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Dry hair
Hair - dry
Dry hair is hair that does not have enough moisture and oil to maintain its normal sheen and texture.
Causes
Some causes of dry hair are:
-
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia is an eating disorder that causes people lose more weight than is considered healthy for their age and height. People with this disorder may...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Excessive hair washing, or using harsh soaps or alcohols
- Excessive blow-drying
- Dry air
-
Menkes kinky hair syndrome
Menkes kinky hair syndrome
In Menkes syndrome, cells in the body can absorb copper, but they are unable to release it. It is one of several conditions called an "inborn error ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Malnutrition
-
Underactive parathyroid (
hypoparathyroidism
)
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism is a disorder in which the parathyroid glands in the neck do not produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH).
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Underactive thyroid (
hypothyroidism
)
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. This condition is often called underactive thyroid....
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Home Care
At home you should:
- 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 do you use?
- How often do you wash your hair?
- Do you use a conditioner? What type?
- How do you normally style your 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 a microscope
- Blood tests
References
Habif TM. Hair diseases. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2009:chap 24.
Review Date: 12/2/2014
Reviewed By: Richard J. Moskowitz, MD, dermatologist in private practice, Mineola, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
