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Dry hair

Definition

Dry hair is hair that does not have enough moisture and oil to maintain its normal sheen and texture.

Alternative Names

Hair - dry

Causes

Some causes of dry hair are:

Home Care

At home you should:

  • Shampoo less frequently, perhaps only once or twice a week
  • Use gentle shampoos that are sulfate free
  • Add conditioners
  • Avoid blow drying and harsh styling products

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if:

  • Your hair does not improve with gentle treatment
  • You have hair loss or breaking hairs
  • 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
  • Scalp biopsy

References

American Academy of Dermatology website. Tips for healthy hair. www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy-hair-tips. Accessed December 13, 2022.

Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW. Skin, hair, and nails. In: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW, eds. Seidel's Guide to Physical Examination. 10th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2023:chap 9.

Dinulos JGH. Hair diseases. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 24.

Last reviewed November 30, 2022 by Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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