Medical Health Encyclopedia

Dry hair

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Skin layers

Overview Treatment

Dry hair

Alternative Names:

Hair - dry

Considerations:

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Dry hair is a relative symptom. Dry hair may be described as hair with insufficient moisture and oil content to maintain a normal sheen and texture. Dry hair may result from excessive washing, harsh detergents, a dry or hostile environment, inadequate diet, or underlying diseases.

Abnormal hair texture, sheen, and even abnormal hair color may be seen in various states of malnutrition, such as kwashiorkor and marasmus. Metabolic diseases such as hypothyroidism and Menkes kinky hair syndrome produce brittle, dry hair.

Common Causes:

• Excessive washing, harsh detergents or alcohols, excessive blow-drying
• Environmental dryness
• Anorexia nervosa
• Malnutrition
• Hypothyroidism
• Hypoparathyroidism

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