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Dry hair
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
Review Date:
10/28/2008
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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