Hair problems can be a source of frustration for many people, impacting both their physical appearance and self-esteem. From dandruff and hair loss to split ends and frizz, there are a variety of issues that can affect the health and appearance of your hair.
Identifying the symptoms, causes, and treatments of these common hair problems is essential for maintaining strong, healthy hair. In this guide, we'll explore the top hair problems, their causes, and effective ways to treat them.
Picture this: white or grayish flakes on your hair, clothes, and shoulders, coupled with an itchy and inflamed scalp. Yikes! You might even notice small, itchy bumps. To make things worse, the flakes can become more visible if you brush or scratch your scalp.
Dandruff can range from mild to severe and can come and go, or stick around like an unwelcome guest. In some cases, it can even lead to hair loss or thinning.
There are several factors that can contribute to dandruff, some of which might surprise you! One of the main culprits is a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia that lives on our scalps. When it grows out of control, it can cause excess skin cell turnover and flaking.
Another common cause is not washing your hair enough or using harsh hair products that can irritate the scalp. Stress, diet, and hormonal changes can also play a role. Surprisingly, cold and dry weather can also make dandruff worse, as can excessively hot showers or using hot styling tools. Some medical conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or Parkinson's disease can also lead to dandruff.
Read - Best Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Dandruff Naturally
Some of the most common symptoms of hair loss include a noticeable thinning of the hair on the scalp, a receding hairline, or bald patches on the scalp. You might also notice a significant increase in the amount of hair you're shedding during shampooing, brushing, or combing.
One of the most common causes of hair loss is genetics. If you have a family history of hair loss, you might be more likely to experience it yourself. Other common causes include hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, or medical conditions like thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases. Certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs, can also cause hair loss.
Read - How Much Hair Loss Is Normal? – Expert Advice
The most obvious symptom of split ends is the presence of split or frayed hair strands at the ends of your hair. You might notice that the tips of your hair look frizzy, rough, or uneven. Your hair might also feel dry, brittle, or more prone to breakage.
Split ends are often caused by frequent heat styling, chemical treatments, over-washing, exposure to environmental factors, and genetics. These factors can weaken the hair cuticle, leading to frayed and split hair strands.
Read - How To Stop Hair Breakage Naturally? – 20 Tips & Remedies
Frizzy hair has an overall lack of smoothness and sleekness. Instead, they tend to be fluffy, dry, and flyaway, with hair strands that seem to have a mind of their own. Frizzy hair can also feel rough and brittle to the touch, making it difficult to style or manage.
One of the most common causes of frizz is dryness, which can be the result of a lack of moisture in the hair or from environmental factors like humidity or harsh weather conditions. Frizz can also be caused by damage to the hair, such as from chemical treatments, heat styling, or over-brushing.
Read - How to Get Rid of Frizzy Hair: 9 Best Tips to Tame Frizz
Oily hair is a greasy or oily appearance, which can make your hair look weighed down and flat. Another symptom of oily hair is a tendency for your hair to clump together or stick to your scalp, making it more difficult to style or manage.
The primary cause of oily hair is an overproduction of sebum, which is a natural oil that helps to moisturize and protect your hair and scalp. However, when your body produces too much sebum, it can lead to an oily buildup on your scalp and hair.
Dry hair is characterized by a variety of symptoms that can make your hair look dull and lifeless. Dry hair can feel rough and brittle to the touch, with split ends and tangles that are difficult to manage.
Your hair needs a variety of nutrients to stay healthy, including vitamins, minerals, and proteins. A deficiency in any of these can lead to dryness and damage. Shampooing your hair too frequently can also strip away the natural oils that keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
Read - Dandruff Vs Dry Scalp – What’s The Difference?
Premature graying refers to when hair starts to turn gray before the age of 35. The most noticeable symptom is, of course, the graying of hair. As hair turns gray, it can also start to thin out, making it more difficult to style.
Premature graying of hair can be caused by a number of factors, both genetic and environmental. Some of the top causes include:
Read - Home Remedies For Grey Hair – 10+ Ayurvedic Methods
The symptoms of heat damaged hair include dryness, brittleness, split ends, frizziness, and lack of shine. Over time, heat damaged hair may also experience thinning and breakage, which can lead to significant hair loss.
The following factors can contribute to heat damaged hair:
Read - How To Repair Damaged Hair Naturally Without A Salon Visit
Chemical hair color damaged hair can show several symptoms, such as: dry and brittle hair, split ends, hair breakage, dull and lifeless hair, fading or discoloration of hair, and scalp irritation or itching.
The primary cause of chemical hair color damage is the harsh chemicals present in hair dyes, such as ammonia and peroxide. These chemicals penetrate the hair cuticle to change the hair's natural pigment, which can weaken the hair's structure and cause damage. Overuse of chemical hair colors or using them incorrectly can also lead to severe damage to the hair.
Read - 6 Best Sulphate and Paraben Free Shampoos in 2023
Itching, redness, and small white or brown insects in hair
Contact with infected individuals, sharing hair brushes or combs, and poor hygiene
Using lice-killing shampoos containing pyrethrin or permethrin, using a fine-toothed comb to remove lice and nits, and washing all bedding and clothing in hot water.
Preventing hair problems is the key to maintaining healthy hair. Here are some ways to do that -
By following these tips, you can help prevent hair problems and promote healthy hair growth.
Shreya Dalela is a certified Yoga instructor and a professional dancer trained at The Danceworx. She’s passionate about Ayurveda and holistic living with over 6 years of experience in doing extensive research and content creation in the domain.
Certified Ayurvedic Doctor (Central Council of Indian Medicine) working in Kama Ayurveda as an Assistant Training Manager.