Why Is My Hair So Dry and Brittle All the Time?

Healthy hair is supposed to look radiant. Unfortunately, dry hair diminishes the glow and lustre of your locks. The problem goes beyond having one bad hair day. Many people experience this recurring issue, constantly battling the symptoms of dry and brittle hair.

A variety of factors may lead to dry, brittle hair. The leading cause is a lack of moisture. Dry hair occurs because it hasn’t received enough hydration, causing a flaky appearance. Likewise, other reasons include insufficient protein or too much heat styling. When your hair is unhealthy or damaged, it is likelier to become dry and brittle.

Fortunately, your favourite hair salon can recommend treatment plans and the best products for dry hair. In addition, it helps to understand what causes dry hair. That way, you can take the necessary steps to bring moisture and health back to your strands. Here is an in-depth guide to help you manage dry and brittle hair.

Cause #1: Hair needs moisture

A lack of moisture leads to dry and brittle hair. Moisture keeps your hair hydrated, allowing it to remain strong and supple. Without enough hydration, your hair becomes prone to breakage. You may also experience annoying symptoms like tangles, split ends, and frizz.

It’s essential to moisturize dry hair. Consider adding regular deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine. You can use jojoba or argan oils to moisturize your strands, restoring hydration levels.

Cause #2: Heat-damaged hair

Blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons are all essential tools for hair styling. However, overusing any of these can harm the overall health of your hair. Paying attention to how often you use these tools and avoid torching your beautiful locks.

If you already limit your use of these tools, ensure the temperature settings aren’t too high. Low to moderate temperatures will get the job while minimizing heat-damaged hair. In addition, use a heat protectant spray for an extra layer of defence.

Cause #3: Too much shampoo

Shampoo cleans the scalp and removes excess oil. Like most things, there is always a limit to how much shampoo you should use. Applying too much or using excessively strips your head of its natural oils, leaving your hair dry.

Use the best shampoos for dry hair. Additionally, make sure you are applying shampoo thoroughly. You only need to shampoo the roots of your hair. The ends always receive a clean when you’re rinsing. If you have dry hair, try reducing shampoo usage to every other day. Use a dry shampoo on off days if necessary. You may notice a positive difference after switching to this schedule.

Cause #4: Hair needs protein

Protein is an essential component of healthy hair. It strengthens the hair strands and keeps them from breaking. When you don’t consume enough protein, your hair becomes dry and brittle. Protein deficiency can also cause your hair to thin out, making it prone to breakage.

Your hair comprises numerous proteins that require nutrition to maintain good health. Ensure you include the following proteins in your diet:

Zinc

Zinc plays an essential role in protein formation in our hair. Foods like spinach, lean red meat, and nuts are zinc-rich.

Protein

Protein is essential in maintaining healthy hair. You should balance your diet with lean meats, nuts, tofu, beans, and cheeses.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is responsible for cell growth. You may find it in carrots, sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, and spinach.

Iron

Iron deficiencies present a range of side effects, including dry and brittle hair. Iron-rich foods like seeds, nuts, quinoa, and spinach help your blood carry oxygen to your hair cells.

Biotin

A lack of biotin, vitamin b7, will lead to dry, thin hair. You may boost biotin in foods like eggs, mushrooms, liver, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Cause #5: Temperature and humidity

The environment can affect dry and brittle hair. Extreme temperatures or low humidity cause hair to dry rapidly. You may combat the environmental factors in various ways, like wearing a hat or scarf in specific weather conditions. Also, products like leave-in conditioners and oils can seal hair moisture effectively. These hair care products protect your locks from the elements.

Cause #6: Health conditions

Dry and brittle hair may be the symptom of an underlying medical issue. If you have hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland stops producing sufficient hormones, leading to dry hair. Likewise, hypoparathyroidism will manifest when your body becomes calcium-deficient, which causes brittle hair. Another concern is an eating disorder, resulting in malnutrition. Straw-like hair is a typical result of anorexia and bulimia.

Cause #7: Hair care routine