Some home treatments for dry hair include washing the hair less often, limiting heat styling, using silk wraps or pillowcases at night, and choosing hair products that suit the hair type.
Dry hair may result from lifestyle factors or underlying health conditions. However, people can use home remedies to treat their hair if it becomes dry and brittle.
This article outlines eight different home remedies to try and some possible causes of dry hair.
Heat from styling tools, such as hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons, can damage a person’s hair.
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People with dry hair may want to try using heat styling tools on their hair less often and using heat protection products on their hair when they do use these tools. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also advises people to allow their hair to air dry whenever possible.
The AAD suggests that people with dry or chemically treated hair may want to wash it less frequently. For example, rather than washing their hair every day, a person may try washing their hair once or twice per week.
It also highlights that older adults may not need to wash their hair as often. It also advises that Black people may only need to wash their hair once weekly or every other week.
Different hair products suit different types of hair. For example, the AAD suggests that people who color their hair should use color-safe shampoos and conditioners.
Some tips for using hair products from the AAD include:
- using shampoo primarily to clean the scalp rather than washing the entire length of hair
- using conditioner every time after shampooing unless using a two-in-one shampoo
- using conditioner mainly to clean the ends of the hair
According to the AAD, people need to use a tight-fitting swim cap. They can also try wetting and conditioning their hair before swimming to help protect it from chlorine damage.
The AAD also advises people to rinse their hair immediately after swimming and use a shampoo for swimmers as well as a deep conditioner to replace lost moisture.
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The study authors also recommended that people avoid using tight-fitting head wraps, as these may contribute to traction alopecia in those with other risk factors for the condition.
A person can consider finding a salon or hair stylist according to how much experience they have working with their hair type.
For example, Black individuals may want to find a stylist who specializes in protective styles, such as braids, cornrows, and twists. The AAD notes that if a person experiences scalp pain during an appointment for protective hairstyles or weaves, they can ask the stylist to stop and redo the style to prevent damage to the hair.
Additionally, the AAD advises that people get hair extensions or weaves at hair salons that specialize in these services. A person can go to a hair stylist who can safely relax, perm, or color their hair.
The AAD suggests that people should take steps to protect their hair in the sun, such as:
- wearing a wide-brimmed hat
- using a leave-in conditioner that contains zinc oxide
- apply sunscreen to the scalp if a person has thinning hair
Black people may want to try using a hot oil treatment on their hair twice monthly to help add moisture to it.
To prepare a hot oil treatment:
- Warm, but do not boil around half a cup of oil.
- Gently massage it into the hair for some minutes.
- Cover the hair with a warm towel.
- Leave for 30 to 45 minutes or overnight.
- After this time, shampoo and rinse the hair.
A person needs to test the oil on the inner part of their wrist to ensure it is not too hot before applying it to their head to prevent burns.
Dry hair may result from:
- excessive sun exposure
- contact with chlorinated water
- excessive hair washing
- use of styling products and tools
- use of harsh hair products
Some possible medical causes of dry hair include:
- Anorexia nervosa: According to the
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one possible symptom of anorexia nervosa is brittle hair and nails. - Menkes disease: This condition
results from mutations in the ATP7A gene, which regulates copper metabolism in the body. It can affect a person’s hair, making it brittle and more prone to breakage. - Hypoparathyroidism: According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), hypoparathyroidism may cause hair to become brittle and easily fall out.
- Hypothyroidism: This condition
can cause dry, thinning hair, among other symptoms.
People need to speak with a doctor if they notice changes to their hair that do not go away with home treatment.
People can try a range of home treatments to help manage dry hair. Some examples include limiting how often they use hot styling tools, visiting a hair stylist that caters to their hair type, and washing the hair less frequently.
Causes of dry hair include excessive hair washing, contact with chlorinated water, and certain health conditions, such as anorexia nervosa.
A person can consult a healthcare professional if they notice changes to their hair that do not go away with home treatment.