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Dry hair - Overview

Alternative Names

Hair - dry

Considerations:

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

Dry hair may result from too much washing, harsh detergents, a dry environment, inadequate diet, or underlying conditions, such as those due to malnutrition. (For example, kwashiorkor)

Dry, brittle hair may be a symptom of metabolic diseases such as hypothyroidism and Menkes kinky hair syndrome.

Common Causes:

  • Reviewed last on: 10/13/2006
  • Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.