Dry hair is just one of those things that many of us have to go through. But, is it down to our lifestyle choices, or is it because of our genetics?
Dry hair can be caused by genetics because of diminished sebum production. Sebum is a natural oil created by your sebaceous glands, which works to protect your hair by keeping it moisturized. Hormonal causes can repress the creation of sebum, thus causing dry hair. This can be fixed by taking vitamins and hormone supplements.
If you have a sneaky suspicion that your dry hair might be caused by your genetics, then make sure you keep reading to learn how you can increase sebum production naturally.
How To Increase Your Scalps Sebum Production
You can follow all the tips and recommendations given by your hairstylist to fix your dry hair, but if the cause of your dry hair is because of lack of sebum production, then their tips and tricks may not be of much help to you.
The best way to build up your sebum production is by washing your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot or cold water, using hair care products that are alcohol and Paraben-free, and taking hormonal medications that have testosterone, phenothiazine, and some progesterone; like FoliGROWTH-Ultimate Hair Formula and DHT Blocker with immune support.
Insider Tip: Before you purchase and use these products, please consult your doctor, especially if you have underlying health issues.
If you’d like to know more about what may be causing you to have dry hair and how you can repair the damage, then I suggest you keep reading!
5 Additional Causes Of Dry Hair And How To Fix It
Other reasons for dry hair are environmental conditions. For example, dry, hot climates, exposure to the wind and sun, and swimming in salty seawater/chlorinated pools all strip your hair of moisture. If these relate to you, the best remedy is to apply a leave-in conditioner two times a week or before exposure to these environmental conditions.
Keep reading to find out what else could be causing your dry hair and how you can put a stop to it!
1. Over-Using Heat Hair Styling Tools
Whether it’s straightening your hair or curling it with a curling iron, when you apply too much heat on your hair it can result in you having dry and dull-looking hair. The reason for this is that the heat from these hair styling tools strip your hair of its natural moisture.
How can you fix this?
There are many steps that you can take to protect your natural hair from heat styling tools. Firstly, avoid using these heat styling tools on your hair every day.
If it’s an absolute must to straighten or curl your hair then be sure to prep your hair beforehand by using a heat protectant. Secondly, avoid using your hairdryer at high temperatures and don’t use it too close to your scalp either!
You can also invest in hair extensions, hair extensions can be styled any way that you like and as many times as you like. This will allow you to have perfectly styled hair without causing any further dryness to your natural hair.
2. Using Incorrect Hair Care Products
Using hair care products that are not suitable for your hair type can have negative consequences, one of these being dry hair. If you aren’t sure what your hair type is then you can always visit a trained hairdresser near you and they will be able to assist you with regards to this.
How can you fix this?
When you purchase hair care products it’s important to read the labels and find out what is in the product. Stay away from hair care products that have alcohol in them, as they will strip away the natural oils and moisture in your hair. Purchase products that are paraben-free and that are rich in oils such as avocado oil, coconut oil, and argan oil.
| Product: | Benefits: | |
| 01. | Avocado Oil | Stimulates the blood flow whilst also unclogging the blocked follicles. This will also aid in preventing hair loss. |
| 02. | Coconut Oil | Nourishes your scalp naturally and helps strengthen your hair by moisturizing it. I recommend applying coconut oil to your hair and leaving it in as a mask before you shampoo and condition your hair. |
| 03. | Argan Oil | Full of antioxidants as well as vitamins that help your hair by increasing its elasticity whilst restoring its moisture. |
You need to get into the habit of moisturizing your hair more often, especially in colder seasons. Conditioning your hair with leave-in conditioners is also a great way to bring back moisture to dull hair.
3. Washing Your Hair Too Often
Whilst maintaining good hair hygiene is important, washing your hair too frequently can lead to you having dry, brittle hair. Shampoos and conditioners can strip your hair of its natural oils. Women with curly hair may be more prone to having dry hair so its crucial that you cut down on the wash days, you can even use dry shampoo in between wash days.
How can you fix this?
To correct for the dryness caused to your hair due to too frequent wash days, your scalp will actually work overtime to create more natural oils. Then you really will have a reason to wash your hair every day. This is not a good thing. Hair experts advise that you should only be washing your hair two to three times a week to maintain a healthy balance of a moisturized as well as a clean scalp.
Also, you may need to switch up your hair washing routine, when conditioning your hair (you must condition your hair!), apply the conditioner from the mid-shaft of your hair to the ends. When applying shampoo, be sure to thoroughly rinse it out afterward.
4. Excessive Use Of Bleaches And Hair Dyes.
Bleaching or dyeing your hair involves applying harsh chemicals to your natural hair, chemicals that lift the moisture and natural oils from our hair and scalp. Strong hydrogen peroxide-based, as well as ammonium-based products, cause the most damage to hair, not only do they dry out your hair but they also cause it to be brittle and weak.
How can you fix this?
There is a reason that hairstylists wear gloves when dealing with dyes and bleaches, these products have a chemical base that can put a lot of stress or strain on your hair and scalp. If you get these treatments done often enough I’m sure that you’ve already noticed the change in the texture of your hair.
This is why hair experts recommend that, should you get these treatments done, allowing enough time to pass before you get another. Although they are natural hair-dyes out there, they will still cause your hair to become dry and brittle over time.
I recommend using gentle shampoo and conditioners that are made specifically for color treated hair. These products may help restore the moisture in your hair as well as protect the radiance of your hair.
A safe way to experiment with different hair colours or highlights is to purchase clip-in hair extensions or wigs. This will allow you to try new styles and looks without damaging your hair or causing further dryness.
5. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as extreme heat, overexposure to the sun, low humidity, and also cold winds can all take a heavy toll on your hair. Chlorine and salt water can also cause your hair to become brittle and dry. So whether you’re swimming in the ocean or in your backyard pool, your hair is at risk.
How can you fix this?
Protecting your hair from the natural elements is crucial. If you find yourself in a dry climate with a lot of sun exposure and humidity, be sure to wear a cap or hat as often as you can to protect your hair from direct sunlight.
If you’re spending the day lounging at the pool or at the beach, invest in a swimming cap that you can wear whilst you swim. Remember that chlorine is a strong chemical, it will cause your hair to be dry and brittle. The same goes for salt in seawater, whilst it is a natural product, it can have harsh effects on your natural hair.
Related Questions
Can dry hair cause hair loss?
Evidently, dry hair is one of the antecedents to hair damage and breakage that leads to hair loss. It’s additionally brought about by many different factors, including dry climate, too much heat, and low humidity. So in essence, the factors that contribute to you having dry hair, also contribute to hair loss.