What is dry hair?
It is a disorder that is primarily recognised by the course feel and lack of lubrication of the hair.
The causes of dry hair may be the following:
Physiological : Hyposecretion of the sebaceous glands. Sebum plays a protective and hydrating role on the scalp and the hair cuticle, which must be well lubricated along its length. Insufficient sebaceous secretion, which facilitates the degradation of the hair, can be constitutional or as a consequence of certain treatments with medication.
Chemical : Decolourants, tints, perms, aggressive or inadequate shampoos are the main causes of dry hair.
Mechanical : Aggressive brushing, fine combs, hot crimpers and tongs, hair straighteners, abuse of hair dryers.
Environmental : Sun, wind, dry and dusty environments, sea water, chlorine from swimming pools.
Dry hair is course and lacklustre. Damage is produced on the stems which become porous, fragile and brittle, the protective scales of the cuticle, normally well intertwined, open and lift up, facilitating tangling of the hair and impeding the natural diffusion of sebum towards the ends.
Hair, particularly if subjected to aggressive treatments, can be affected by morphological disorders such as:
Trichorrhexis nodosa : Appearance along the stem of a ball-like thickening, which causes the rupture of the hair at that point.
Trichoptilosis : Hairs that open up at their tip, split ends.
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