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Dry hair

Hair - dry

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

Causes

Some causes of dry hair are:

  • Excessive hair washing, or using harsh soaps or alcohols
  • Excessive blow-drying
  • Dry air due to the climate
  • Malnutrition
  • Anorexia
  • Underactive parathyroid (hypoparathyroidism)
  • Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
  • Other hormone abnormalities
  • Menkes kinky hair syndrome

Home Care

At home you should:

  • Shampoo less frequently, perhaps only once or twice a week
  • Use gentle shampoos that are sulfate free
  • Add conditioners
  • Avoid blow drying and harsh styling products

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if:

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

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

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 do you use?
  • How often do you wash your hair?
  • Do you use a conditioner? What type?
  • How do you normally style your 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 a microscope
  • Blood tests
  • Scalp biopsy
Open References

References

American Academy of Dermatology website. Tips for healthy hair. www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy-hair-tips. Accessed December 13, 2022.

Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW. Skin, hair, and nails. In: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW, eds. Seidel's Guide to Physical Examination. 10th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2023:chap 9.

Dinulos JGH. Hair diseases. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 24.

         

        Review Date: 11/30/2022

        Reviewed By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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