Hair dryness is a big problem, especially with black hair types. It can cause severe hair problems like dandruff, itchiness, and split ends.
There are a number of reasons due to which hair turns out to be dry, and you need to identify them in order to treat the condition for good.
It’s not just about having frizzy or dull-looking hair. Dry hair can also be very brittle and often ends up with a certain amount of breakages and split ends.
Hair dryness doesn’t only lead to unattractive hair, but it can also affect your self-confidence.
Treating hair dryness can be problematic because you have to find a treatment that works and something that won’t leave your hair over-processed.
This article will talk about several ways that are available to help you solve your Hair Dryness issues.
Meaning Of Hair Dryness
Hair dryness is not a new condition as a lot of women have experienced it.
Dry hair implies a complete absence of sebum.
Sebum is a natural oil that’s produced by your sebaceous glands in your skin.
Essential fatty acids are carried into the hair by this natural oil and consequently give the same nourishment to the hair follicle, which allows the strands to hold onto their moisture.
The problem with sebum is that it can get caught up in the hair and cause a buildup if not washed out regularly enough.
This is why you may notice an increase in dryness after you use heavy conditioners and products or if you live in a wintery climate.
Hair dryness can happen to anyone. It’s a strange problem that no one likes to talk about, and if you’re suffering from hair dryness, you might not want to talk about it at all.
It is a common problem among American women.
It is so common that all of us have probably experienced it before.
You should know that this problem is not severe and can be corrected using specific products and steps.
Types of Hair Dryness
There are two kinds of hair dryness, namely intrinsic and extrinsic dry hair problems.
Intrinsic Hair Dryness
Intrinsic hair dryness is when you have naturally thin hair that, no matter what you do, just never seems to be as complete and thick as you want.
This dryness can often be the underlying cause of hair breakage.
Intrinsic hair dryness is when a strand of your hair has not been given the proper nutrition it needs to grow and replenish its cortex.
When your hair lacks enough moisture, it is over saturated with the product, or receives improper nutrition from its scalp.
Extrinsic Hair Dryness
Extrinsic hair dryness is a widespread problem when using commercial shampoos, conditioners and other hair care products.
It is the result of overusing harsh shampoos, which strip away your natural oils and minerals.
Many ingredients in these products are known to damage the cuticle of your hair or cause it to become dehydrated.
You can fix this problem by using a more soothing shampoo.
So what are some of the causes of hair dryness?
Causes Of Hair Dryness
Hair Dryness is a severe issue, and we, as people, brushes it off as something minor.
However, this should not be the case. It can be due to various factors, which are listed below:
1. Air-conditioning
Air conditioning not only dries out your skin but also causes dry and brittle hair.
2. Over-drying
Over-drying is a big common hair problem.
Even though it seems the opposite, over-drying is a prevalent hair problem.
Over-drying your hair tends to make you think that your hair is more oily than it is.
Hence, to combat this, you end up overusing styling products that cause build-up and cause even more dryness.
3. Coloring treatments
Colouring treatments can irritate and dry out fine hair, resulting in an itchy scalp.
This itchiness may lead you to scratch your scalp more often, leading to further aggravation of the scalp.
Colouring your hair with all-natural herbal ingredients will eliminate allergic reactions while giving your refined thin hair lustre and body.
4. Bleaches
Bleaches are used in hair dyes and other hair products such as hair bleach.
If bleach is not used correctly, it can cause dry hair.
Bleaching hair can cause your hair to be more coarse and leave the hair duller and more brittle.
The reason behind this is that when you bleach your hair, it kills the natural oils and changes the colour of your hair.
This is because bleaches are principally composed of chlorine and sodium peroxides which contain oxidizing ingredients.
They cause chemical reactions and convert the original hair colours to lighter ones.
Bleaches not only whiten hair but also remove the natural color from the hair. Bleaching dries the hair because chlorine reacts with the water in the original hair’s protein.
The end product of this reaction is salt, which is very drying and results in hair breakage.
5. Chemical processing of hair
Chemical processing of hair involves using chemicals such as bleach, dyes, and lotions to alter your hair’s natural color and appearance.
This process leaves your tresses dry in the long run with little or no moisture.
Chemical processing such as color, perm and straightening is an inevitable part of hair care.
But all these processes will cause dry hair if proper remedies are not taken care of in time.
6. Styling products
Most hair-drying ingredients are alcohol-based, and these products dry the hair from the outside just like deodorant dries your body.
Alcohol, however, is a drying agent that can cause dry patches on the scalp and make the hair brittle and weak.
Most styling products make use of alcohol as a primary ingredient.
When heated, the alcohol evaporates, leaving the product behind on your hair strands.
This is how these products get hold of your hair so well.
Alcohol dehydrates your hair strands, further stripping them with natural oils.
Especially if they have been treated with harsh chemicals before, it also causes thinning of your hair.
7. Heredity
Hair loss can be hereditary as it is linked to baldness or balding among your lineage.
If you have family members having such problems, you are at a greater risk of facing a similar issue.
Hereditary dryness of hair is a genetic manifestation, and it can lead to insufficient hydration of the hair.
This predisposition can be inherited from the mother or father’s side.
Hair on which the process of drying going hereditary does not constitute so much volume, elasticity, shine.
Typically dry hair is difficult to comb and style.
A lot of women suffer from hereditary dryness of hair.
8. Weather conditions
The effects of weather on hair are due to humidity and temperature.
In humid weather, the moisture from the atmosphere enters into the hair shaft reducing its total moisture content.
On the other hand, in dry weather, the dry air dries up the cuticle and results in frizziness.
9. Health conditions
Many health conditions may cause hair dryness.
An example of such a condition is hypothyroidism.
If you are experiencing this problem, it is a good idea to determine the underlying cause.
This will allow you to take care of it and avoid future hair dryness problems because many of these conditions can recur in your future.
Signs Your Hair Is In Need Of Treatment
Everyone thinks they have healthy hair until they experience dry, frizzy and damaged hair.
What many do not realize that all of these issues are signs pointing to a deficiency in your hair’s health.
Our hair is constantly changing.
As a result, it’s important to note the signs of hair issues so we can get them treated when necessary.
Some of the signs of hair dryness are;
1. Dullness
Hair dullness is lack of shine that makes hair lusterless.
Hair fall is the major cause of hair dullness.
2. Frizziness
Hair frizziness is the buzzword for unmanageable curly hair.
It is one of the ways to detect hair dryness.
Although there are several factors for hair frizziness, the most common reason will be the weather.
Hair frizziness is normally caused by extreme weather changes.
3. Uneven hair texture
We all have seen split ends on our hair but we don’t know the reason behind it.
Uneven texture means split ends in hair.
It occurs when the cuticle of the hair is unevenly damaged leading to rough and coarse texture in hair.
4. Lack of shine
Lack of shine in hair is common and can lead to unnecessary embarrassment.
Losing a portion of your hair could lead to the problem of dull hair for most people.
This is something that a lot of people feel affected by and need to find a solution for.
If you have a major lack of shine in your hair, you may be experiencing extreme hair dryness or product build-up.
5. Dull and brittle ends
Dull and brittle ends, also known as Split End problems, are the most common issues among women.
It occurs because of excessive hair drying and heat styling, chemical processes like colouring or bleaching done too frequently.
10 Best Ways To Fix Hair Dryness
Lovely hair can be more than just a saying, and it’s also very accurate.
With some effort, one can learn how to maintain one hair and make it look stunning.
Unfortunately, sometimes some things can get in the way of having great hair.
One of the most common issues is finding your hair dry.
Whether the dryness is caused by the cold or chemicals, these tips will help you fix your hair dryness issues.
1. Coconut Oil
An increasing amount of research has been done on the use of coconut oil and its effects on hair.
Many benefits have been attributed to using coconut oil as part of your hair care regimen.
Coconut oil contains antimicrobial properties and nutrients like vitamin E and fatty acids.
These fatty acids can aid in restoring the moisture balance in your hair.
It can be used as a moisturizer and also a detangler.
2. Use products with sealant
Product with sealant for treatment of hair dryness can moisturize and improve the elasticity of the hair.
This is important in the prevention of breakage caused by mechanical stress.
Products with sealant are based on a thickening complex.
They contribute to the replenishment of the hair fibre from inside and the sealing of its surface.
With such products, your hair always looks silky, smooth, beautiful velvety.
When there is a problem with the regulation of hydration in the matrix, we observe such manifestations as brittleness and porosity.
These products solve precisely this problem.
3. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated not only benefits your overall health.
It can also help improve the texture and appearance of your hair.
Like any treatment, it isn’t always a magic fix.
However, along with good products and knowing your hair, you should find some decent results.
4. Use dry shampoo
Dry shampoo is a hairstyling option that uses powders that soak up the grease.
If you are concerned about the excess oil on your hair, you can use a dry shampoo for the treatment of hair dryness.
In general, dry shampoo for the treatment of hair dryness is a product designed to be rubbed into the scalp with fingertips or sprayed on.
It is manually applied after the hair is loosened from the scalp while wet, forming a barrier between the strands of hair and scalp.
This reduces oil saturation in the mid-portion of the shaft and prolongs its natural moisture and shine.
5. Get a trim
Are you tired of curly hair, split ends, and too much hair fall?
If so, then try trimming your hair to get the best results.
Cutting your hair regularly has immense benefits, whether you simply want to look great or increase your hair’s thickness.
This is because most people need to get a trim at least every four months, which helps prevent split ends more effectively.
The process is straightforward, but it must be done correctly.
6. Take vitamins
Vitamins are essential to the body and help in various ways.
For example, they can restore a person’s energy levels in case of fatigue or tiredness.
They can also protect from stress and depression, and they play a crucial role in boosting the body’s immune system.
Hair follicles develop because of various nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Hair dryness occurs because of nutrient deficiencies that are vital for nourishing hair follicles.
These deficiencies can be treated by taking specific vitamins and minerals, which will help boost hair growth.
7. Cold showers
Cold showers are beneficial for healthy hair.
It is suitable for reducing itching and hair dryness.
Cold water also triggers mechanisms when it comes to blood circulation, removing blockages and reducing your hair fall, which is not a major one.
Using cold water when washing the hair is very useful in combating dryness for those who suffer from dandruff.
The cold water helps to protect the hair; it strengthens it from the inside.
8. Essential oils
Essential oils are an excellent way to add moisture back into your hair without touching it.
The oils work from the outside as they penetrate the hair shaft.
Essential oils penetrate deeply when applied directly to the scalp.
Massage gently into the scalp twice a day for 5-10 minutes each time.
When you apply essential oils to your hair this way, you can enjoy soft, healthy, hydrated hair.
You should also ensure you use a good shampoo that retains your hair oil.
As a result, you do not need to take any kind of medication or buying special products such as some conditioners and serums.
9. Limit heat styling
In the quest to have beautiful locks, you must note that using an excessive amount of heat styling tools can be detrimental to its overall health.
Aside from damaging the cuticles, your hair is left with split ends and dryness.
So if you want to keep your hair in tip-top condition, limit the heat usage and look for more natural ways to beautify it.
Heat styling tools are top-rated these days.
Examples are; straighteners and hair dryers, as they are great at helping to dry our hair.
However, they also come with a damaging side effect.
It causes damage to the outer layer of our hair, known as the cuticle.
This leads to hair dryness and other forms of damages.
10. Avoid regular washing
The best way to treat dry hair is to avoid washing your hair as often as possible.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but regular washing can cause the natural oils in your scalp to distribute unevenly.
The best way to avoid this is by reducing the frequency of your shampooing.
Wash every other day if you can, or once a week, but don’t wash more often than that unless you have a very oily scalp. This leads to dry strands.
Washing also strips the oils that keep your hair soft, shiny and healthy.
FAQ’s About Hair Dryness
What are some treatments for frizzy and dry hair?
Frizzy and dry hair is generally caused by the same underlying problem.
However, frizzy hair is even more prone to being dry. Curly hair is actually a common problem for people with curly hair. It can be caused by not having the right products or as a result of humidity levels.
Frizzy and dry hair can sometimes be a nightmare to deal with, but luckily there are methods to help tame your frizz. You can eliminate it using natural ingredients like eggs, bananas, honey, etc. Frizz can also be easily removed by making a homemade mask with cucumber and banana.
Does keeping the hair tied in a bun prevent frizz and dryness?
Yes, keeping your hair in a bun probably seems like the last thing you want to do when you have frizzy or curly hair.
However, it might be the best trick of all time.
Not only does it dress up an otherwise casual ponytail, but it also helps control frizz and hair dryness. This is especially beneficial during the summer months when humidity is high.
Keeping the hair tied into a bun helps maintain the oil in the scalp. Hence, it keeps the hair from drying out and becoming coarse.
What are the best remedies for dry scalp?
Dry scalp is a common symptom of alopecia. It occurs when the sebaceous gland creates too much oil to compensate for the hair loss.
This excess oil can clog hair follicles and skin pores, creating dead skin that flakes of. Dry scalp is a common complaint of individuals with many different hair types.
There are many causes of dry scalp, and it can make washing your hair a painful experience. Some individuals may find that their hair also falls out in addition to the itchiness from dry scalp.
The most effective remedies for dry scalp consist of; anti-fungal agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and keratolytic agents.
Is blow-drying your hair every day bad for it?
Yes, blow-drying your hair every day can damage your hair by exposing it to too much heat.
It is not suitable for your hair, but the fact is that many people do it. Instead, you should try air-drying your hair. Blow drying your hair daily can cause split ends and damage as no other hairstyling practice can.
Is poor diet a cause of hair dryness?
Yes, diet does affect your hair and is a significant factor in dry hair.
Stress, lack of sleep, medications, improper self-care, and other daily habits can also contribute to dry hair. You need to begin with a good diet to have healthy hair.
A healthy diet consists of the proper vitamins and minerals essential for your body overall, including your hair and nails. Certain foods rich in vitamins help promote healthier, thicker locks.
Conclusion
Hair dryness is a common issue that most people deal with. Dry hair will not only be difficult to style, but it can also be fragile and prone to damage.
Although it is not a severe issue, it can definitely be an annoying one. Before you can fix your hair dryness, you need to know the cause of it.
You can do this by examining the various causes of hair dryness listed above. Once you figure out what causes your hair dryness, you can treat your hair accordingly.
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