Everyone craves flawless and beautiful hair. Bad hair is the last thing anyone wants.

This is the reason we all keep experimenting with our hair so that we look the best.

Doesn’t it feel annoying to experience straw-like hair texture? 

It does, right?

So don’t let this dull, brittle hair sadden your mood.

It’s time to say bye to those dry and rough tresses. 

This article has everything you need to know about why your hair looks dry and rough. 

Continue reading to discover the actual cause behind this straw-like hair texture and try to manage it.

What makes hair dry and brittle

Our hair is made of protein fiber and consists mainly of Keratin.

As a result of its protein nature, hair absorbs moisture from the air.

The main reason behind hair dryness and roughness is the lack of moisture.

When our hair cuticles, the outermost part of our hair, do not get sufficient moisture from nature, it becomes lifeless and dull.

Reasons behind the straw-like hair

Hair does not get brittle overnight. It is a long-term process.

Various factors affect our hair texture and make them look dry and rough. Let’s talk about them.

Styling tools

Say no to heat-styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, and hair dryers
Avoid using heat styling tool

In our day-to-day life, we often use dryers, rollers, straighteners, and curlers to style our hair according to our desire.

Keeping the heat settings too high damages our hair, making it prone to breakage and a home for split ends.

Try minimizing their overuses, keeping the optimal heat temperature, and trying natural ways to style your hair.

Hormone changes

Hormonal imbalance in the body can have several effects on our hair.

Some women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or are going through menopause observe changes in their hair, like weakness, easy breakage, less shine, and much more.

Fact:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that leads to hormonal imbalances. It can cause thinning of hair, irregular menstrual periods, excessive hair growth, and acne.

Medical reasons

Some medical issues may make your hair dull and rough.

Conditions such as Hypothyroidism and Hypoparathyroidism lead to calcium and vitamin deficiency in our body,ultimately impacting our hair.

Anemia is another medical condition that causes iron deficiency and influences hair luster and appearance.

Similarly, scalp conditions like Psoriasis or Seborrheic Dermatitis can cause hair breakage, dullness and affect scalp health.

Warning:
You must visit a healthcare professional if you have any major medical conditions. They will identify the issue in the best way possible and provide appropriate guidance.

Eating disorder

An eating disorder involves unusual eating habits by restricting the intake of food.

Women, mostly in their teens, start excessive dieting for a perfect waistline.

As a result, the body doesn’t have all the required nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, reflecting their overall health, including their hair.

A well-balanced diet and proper hydration are essential for our age and weight. This way, our hair will automatically become flawless and smooth.

Hair products

Banana and honey hair mask
Hair mask (Banana and Honey)

Few shampoos contain harsh ingredients such as sulfates, which are bad for our hair.

Using them in high quantities frequently damages the hair and results in moisture loss.

Conditioners and hair masks maintain the luster and smoothness of hair.

Choose your hair products carefully according to your specific hair type. Add natural hair masks to your hair care routine for the best results.

Environmental factors

Climatic changes also play a role in hair health.

Overexposure to the sun is not suitable for your hair. The harmful UV rays damage the hair and degrade its quality.

Dry and cold winds also make hair rough and dry.

Others

Other factors can also damage the hair and make it look brittle. A few of them are mentioned down below:

Conclusion

If your hair looks like straw, it indicates dull and damaged hair.

It happens due to the loss of moisture.

The reasons behind this absence of moisture may differ. It can be due to hormonal imbalance, medical conditions, excessive use of styling products, climatic changes, and eating disorders.

Not applying correct hair products and bleaching may make them brittle and weak.

Now you know the actual cause and factors affecting it. Invest some time in making your hair healthy and attractive.

Proper care and nurture and a few lifestyle changes can make a great difference in how our hair looks. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean if my hair feels like straw?

If you feel that you have straw-like hair, then it is a clear sign that your hair lacks moisture and they are demanding proper conditioning.

How do you fix dry, brittle hair?

You can fix dry and brittle hair by avoiding harsh chemical-containing shampoos and hair products, applying oil and natural hair masks for moisturization, and properly consuming healthy fruits and vegetables.

What vitamin deficiency causes dry, brittle hair?

Majorly, vitamin B and Biotin deficiency cause dry and brittle hair. Other vitamin deficiencies which make hair dull include iron, zinc, omega-3, and vitamins D, C, and A.

Will coconut oil help my dry hair?

Coconut oil is a natural way to treat dry hair. It can absorb moisture and prevent the loss of protein. You can apply it directly to your hair or experiment with other natural ingredients such as aloe vera, honey, or curry leaves.

What foods are good for dry hair?

Eat foods high in biotin, such as eggs, liver, milk, soy, hazelnuts, and yeast. Plant sources like avocado and pumpkin seeds and foods containing omega-3, like fish, benefit hair. A varied and well-balanced diet will provide you with all the vital nutrients your hair requires to be healthy and strong. 

Citations:
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.