Causes for Dry Brittle Hair

Dry brittle hair can be a symptom of a serious health condition or it can simply be the result of over-drying hair. Hair needs moisture in order to be soft and shiny and look healthy. Using harsh detergent shampoos can strip the hair of needed moisture. Other sources of dry hair include thyroid problems, anorexia, malnutrition and environment. Just like skin, hair receives nutrition from the items that we eat and from both internal and external sources.

One of the primary causes of dry brittle hair is over-processing. This can include drying the hair with overly hot hairdryers too often. Heating the hair too much can strip the hair of needed nutrients and oils. Other ways of over-processing the hair include getting permanents too often, coloring the hair too often or using hair stripping chemicals. In some cases, the hair can be so over-processed that it breaks off completely, leaving only the stubble of healthy hair.

Thyroid Problems

Dry brittle hair can be a symptom of thyroid problems. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is overactive. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, depression and joint and muscle pains. As the body becomes less and less able to metabolize food and produce energy, the skin and hair also become affected and become dry. Treatment for hypothyroidism usually includes medication to regular the thyroid. In severe cases, the thyroid is removed surgically.

Anorexia is a condition in which the affected individual restricts their caloric intake of food. One of the first symptoms of anorexia is dry brittle hair. Other symptoms of anorexia include interruption of the menstrual cycle, weight loss, irregular heartbeat and fainting, just to name a few. When calories are restricted, the hair does not have access to the needed nutrients to provide the luster, shine and moisture that hair needs to remain healthy.

Another potential cause of dry brittle hair is malnutrition. Just as occurs with anorexia, the hair does not have access to the needed nutrients to maintain healthy and shiny hair. Malnutrition can occur with alcoholism and drug addiction. Additionally, it can occur in individuals who do not have access to a healthy diet and do not eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables along with healthy proteins. It is recommended that individuals should not only eat a well balanced diet that contains all of these items, but also should include omega-3 rich foods such as fish.

Another cause of dry brittle hair may simply be the environment. Individuals who live in very dry climates may be subject to developing dry hair because the hair is unable to pick up moisture from the environment. The best way to address this problem is to use humidifiers in the home, which will also help the skin, which may become dry also. Using conditioners that are rich in moisturizers can also help nourish the hair.

 Photo Credit: Shira Gal