Dry And Brittle Strands? These Are Some Causes Of Dry Hair

If you are suffering from dry hair, there are a ton of reasons and just as many remedies. It is not a type of hair – in most cases, and you can easily do something about it. First, you need to understand why your hair is dry and brittle.

Basically, your hair gets dry because your scalp is dry. The hair does not produce any moisture by itself. Rather, it picks up on natural oils made in the hair roots that are located under the scalp. Having a dry scalp also leads to flaky skin and dandruff, but having an oily scalp makes your hair greasy fast. The trick is to keep it balanced.

The weather affects your hair as well as your skin and even your mood. In the summer, increased exposure to sunrays and salt water can drain your skin and hair of moisture. Additionally, if you drink more alcohol, the dehydration extends all the way to your hair too. Likewise, in the winter, the air is much drier than during the warm months. This goes for the air inside as well, due to radiators.

Straightening treatments, or keratin treatments, can be a reason for dry hair. It is a chemical treatment that penetrates the hair’s cuticle, and will unavoidably have a stressful effect on the hair. Make sure to not do it too often, and always go with one that is free of formaldehyde.

Using heating tools will wear on your hair. The electric heat strips the moisture out of the strands and causes damage. Air-drying the hair is much more merciful on your hair. If you have to use heat styling, make sure to use a heat protectant before and make regular hair masks to re-boost the moisture levels.

According to dermatologist Janice Lima-Maribona, hormone changes in the body will affect your hair’s health. These can be caused by sudden changes like like pregnancy or menopause, being on birth control, or being stressed. More female hormones often means more and shinier hair. That is why many women notice their hair going dull, dry or lifeless after quitting birth control, shortly after giving birth, or when entering menopause. If this is the cause, you need to see your doctor to get the hang of the issue.

Using the wrong shampoo is a well-known cause of dry hair, as it will strip your hair of moisture. Harsh chemicals are a big no no, and using a shampoo that is wrong for your hair type is just unnecessary. Using organic shampoos or something with only natural ingredients is kinder on your strands.

If you have a problem with oily hair, it is better to use a mild shampoo and try to wash the hair less often. Even though this can feel contradictory, oily hair is often caused by washing the hair too often and using too harsh shampoos. That is because the scalp makes up for the lack of moisture by producing more oil. Allowing the hair’s oil production to start over and regulate itself will set the balance right.

In the end, it is often simply maintaining a living a healthy lifestyle that makes your hair beautiful. Use common sense to keep up your health, work out, sleep enough and always drink plenty of water. However, if you suffer form a hormone disorder or some other kind of medical issue, a doctor’s help might be needed. There is also the option of taking natural supplements, like Nutrafol, which will provide your hair with all of the essential nutrients for healthy hair growth.