Dry hair

Considerations

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

Causes

• Anorexia nervosa
• Excessive washing, or using harsh soaps or alcohols
• Excessive blow-drying
• Dry air (environmental dryness)
• Menkes kinky hair syndrome
• Malnutrition (for example, kwashiorkor disease)
• Underactive parathyroid (hypoparathyroidism)
• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Home Care

• Shampoo less frequently -- perhaps only once or twice a week
• Add conditioners
• Avoid blow drying and harsh styling products

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if:

• Your hair does not improve with gentle treatment
• You have hair loss
• 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 is used?
• How often do you wash your hair?
• Do you use a conditioner? What type?
• How do you normally style the 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 the microscope
• Blood tests

Alternative Names

Hair - dry

References

Habif TM. Hair diseases. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 24.

Update Date: 10/28/2010

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.