What Causes Hair to Become Dry & Brittle?

Dry, brittle hair has many causes, some of which can be serious. Most of the time, brittle hair is nothing more than a nuisance brought on by neglect and too many chemical services. However, several serious diseases and conditions cause dry, brittle hair. For this reason, every new case of brittle hair should be evaluated by a medical professional if the exact cause is unknown.

Nutrition

Poor nutrition and diets lacking in protein and vitamins can cause hair to become dry and brittle. Eating too much fat and sugar will not affect your hair unless you eat fat and sugar exclusively. A diet must include proteins, vitamins and plenty of water to keep hair healthy 3.

A body that is malnourished due to an eating disorder, illness or lack of food cannot grow healthy hair because it does not possess the nutrients and building blocks necessary to construct strong hair 3. Not only does hair become dry and brittle under these conditions, it also can fall out.

Illness

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Thyroid disease, Graves disease (an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid) and hormonal imbalances commonly cause symptoms of dry and brittle hair. Interestingly, all of the diseases and disorders that cause dry, brittle hair are similar to each other as they all affect hormonal levels, which in turn affects hair strength and growth. Most illnesses can be traced back to the thyroid as well, making thyroid diseases and disorders the most common illnesses that cause dry, brittle hair.

Medical Treatment

Certain medications and medical treatments dramatically and negatively affect hair. Some medications used to treat cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, eczema, psoriasis, hepatitis and diabetes list dry, brittle hair as a side effect. Medical treatments for major illnesses, surgery, transplants and gastrointestinal bypasses also cause brittle hair.

Chemical Services

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Chemical services lift the protective, cuticle layer of the hair to penetrate the middle, cortex layer. The cortex layer contains structures that determine the strength, color and texture of the hair. Chemical services alter these structures to change the appearance of the hair. Repeated chemical treatments undermine the strength and integrity of the hair structure, causing the hair to become dry and brittle.

Abuse and Neglect

Styling abuse and improper care wreak havoc on healthy hair. Every day styling strips hair of protective oils and ruffles the cuticle layer of the hair. Haircuts, conditioning treatments, protective styling products and restorative shampoos and conditioners normally counteract and reverse styling damage. If regular maintenance is neglected, however, damage gradually worsens until the structural integrity of the hair breaks down.