Do you sometimes feel that when you comb your hair, it is very dry, like straw, and very difficult to manage? No matter how much conditioner you use and how much care you take, it may seem like this dryness will not go away. This is actually a common problem that many people have. So, in this article, we will talk about why our hair becomes so dry, what are the reasons for this, and what we can do to control this condition.
What is dry hair?
Simply put, dry hair can be caused by two things. One is that your scalp isn't producing enough of the natural oil (sebum) that your hair needs to stay moisturized and smooth. The other is that your hair isn't able to retain the moisture it needs, and that moisture evaporates. In both cases, the result is lifeless, dry hair.
How to recognize dry hair? (Symptoms)
If your hair is dry, you may notice these symptoms.
- Dullness ( Dullness ): Hair that has lost its natural shine or luster, giving it a dull appearance.
- Brittleness: The hair shafts are very weak. When combed, touched, or even just brushed, the hair shafts break in the middle.
- Frizziness: Hair is difficult to manage. The strands of hair are not neatly arranged, and have a frizzy, messy appearance. Like a pile of hay.
Why does our hair become so dry? What are the reasons?
There is not one single cause of hair loss, but a number of factors that can contribute to it. Some are things we can control, while others are related to changes in our bodies . Let's look at these causes one by one.
| Cause | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Dry scalp | Hair follicles get their natural moisture from the oil-producing glands on the scalp. If the scalp is dry, the hair doesn't get the oil it needs. When the scalp is dry, the skin can sometimes peel off. We also call this 'dandruff'. |
| Aging | As we age, our body's oil production naturally decreases. Hormonal changes, especially in women after menopause, can cause hair to become dry. |
| Environmental impact | The dry, hot climate of our country, and constant exposure to harsh sun and wind are not good for hair. Also, frequent bathing in the sea, salt water, and swimming in swimming pools, combined with chlorine, strip the hair of its moisture. |
| Hair loss | A healthy hair shaft has a protective covering on the outside. We call this the cuticle . Like the tiles on a roof, this covering protects the moisture inside the hair shaft. When this covering is damaged (e.g. due to heat, chemicals), it is as if a tile has come off. Then the moisture in the hair shaft can easily evaporate. |
| Our Bad Habits (Hair Care) |
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| Health problems | Some medical conditions can also cause dry hair. For example, eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia , and hormonal problems such as thyroid problems (Hypothyroidism, Hypoparathyroidism) . |
Most importantly: If your hair is dry, you feel unusually tired, have difficulty with cold, feel lethargic, or have excessive hair loss, be sure to see your doctor . It could be a sign of another underlying health problem.
What can you do about dry hair? (Treatments and home remedies)
The good news is that in most cases, this dryness can be controlled with a few changes in our habits and proper care.
- Reduce the frequency of hair washing: If you shampoo your hair every day, try limiting it to two to three days a week. This will preserve the natural oils in your scalp. It will also reduce the need for blow-drying.
- Use a mild shampoo: Choose shampoos that are specifically designed for dry hair . They contain fewer harsh detergents that can dry out your hair.
- Be sure to use a conditioner: Use a good moisturizing conditioner after shampooing. It helps smooth the outer layer of the hair cuticle and lock in moisture.
- Avoid products containing alcohol: Check if the hair sprays, mousses, etc. you use contain alcohol. Alcohol can dry out your hair even more.
- Do a natural oil treatment: About once a week, massage your scalp and hair thoroughly with a natural oil like coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil, leave it on for about an hour, and then rinse.
- Trim split ends: Split ends can make your hair look dull and dry. Trimming your hair every two to three months can help keep it healthy.
- Take care of your vitamins and minerals: Nutrients like iron, vitamin D, folate, vitamin B12, and selenium are very important for healthy hair. Eating a balanced diet is very important.
But remember, talk to your doctor about whether you need these vitamins in pill form and how much to take. It's not a good idea to take vitamins on your own.
Take-Home Message
- Dry hair is a common problem for many people, but it can be controlled to a large extent with proper care.
- Be careful about how you wash your hair, the products you use (shampoo, conditioner), and exposing your hair to excessive heat.
- Protect your hair from the sun, salt water, and chlorine. Don't forget to rinse your hair with clean water after swimming in the ocean or pool.
- If you experience other symptoms such as excessive fatigue and hair loss along with dry hair, be sure to seek medical advice.
- Just like external care, internal nutrition is also important for healthy hair. Try to eat a balanced diet.
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