Dry hair

Answer 1

Alternative Names

Hair - dry

Considerations

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

Common 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

Call your health care provider if

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 health care provider's office

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

Answer 2

Alternative Names

Hair - dry

Considerations

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

Common 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

Call your health care provider if

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 health care provider's office

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

References

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

Reviewed By

Review Date: 10/28/2010

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.