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Skin layers

Dry hair

Alternative Names

Hair - dry

Considerations

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

Dry hair may result from too much washing, harsh detergents, a dry environment, inadequate diet, or underlying conditions, such as those due to malnutrition. (For example, kwashiorkor)

Dry, brittle hair may be a symptom of metabolic diseases such as hypothyroidism and Menkes kinky hair syndrome.

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

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if:

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

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

See also: Drugs associated with Malnourishment

Review Date: 10/13/2006
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.