You are here:

Dry hair

Figures

Alternative Names

Hair - dry

Considerations

Dry hair is hair that does not have enough moisture and oil to maintain its normal sheen and texture.

Common Causes

Anorexia nervosa
Excessive washing, or using harsh soaps or alcohols
Excessive blow-drying
Dry air (environmental dryness)
Menkes kinky hair syndrome
Malnutrition (for example, kwashiorkor disease)
Underactive parathyroid (hypoparathyroidism)
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

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

Call your health care provider if:

Your hair does not improve with gentle treatment
You have hair loss
You have any other unexplained symptoms

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

References

Habif TM. Hair diseases. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 24.

Disclaimers

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
Call 911 for all medical emergencies.
Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).