There are many causes for dry hair and split ends. According to the National Institutes of Health, excessive blow drying, hair coloring, permanent treatments, curlers and too much exposure to the sun and wind can all contribute to these conditions. Fortunately, there are some ways you can protect your hair from becoming excessively dry and having too many split ends.
Identification
Dry hair is a condition in which the moisture and protective oils of your hair get washed out of it when you, for example, shampoo your hair. Split ends are a common accompanying side effect of dry hair in which the protective cuticle of the end of your hair gets destroyed and causes you hair to split into two or more strands.
Features
Dry hair lacks the soft texture and shine that people desire their hair to possess. As your hair gets drier, it can become dull and brittle and even appear straw-like. In addition to having dull hair that easily breaks off, symptoms of dry hair and split ends include having hair that appears frizzy or is otherwise hard to manage.
Causes
A diet lacking in essential vitamins, sickness and anorexia nervosa and hyperthyroidism can cause dry hair and split ends, according to the National Institutes of Health. The chlorine contained in swimming pools and hot tubs can also dry out your hair and cause it to have split ends. Dry air, too much sun and too much wind can also strip your hair of moisture, cause damage, and lead to dryness and split ends.
Prevention/Solution
Dr. Thomas Goodman, Jr., a Memphis, Tennessee dermatologist and assistant professor for the University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences and the National Institutes of Health suggest washing your hair less often as one potential solution to dry hair and split ends. Goodman also advises using a milder shampoo that is labeled "for dry or damaged hair." The National Institutes of Health recommends using conditioner on your hair after washing it and avoiding harsh styling products and blow dying your hair.
Considerations
You can also try natural cures for dry hair recommended by Natural-Cures-For.com. One idea is to mix together a small, overripe banana with an avocado and spread it into your hair. Wash your hair after keeping this mixture in your hair for up to one hour. You can also try rubbing a small amount of coconut or olive oil into your hair, covering it with a shower cap and leaving it in overnight. Wash your hair with shampoo when you wake up. Natural-Cures-For.com also states that eating a diet rich in vitamin A can help dry hair. You can consume more vitamin A by eating orange fruits and vegetables, including papaya, carrots, sweet potatoes and cantaloupe.
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