Brittle hair can be a common issue, but it’s not always just a result of hair care practices. It can also indicate underlying health conditions.

In this article, we’ll take a look at what brittle hair may reveal about your health, what causes it, and how to treat it.

What is Brittle Hair?

Brittle hair is hair that is weak and breaks easily. It can feel dry and rough to the touch and may lack shine or volume. The hair may be more prone to split ends, tangles, and frizz.

What Causes Brittle Hair?

There are many factors that can contribute to brittle hair, including:.

Nutritional Deficiencies

A lack of certain essential nutrients can lead to brittle hair. For example, a deficiency in iron, zinc, or protein can affect hair growth and strength.

Similarly, a lack of fatty acids or vitamins such as vitamin D or biotin can lead to dry and brittle hair.

Hormonal Imbalances

Changes in hormone levels can also affect the health of your hair. Thyroid imbalances, for example, can lead to thinning hair or hair that is brittle and dry.

Women may experience changes in hair texture and thickness during pregnancy, menopause, or while on birth control pills.

Stress

Stress can also contribute to brittle hair. Physical or emotional stress can cause your body to divert resources away from your hair, affecting its growth and strength.

Stress can also increase inflammation in the body, which can damage hair follicles and lead to brittleness.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight, heat, and pollution can also affect hair health. Overexposure to the sun, for example, can damage the hair cuticle and lead to dry and brittle hair.

Heated styling tools and chemical treatments can also be damaging to hair, as can chlorine and saltwater.

Medical Conditions

Brittle hair can be a symptom of certain medical conditions. For example, autoimmune diseases such as lupus or psoriasis can affect the skin and scalp, leading to hair loss or brittleness.

Diabetes can also affect hair growth and strength, as can certain medications or treatments.

Treating Brittle Hair

The treatment for brittle hair will depend on the underlying cause. In many cases, improving your diet and lifestyle habits can help to strengthen and nourish your hair. Here are some tips:.

Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet

Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help to promote healthy hair. Focus on foods that are rich in protein, iron, biotin, and vitamin D.

Good sources of these nutrients include lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and low-fat dairy products.

Take Supplements

If you’re not getting enough nutrients from your diet, you may want to consider taking supplements. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about which supplements may be right for you.

Avoid Heat Styling and Chemical Treatments

To prevent further damage to your hair, it’s important to avoid heat styling and chemical treatments as much as possible. If you do use heat styling tools, be sure to use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature on the lower end.

Look for gentler hair styling products, such as those that are sulfate-free and formulated for damaged hair.

Protect Your Hair from the Sun and Heat

Wear a hat or use a scarf to protect your hair from the sun, especially during peak hours. Avoid exposing your hair to extreme heat, such as from a hair dryer, for long periods of time.

Moisturize Your Hair

Use a deep conditioning treatment to moisturize your hair. You can also use natural oils such as coconut oil or argan oil to nourish your hair from the outside. Avoid over-washing your hair, as this can strip it of its natural oils.

Medical Treatment

If your brittle hair is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, your doctor may recommend specific treatments or medications to address the issue. Treating the underlying condition may also improve hair health.

Conclusion

Brittle hair can be a sign of an underlying health condition or a result of poor hair care practices. By examining the possible causes and taking steps to improve hair health, you can restore hair strength and shine.

If you’re unsure about the cause of your brittle hair, talk to your doctor or a hair care professional for guidance.