Looking for causes of dry hair and how to fix it? There exist a number of different factors, which cause dry hair and if they can’t be easily fixed, there are a few things you can try in addition to your every day beauty routine to help parched tresses look and feel a lot better! Let me share some of the common causes of dry hair along with some pieces of advise on how to get the shine back into your hair.
1. Naturally dry
It’s a fact that some hair types are drier than others. But it doesn’t mean that you should live the rest of your life that way, it’s just one of the cause of dry hair. Some hair types can look or feel dry because of the thickness or shape of the hair or due to the amount of sebum. In any way, use a hair mask or a leave-in conditioner to help provide hair with moisture and help it feel smoother and softer.
2. Malnutrition
When we talk about malnutrition, we usually think of the cases where a person is extremely lacking nutrition. Furthermore, according to the NY Times malnutrition can take place in different degrees with lots of cases being light with comparatively few symptoms. Usually malnutrition is caused by problems with digestion, certain medical conditions or an unbalanced, poor diet. Your hair can easily become dry as a result of any of the above mentioned causes. Follow a well-balanced diet and consult with your doctor about supplements if needed.
3. Excessive washing
The most common reason of dry hair is washing your hair too often. My roots are too oily, that’s why I washed my hair daily. I was usually shampooing all of my hair from tip to root, not just the scalp which needed it most of all. In case you wash your hair every day now, try to do it every other day. It might feel bizarre at first, but it’ll help make your hair less prone to dryness and keep the natural oils.
4. Chemical processing
Highlighting, getting keratin treatments, relaxing or dying might help our hair look better, but can be extremely harmful! Lower the amount of processing you do and chemicals treatments to your hair as well as the frequency. Be sure, this won’t only save your hair from damaging, breakage and dying, but also save your money.
5. Hot tools
If you use blow drying, you hair can get drier, but it will look a lot worse, especially if you straighten or curl it often. Always use a heat protectant on your hair before using a heat tool in order to make a protective barrier. Try to wear your hair au naturel for a change and never use too much of heat tools! You can always make your hair in various styles, try to use styling tools rarely, since your hair needs a break from the damaging heat. Moreover, you can try to use heatless styling tools like rollers.
6. Alcohol
It’s not damaging for your hair if you drink alcohol, but hair products that contain alcohol can easily lead to dry hair. Some hair products are difficult to find without containing alcohol, such as gel and hairspray, that’s why you should ask yourself whether you need it or not. Lowering the amount of hair care products you use isn’t a terrible idea at all. In this case, you’ll have not so much product build-up and you won’t risk losing your natural oils.
7. Dry air
You should constantly add moisturizing products into your hair care regimen for making up for the lack of moisture in the air, if you live in a dry climate like me. The dry air heaters can also be the cause when winter comes up. Protect your hair by using a weekly deep conditioner to hydrate your hair and wearing a hat.
8. Cotton pillows
This cause of dry hair isn’t proved by science or anything, but a lot of hair care experts say that satin pillowcases are the issue. Did you know that cotton pillowcases have been accused in “drinking up” your skin’s and hair moisture, and cotton is also known for causing hair breakage. It’s a good idea to take a bonnet or a head scarf to cover your hair while you sleep, if you can’t buy a satin pillowcase.
9. Blow drying too often
One of the most common causes of dry hair is blow drying your hair too frequently. If you often use a heat tool that blows hot hair towards your sensitive hair and scalp, the result will be – a dry hair or dry scalp. In case you’re blow drying your hair and shampooing too much, it’s definitely a recipe for catastrophe! Blow dry your hair only when necessary; and try to use lower speed settings and heat to avoid disaster.
As mentioned above, there exist certain medical conditions that lead to dry hair such as thyroid conditions, which need to be discussed with a medical professional. If you have any of the above mentioned causes of dry hair, try to use a more natural method to hair care by using nourishing products and evade using a lot of styling tools. Keep in mind that drinking a lot of water and well-eating is no less important to the health of your hair.