locations can reduce the levels of moisture in the air, making your scalp and hair dry. Frequent shampooing or long, hot showers can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leaving your scalp and hair dry. The kind of water used to wash your hair can make a difference as well. Hard water sources contain minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, that can build up on the scalp, blocking the oil glands and drying out your hair. Illnesses such as kwashiorkor disease and anorexia nervosa result in malnutrition, which prevents the hair from receiving enough nutrients. Hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism are caused by faulty thyroid production; the disruption in hormones can lead to thin, brittle hair and nails.
Topical Treatment
Dry hair can benefit from the filtered or deionized water found in organic or natural shampoos. These cleansers are gentler on your hair than commercial shampoos, which typically use harsh chemicals or preservatives. Natural shampoos are effective at ridding your scalp of excess oil and dirt, and often include ingredients such as lavender, jasmine, coconut oil, rosemary or white camellia. A deep-moisturizing solution, such as a hot oil treatment containing herbs like peppermint, rose, tea tree oil, chamomile or myrrh, can be used to combat dryness. If you are suffering from dry hair, you do not need to wash your hair everyday; too frequent washing will strip the hair of its oils, leaving it dry. Also, you can use conditioner instead of shampoo. The conditioner will clean your hair but keep it well-moisturized.
Other Treatment
Your hair will benefit from a healthy diet with an adequate amount of water intake, since dry hair may be caused from malnutrition or dehydration. Though this is also the primary treatment for kwashiorkor disease and anorexia nervosa, both of these illnesses require longer and more intense treatment under a doctor's supervision. Specifically, kwashiorkor disease requires more protein in the diet and anorexia nervosa requires complex treatment involving physical and mental intervention. An underactive thyroid needs lifelong medication to help the thyroid perform.
Considerations
Your dry hair does not have to remain that way. It may be caused by a number of reasons. If topical treatments do not help or only temporarily help, contact your doctor as your dry hair may be an indication of something more serious.
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