Dry Hair: Causes And Remedies

Many of us face the problem of dry hair. It happens when the scalp does not produce enough natural oils to moisturize the strands. Reasons like exposure to harsh chemicals, extreme conditions, and excess shampooing can lead to dry hair. If not treated on time, it can further damage the hair, leading to hair loss and other worse issues.

By making a few changes in your hair care routine, you can say goodbye to this problem. This article discusses all you need to know about dry hair — its reasons, ways to control it, home remedies, and much more. Keep scrolling to know more!

What Does Dry Hair Look Like?

Dry hair is easy to identify. Here are the tell-tale signs:

• Appears frizzy.
• Has a coarse texture.
• Lacks luster.
• Has visible split ends.
• There are flyaways (due to breakage)
• Feels limp, without much movement and bounce.
• May appear reddish-brown (lightened color). However, this may indicate further damage.

You may also notice:

• Dandruff
• Itchy scalp
• Flakiness
• Knots and tangles

The hair dries out when the scalp does not produce enough natural oils to moisturize the strands. This oil, known as sebum, coats the hair strands to protect them and prevent moisture loss. Any disturbance in this process can give you dry, frizzy, and dull hair.

In the next section, let’s take a look at the possible causes of dry hair.

What Causes Dry Hair?

1. Dry Scalp

A dry scalp is an obvious reason behind dry hair. A dry scalp cannot produce enough natural oils to keep the hair strands moisturized, causing dry hair, flakiness, and an itchy scalp.

2. Exposure To Harsh Chemical

Dyes, chemical relaxers, and other procedures that chemically alter your hair’s look and feel can have adverse effects on your tresses in the long run. Using hair care products containing harsh chemicals like sulfates can strip the natural oils and cause dryness, frizz, and cuticle damage.

3. Exposure To Extreme Conditions

Extreme weather and environmental conditions like prolonged sun exposure, cold weather, frequent wind, and salty (or chlorinated) water exposure can dry out your tresses. Environmental pollution can cause oxidative damage and dry out the hair.

Other than these, wrong hair care practices can also ruin your locks and cause dryness. This include:

• Frequent shampooing
• Using a harsh shampoo
• Excessive use of heat styling tools
• Frequently blow drying on high heat setting

Even your diet plays a role in maintaining hair health. Nutritional imbalances can make the hair dry, damaged, and also cause hair fall (1).

Apart from the causes listed above, your lifestyle, location, and genetic history can result in dry, brittle hair. For the right treatment, you should observe and keep a note of these changes.

Does dry hair pave the way for damage and hair loss? Check out the following section for clarity.

Does Dry Hair Cause Hair Loss?

Dry hair may not directly cause hair loss, but it may contribute to hair damage and breakage. When hair lacks moisture, it becomes brittle and more prone to breakage, especially during combing or styling. Also, a dry scalp may result in dandruff and itching, causing increased hair shedding. While addressing dryness alone may not cure hair loss, maintaining adequate hydration through moisturizing treatments and gentle hair care practices can help minimize damage, promote overall hair health, and reduce the risk of breakage that may contribute to a thinner-looking mane.

To combat hair dryness and help restore its bounce and shine, try some of the treatments mentioned in the following section.

Dry Hair Treatments

Dry hair lacks moisture. Hence, the best way to treat dry hair is by moisturizing the hair. You may try:

1. Deep Conditioning

Use deep conditioning hair masks and leave-in conditioners to keep your hair moisturized. Look for ingredients like plant butter (shea or cocoa) and nourishing oils. These provide essential nutrients and help lock in moisture to smoothen the hair cuticles and reduce dryness. You may also prepare natural conditioners for dry hair using nourishing ingredients, such as coconut oil, aloe, and eggs.

2. Hot Oil Treatment Products

Hot oil treatments are usually done in salons. They involve massaging the scalp and hair with hair oils, such as argan, olive, and coconut, followed by putting your head under a steamer for better absorption. You may also try this at home. Warm any hair oil and massage it onto your scalp and hair. Wrap a warm towel around your head for 10-15 minutes or put on a shower cap.

3. Use Mild And Nourishing Shampoo

Use a mild shampoo that does not contain any harsh chemicals and drying ingredients like alcohol and SLS. This will help keep the cuticles flat and trap the moisture in the hair strands. Also, after shampooing, follow up with a conditioner.

4. Regular Trims

Split ends are a common sign of hair damage and dry hair. Regular trimming will eliminate the split ends and prevent frizzy hair.

Did You Know?

Overwashing your hair can contribute to dryness, as it strips away the natural oils that keep your hair moisturized. To avoid this, use only the recommended amount of hair product for the instructed amount of time.

Other than these, you can try a few home remedies to prevent dry hair.

Home Remedies For Dry Hair

1. Oiling

Oiling helps protect the strands and moisturizes dry and frizzy hair. You can use any oil like argan, coconut, Brazilian nut, avocado, or olive oil for dry hair. They will help nourish your strands. Leave it on for an hour and then wash it off. You can also mix different oils and apply them to your hair.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of argan oil
• 1 tablespoon of almond, coconut, or avocado oil
• Towel or shower cap

Procedure

1. Mix the oils and heat the mixture to a lukewarm temperature.
2. Massage the scalp and hair with the oil blend.
3. Wrap a towel around your head or put on a shower cap
4. Leave the nourishing oil blend on for an hour.
5. Rinse with shampoo.
6. Repeat every alternate day.

2. Yogurt And Coconut Oil Mask

Yogurt is popularly used in DIY hair masks and helps moisturize the hair. Coconut oil penetrates the hair to moisturize it from within and prevent hair damage (2).

You Will Need

• 1 cup of yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• Shower cap

Procedure

1. Mix the coconut oil and yogurt.
2. Apply it to the scalp and hair and put on the shower cap.
3. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water.

3. Honey And Banana Mask

Honey is an emollient and moisturizing agent. Bananas can also moisturize the hair and improve its shine and manageability (3), (4). These two ingredients make for an effective home remedy for dry hair and scalp.

You Will Need

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 tablespoon of organic honey
• A bowl
• A fork

Procedure

1. Mash the ripe banana and mix it with honey.
2. Apply the mask to your scalp and hair.
3. Shampoo after 20 minutes and follow up with a conditioner.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar Wash

You may find that your scalp is oily, yet your hair is dry. In this case, you can try washing it with apple cider vinegar (ACV). It is a popular home remedy and can improve hair shine and softness.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of ACV
• 1 cup of water

Note:

Adjust the quantity as per the hair length.

Procedure

1. Mix the ACV and water and pour it in a bottle.
2. Shake it well and use it as a post-shampoo rinse.
3. Leave it on for 3 minutes and rinse again.

For healthy hair year-round, it is important to take a little precaution and care. Here are some tips to avoid dry hair.

Tips To Avoid Dry Hair

• Ensure that you stay hydrated – it keeps skin and hair healthy.
• If you live in an area with extreme dry and cold weather, use a humidifier to regulate moisture inside your home. This can prevent skin, scalp, and hair dryness.
• If you are heading to the beach or for a swim, apply a little oil or leave-in conditioner to your hair. Wear a protective cap to prevent chlorinated or saltwater from getting into your hair.
• Use a silk pillowcase to minimize friction and hair breakage.
• Do not comb your hair when wet. It causes more friction and can damage the strands.
• Avoid excessive heat styling. Use heat protectants to minimize dryness. Also, use heat styling tools on a low setting.
• Switch to hair products that target specific hair concerns. Use products that contain moisturizing ingredients.
• When stepping out, wear a hat to prevent UV exposure and hair damage.
• Do not shampoo frequently as it may strip the natural oils.
• Never use hot water for washing your hair. Always use either room temperature water or lukewarm water.

Pro Tip

Eat a balanced and healthy diet packed with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and other macronutrients. Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and flaxseeds, into your diet, as they nourish your hair and help combat dryness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which oil is best for dry hair?

Argan oil is considered the best oil for hydrating and nourishing dry hair. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to back its efficacy.

Does dry hair mean damaged hair?

No. Dry hair has a coarse texture due to a lack of natural oils, while damaged hair breaks easily and has split ends.

Does hair get drier with age?

It might. The oil glands may shrink with age, making your hair look drier.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Shruti ChavanMBBS

   

Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth's Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee member of CDSI (Cosmetic dermatologist Society of India). She is highly skilled in non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation and face lift by the use of injection treatments and lasers.

Read full bio of Dr. Shruti Chavan

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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