What should you know about hair become dry and brittle?

The hair shaft is made of layered protein with an outer cuticle that helps retain moisture. Frequent bleaching, relaxing, colouring, hot tools, sun exposure, rough towel drying, and tight handling can lift or weaken that cuticle. Dryness may feel rough, look dull, and produce split ends; brittleness means the strand breaks rather than stretching. New dryness can also accompany scalp inflammation, medication changes, or a nutritional problem, especially when shedding or other body symptoms occur.

Reduce high heat and use the lowest setting that works. Condition the lengths after washing, detangle from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb, and avoid brushing while the hair is dripping wet unless the hair type and product make that gentler. Space chemical services, trim split ends, and choose a loose style at night. A balanced diet supports normal growth, but supplements should be guided by a clinician when a deficiency is suspected.

Book an assessment if breakage persists despite gentler care, the scalp is itchy or inflamed, or you also notice marked shedding, sparse areas, fatigue, weight change, or changes in nails or skin. Seek earlier advice for sudden widespread texture change or hair loss after starting a medicine. A clinician can separate shaft damage from a scalp or growth problem.

Does the hair shaft show damage, or is there a scalp condition underneath? Could a medicine or deficiency contribute? Which tests, products, or styling changes fit my hair and scalp?