Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSignsCausesManagementWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Signs
Causes
Management
When to See a Provider
Brittle hair occurs when hair lacks moisture. If this goes uncorrected, the hair can become dry and break easily, especially at the ends. Brittle hair can feel straw-like to the touch.
The dryness that leads to brittle hair can happen because of overwashing, styling products, or blow-drying. Hormonal imbalances, nutrition, and environmental factors can also play a role.
This article explains the signs of brittle hair and what causes it. It also discusses how to correct dry hair and tips for preventing it.
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How Your Hair Grows
Signs of Brittle Hair
If your hair is brittle, you may notice that it has the following characteristics:
Brittle hair is usually easy to identify. You may notice that your hair seems “lifeless” or lacks shine, is prone to breaking (split ends), and can be difficult to style.
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Causes of Brittle Hair
Many things can lead to brittle hair, includinghow you washand style your hair and whether you use chemicals on it. Common causes of brittle hair include:
Can aging cause brittle hair?As you approach menopause, hormonal fluctuations can cause your hair to become thinner and more prone to breakage, which can lead to more frizz and split ends.
Can aging cause brittle hair?
As you approach menopause, hormonal fluctuations can cause your hair to become thinner and more prone to breakage, which can lead to more frizz and split ends.
How to Hydrate Dry, Brittle Hair
If you have damaged, brittle hair, there are some steps you can take to improve your hair’s moisture and shine.
Choose the Right Products
Certain products can dry your hair and cause it to become brittle. Others can help maintain the moisture levels in your hair and help it stay healthy. For example:
Change Your Haircare Routine
Making simple changes to your haircare routine could also help improve the look and feel of your hair. For example:
Protect Your Hair from Environmental Factors
Sun exposure and exposure to chemicals can also dry your hair out. Some of the things you can do to avoid this kind of damage include:
Change Your Diet
Healthy eating habits are good for your body and for your hair. For example:
Take Care of Your Hair
Taking care of your hair can help stop it from drying and breaking. For example:
Tips for Black HairBlack hair is more prone to damage and dryness. The following steps may help retain your hair’s moisture:Use a hot oil product twice a month.If you use a relaxer, get it done professionally and limit it to every two months for new growth.Use a ceramic comb or iron to straighten hair at the lowest temperature.Straighten hair no more than once a week and use a heat protectant before styling.Make sure braids, weaves, or cornrows are not too tight.
Tips for Black Hair
Black hair is more prone to damage and dryness. The following steps may help retain your hair’s moisture:Use a hot oil product twice a month.If you use a relaxer, get it done professionally and limit it to every two months for new growth.Use a ceramic comb or iron to straighten hair at the lowest temperature.Straighten hair no more than once a week and use a heat protectant before styling.Make sure braids, weaves, or cornrows are not too tight.
Black hair is more prone to damage and dryness. The following steps may help retain your hair’s moisture:
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When to See a Healthcare Provider
Brittle hair usually isn’t a medical concern but it can sometimes be a sign ofnutritional deficienciesorhormonal imbalances.
If you still have brittle hair after adjusting yourhair care routine, talk to your healthcare provider. They can do blood tests to determine if an underlying medical condition, like hormonal imbalances or malnutrition, is causing or contributing to your brittle hair.
Summary
Brittle hair lacks moisture, resulting in dullness, dryness, and frizziness. Over-styling, washing, chemicals, and heat products often contribute to brittle hair. Sometimes, hormonal imbalances or malnutrition can cause it.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Dry Hair.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Tips for Healthy Hair.DiBaise M, Tarleton SM.Hair, nails, and skin: Differentiating cutaneous manifestations of micronutrient deficiency.Nutr Clin Pract. 2019;34(4):490-503. doi:10.1002/ncp.10321American Academy of Dermatology Association.Black Hair: Tips for Everyday Care.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Dry Hair.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Tips for Healthy Hair.DiBaise M, Tarleton SM.Hair, nails, and skin: Differentiating cutaneous manifestations of micronutrient deficiency.Nutr Clin Pract. 2019;34(4):490-503. doi:10.1002/ncp.10321American Academy of Dermatology Association.Black Hair: Tips for Everyday Care.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Dry Hair.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Tips for Healthy Hair.DiBaise M, Tarleton SM.Hair, nails, and skin: Differentiating cutaneous manifestations of micronutrient deficiency.Nutr Clin Pract. 2019;34(4):490-503. doi:10.1002/ncp.10321American Academy of Dermatology Association.Black Hair: Tips for Everyday Care.
National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Dry Hair.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Tips for Healthy Hair.
DiBaise M, Tarleton SM.Hair, nails, and skin: Differentiating cutaneous manifestations of micronutrient deficiency.Nutr Clin Pract. 2019;34(4):490-503. doi:10.1002/ncp.10321
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Black Hair: Tips for Everyday Care.
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