Dry and brittle hair: what causes it and what to do about it?

Help, my hair is dry and brittle, what is the cause ?!

For some time now you have noticed that the nature of your hair is changing.

Your hair is becoming brittle, it has lost its suppleness, split ends are increasing in number and you're probably wondering what's going on.

Well, chances are your hair is not happy and will let you know.

So why has your once silky, shiny hair turned to straw?

What is damaged hair?

Hair is a composed of 96% keratin.

The keratin is the protein that gives hair its structure by forming the famous scales that are the origin of "hair type".

When the scales are tightly packed togetherthey are at the origin of straight hair, and when the scales are looserthey are at the origin of curly or frizzy hair and make it dry..

But keratin isn't the only factor. the amount of sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands can also be a reason for dry hair.

When not enough sebum is secreted, the hair dries out.

Is very dry hair brittle?

Dry hair can actually be brittle. This is due to premature ageing and/or loss of elasticity of the keratin.

In a few figures :

The number of hairs is between 100,000 and 200,000 in the human species.

The average life span of a hair is three years for men and varies between 4 and 7 years for women. In the course of a lifetime, it is renewed approximately 20 to 25 times.

The different phases in a hair's life :

The growth Lasts approximately 2 to 7 yearsknowing that a hair grows an average of 1 cm per month.
The regression Lasts about 15 to 20 days. Growth is interrupted, prior to renewal.
L'expulsion lasts from 2 to 4 months and corresponds to the death of the hair, which remains attached to the scalp.
The hair that replaces the dead hair reaches the surface of the scalp, causing it to fall out.

What causes dry, brittle fiber hair?

Some hair types are naturally dry (frizzy hair, curly hair) and it's hereditary !

But if your your hair type is originally straightand you notice dryness of your hair there are several possible explanations!

In addition, the daily treatments we inflict on our hair have a lot to do with it.

Chemical treatments such as colorings, perming and blow-drying, as well as heating appliances such as hair dryers and straightening irons, are all factors that cause dry hair. are all factors that cause dry hair.

They alter the hair's structure by weakening the role of keratin making your hair hair and fiber damaged..

But that's not all: external aggressors such as prolonged exposure to the sun and bathing in salt water during the summer contribute to hair dryness. Damage to your hair is also caused by heat from blow-dryers and straighteners.

As a result, hair scales pull apart (creating tips split ends), resulting in damaged hair that loses its suppleness and shine.

In fact, if your hair is dry and brittle, it's probably been "mistreated".mistreated"in other words:

frequent blow-drying with a hair dryer that is often too hot and used too close to damp hair
use of harsh cosmetics on the scalp (unsuitable shampoos, shampoos with parabens or sulfates)
colors chemical (most of which containammonia)
smoothing (classic, Brazilian or Japanese) and brushing frequent
regular ponytail ponytail can also damage your hair

What can I do about brittle hair?

No need to panic, it's not a hopeless situation! Fortunately, there are tips and tricks you can use to get your hair back to the way it used to be!

Here are a few tips to help you regain smooth, shiny hair:

Take the time to to massage your scalp to stimulate stimulate blood circulation and activate sebaceous gland secretion.
Take a break from colorings chemicals: Space out the application of colorings products, which tend to dry out hair, in order to repair your hair.

A good diet: diet plays an important role in hair. A balanced dietgood health and you'll have beautiful hair!
It is recommended to wash hair once or twice a week..
Prefer to air-dry your hair

So use gentle, restorative shampoos and conditioners. Overly astringent shampoos tend to dry out the hair.

Apply nourishing hair care products adapted to damaged hair based onvegetable oil (coconut oil, sweet almond oil....).
Take vegetable oil baths (jojoba oil, avocado oil, etc.).