Dry hair

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Hair - dry

Considerations

Dry hair is a relative symptom. Dry hair may be described as hair with insufficient moisture and oil content to maintain a normal sheen and texture. Dry hair may result from excessive washing, harsh detergents, a dry or hostile environment, inadequate diet, or underlying diseases.

Abnormal hair texture, sheen, and even abnormal hair color may be seen in various states of malnutrition, such as kwashiorkor and marasmus. Metabolic diseases such as hypothyroidism and Menkes kinky hair syndrome produce brittle, dry hair.

Common Causes

• Excessive washing, harsh detergents or alcohols, excessive blow-drying
• Environmental dryness
• Anorexia nervosa
• Malnutrition
• Hypothyroidism
• Hypoparathyroidism

Home Care

• Shampoo less frequently -- perhaps only once or twice a week
• Add conditioners
• Avoid blow drying and harsh styling products

Call your health care provider if

If your hair does not improve with gentle treatment, you are experiencing hair loss, or other unexplained symptoms appear, call your health care provider.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may ask the following questions:

• Has your hair always been slightly dry?
• When did the unusual hair dryness first start?
• Is it always present, or is it off and on?
• What are your eating habits?
• What kind of shampoo is used?
• How often do you wash your hair?
• Do you use a conditioner? What type?
• How do you normally style the hair?
• Do you use a hair dryer? What type? How often?
• What other symptoms are also present?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Examination of the hair under the microscope
• Blood tests

Illustrations

Skin layers