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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.

I Would Like to Learn About:

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

Related Information

Kwashiorkor
Hypothyroidism
Menkes disease

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.

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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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