Most people want a full, healthy head of hair and hair loss can be a traumatic experience. Discovering the cause of the problem can help to reverse or prevent further hair loss. Dry hair is another undesired but common problem for both women and men, and can lead to hair loss. There are several reasons hair may be dry or start to fall out.
Poor hair care may result in dry or thinning hair. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, good hair care practices that can help to keep hair healthy include avoiding excessive heat or harsh styling products, avoiding excessive sun exposure, using conditioner after every shampoo, shampooing less frequently, avoiding tight pony tails or braids, limiting perms and hair color and avoiding harsh combing or brushing when hair is wet.
Educate yourself on your own hair so you have a better idea of its limits. Get a good grasp of its physical characteristics such as density (how many hairs/follicles you have) and diameter (how thick it is). As well as how it behaves, for example, its porosity levels and elasticity. By learning more about your hair, you can learn to avoid doing things that it doesn’t like.
Then, be mindful of how you handle your hair, which means once it’s in that ponytail, loosen it just one last time to ensure it isn’t too tight and avoid doing any intricate styling when you are in a rush. Insist that braids, extensions and weaves are installed loosely and if they prove too tight, remove them without hesitation. Resist the urge to constantly ‘slick’ hair tightly into a style and finally, change it up. One of the key issues with traction is the repetitive tension so attempt to avoid this by varying styles.
Dry hair can result from:
- Dry scalp. Your hair has no natural lubrication. It relies on oils made in its roots to keep it moisturized. Since the roots are under your skin, dry scalp goes along with dry hair. Dry scalp peels and sheds, leading to dandruff flakes on your shoulders.
- Age. As you get older, your hair makes less oil. Hormone changes after menopause can also lead to dry hair.
- Environmental conditions. These include a dry, hot climate, frequent sun and wind exposure, and frequent exposure to chlorinated or salty water.
- Lack of protection. Each strand of healthy hair has a protective layer called the cuticle. Just as shingles shield your home from rain and sun damage, the cuticle protects your hair from heat and sun damage. In a healthy cuticle, the layers lie tightly together and keep moisture in. When a cuticle’s layers separate and peel away from hair, it can’t hold moisture and some oil escapes.
- Home hair care. Such:
- Washing your hair too often
- Using a harsh shampoo
- Blow-drying your hair too often
- Heat damage from straighteners or a curling iron
- Harsh chemicals like dyes, perms, and relaxers
- Health problems. Conditions that can lead to hair loss include:
- Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia
Dry hair is a sign of hair damage. If left untreated, your hair can become brittle, causing it to break or fray easily. Most cases of dry hair can be effectively treated with simple lifestyle changes. If your dry hair persists, make an appointment with your doctor.
If you’re noticing an abnormal amount of hair loss while blow-drying your hair, it’s only natural to wonder whether there’s a connection. The reality is that as long as you’re not burning your skin or irritating your scalp with your hair dryer, it won’t cause hair loss.
