DRY, Brittle Breaking Hair...What to do about it!

DRY scalp, dry hair and hair breakage are often the first signs of hair loss and other health issues. 

As a young child , and most of my life , I had very dry brittle hair, like STRAW that was fragile and would break. It just came out of my head that way.  It amazes my hairdresser and friends who have known me for awhile to see how luxurious thick  and healthy my hair has become!

Apart from many other possible causes, brittle hair may be a symptom of, or aggravated by, deficiency of certain nutrient(s).  This could be a direct result of the lack of the nutrient, or indirectly, when the deficiency causes conditions such as hypothyroidism, which leads to symptoms that include dry brittle hair.  It can also be a sign of chronic inflammation at the gut level. This I see most often. This was also my problem since I was given many antibiotics in early childhood.

The  most important hair, skin and nail vitamins that may therefore be helpful in the treatment of dry hair are tabled below, together with corresponding foods for healthy hair. Still be aware that almost ANY nutritional deficiency can cause dryness as a symptom.  It is therefore definitely key to get to the actual ROOT-no pun intended of the problem.

If dry brittle hair is also accompanied by dry skin, brittle nails or other hair problems, it could be a sign of overall nutritional deficiency.  This again is very typical of gut problems leading to multiple deficiencies of many, if not all nutrients.  This can only be remedied by proper testing, assessment and treatment b a specialist like myself.


What nutrient deficiencies can lead to brittle hair :

DIETARY ELEMENT | DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS | FOODS

Biotin   |   Biotin is recognized as one of the major hair, skin and nail vitamins.  It is often used in shampoos and other treatment for dry hair.  A deficiency of biotin can lead to brittle nails and dry brittle hair. Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Biotin : thinning of hair which may lead to total hair loss dry scaly scalp or face in infants (cradle crap), or in various parts of the body in adults mental depression insomnia intestinal tract symptoms like loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting fatigue or extreme exhaustion due to impaired energy production muscle pain or cramps related to physical exertion nervo-muscular symptoms like seizures, numbness and tingling of extremities, and movements characterized by lack of muscle tone and coordination Biotin-rich foods that may contribute to the efficacy of dry hair home remedies include · organ meats such as liver · carrots · romaine lettuce · swiss chard · tomatoes.

Vitamin C   |   Vitamin C is another of the hair, skin and nail vitamins that are important in treatment for dry hair or skin.  A deficiency of vitamin C is often symptomized by dry, rough or scaly skin and dry brittle hair. Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Vitamin C : easy bruising and small spots of bleeding under the skin (which appear as pink spots on the skin) swollen or painful joints or bones slow-healing wounds and fractures nosebleeds spongy, swollen, bleeding gums and loose teeth teeth decay easily dry rough scaly skin anemia fatigue or lethargy or muscle weakness loss of appetite recurrent colds and infections atherosclerosis possible weight gain due to slower metabolism Dry hair home remedies should include high vitamin C foods for healthy hair, such as · guava · lychees / litchis · papayas · strawberries · vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, mustard greens, bell peppers, turnip greens, spinach.

Copper   |   Deficiency of copper may cause hypothyroidism (under-production of thyroid hormones) which can lead to dry brittle hair, hair loss, brittle nails, coarse dry pale skin, weight gain, intolerance to cold, fatigue, depression, irritability, poor memory, muscle or joint pain, constipation, decreased libido, heavy periods or menstrual irregularities. Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Copper : early symptoms are osteoporosis, osteopenia (lower bone mineral density than normal, but not as low as for osteoporosis) and joint problems retarded growth or abnormalities in bone development in infants and young children anemia that is characterized by lack of improvement with iron therapy alone loss of skin or hair color impaired immune function that may lead to frequent infections impaired nerve function that may lead to taste insensitivity and lack of physical coordination inelastic blood vessels that rupture easily elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels irregular heart beat breathing difficulties skin sores Menkes disease that occurs mostly in male infants, characterized by sparse greyish or colorless twisted hair, and floppy muscle tone Copper-rich foods that can help alleviate hypothyroidism, and dry brittle hair, include · cashew nuts · dried beans like soybeans, adzuki beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), lentils, lima, navy beans · dried spirulina · crimini mushrooms · shiitake mushrooms · sesame seeds.

Iron   |   Iron is important for oxygenation of body tissues, and a lack of iron can lead to symptoms such as brittle nails and dry brittle hair. Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Iron : iron-deficiency anemia, with symptoms that may include headaches, dizziness, irritability, pale skin, cold hands and feet, lack of energy, rapid heartbeat, brittle nails, shortness of breath, sore or inflamed tongue or mouth, lack of appetite food cravings for inedible items such as ice, paint, starch, clay, or dirt increased intestinal inflammation or irritation depression or apathy insomnia or disturbed sleep decrease in ability to concentrate impaired mental skills that can affect memory and job performance learning disabilities and short attention spans in children irregular menstrual periods hair loss nails that are spoon-shaped or that have ridges running lengthwise higher risk of lead poisoning in children Foods rich in iron that may help prevent dry brittle hair include · animal liver · blackstrap molasses · beef · eggs (especially the yolk) · shiitake mushrooms · dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, swiss chard, turnip greens · green beans such as winged beans, string beans · dried beans like kidney beans, lentils · soybeans and soy products, especially tofu · rice bran and wheat bran.

Iodine   |   Iodine deficiency can contribute to hypothyroidism (under-production of thyroid hormones) which can lead to symptoms such as dry brittle hair, hair loss, brittle nails, coarse dry pale skin, intolerance to cold, fatigue or weakness, poor memory, depression, irritability, weight gain, muscle or joint pain, constipation, decreased libido, infertility, menstrual irregularities or heavy periods, and in more severe cases, hoarseness, decreased sense of taste and smell, mental impairment, skin thickening, and puffy face, hands or feet. Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Iodine : goiter characterized by an enlarged thyroid gland which may cause a choking feeling or difficulty with breathing and swallowing impaired immune system leading to susceptibility to infections hearing loss in children severe deficiency during pregnancy, breastfeeding or infancy can lead to neuro-cognitive defects in the baby and problems with growth, speech and hearing; a very severe form is cretinism, characterized by brain damage, speech problems, hearing loss, apathy, spasticity, and stunted growth even mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy can hamper growth of the child's brain and lead to low intelligence congenital hypothyroidism is the most common cause of mental retardation in children Foods high in iodine that help prevent hypothyroidism, and consequently dry brittle hair, include · salt-water fish · seafood and shellfish · seaweed like dulse, bladderwrack, kelp, nori · iodized table salt.

Manganese   |   Manganese is important for activating enzymes that enable the body to utilize key hair, skin and nail vitamins like vitamin C and biotin.  Lack of this nutrient can therefore contribute to excessive bone loss and weak hair and nails. Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Manganese : nausea or dizziness vomiting skin rash hearing loss iron-deficiency anemia, due to manganese's role in iron utilization high blood sugar levels (impaired glucose tolerance) blood cholesterol levels that are too low impaired bone growth or skeletal abnormalities, especially in children loss of hair colour defective functioning of the reproductive system severe deficiency in infants can cause convulsions, and even paralysis, blindness and deafness Manganese rich foods for healthy hair that may be part of dry hair home remedies include · dark green leafy vegetables (broccoli, chard, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, spinach) · avocados · pineapple · raspberries · nuts (almonds, peanuts, pecans, walnuts).

Selenium   |   Research indicates that selenium deficiency worsens the effect of iodine deficiency on thyroid function, leading to hypothyroidism with symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, irritability, depression, poor memory, weight gain, constipation, intolerance to cold, heavier or lighter menstruation than normal, coarse dry pale skin, dry brittle hair, hair loss, and brittle nails, and that selenium supplements may help protect against goiter. Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Selenium : weaker immune system leading to susceptibility to stress and illnesses greater incidence of cancer, especially gynecological, gastrointestinal, esophageal, lung, and prostate cancer rheumatoid arthritis patients tend to have low blood levels of selenium elevated blood pressure risk of arteriosclerosis / atherosclerosis (hardening and/or narrowing of the arteries), leading to heart or coronary artery disease loose skin hair or skin discoloration whitened fingernail beds Keshan disease (heart disorder characterized by inflamed heart muscles) Kashin-Beck disease (disabling disease of bones and joints, characterized by stunted growth, bone deterioration, and deformity of joints) severe deficiency along with malnutrition can cause muscle breakdown characterized by pain or weakness in the muscles Selenium-rich foods that alleviate iodine deficiency and hypothyroidism include · Brazil nuts (one of the most concentrated selenium food sources) · mushrooms (button, shiitake, reishi) · fish (cod, flounder, halibut, herring, mackerel, salmon, smelts, red snapper, swordfish, tuna) · seafood (lobster, oyster, scallops, shellfish, shrimp).

It takes MANY,  MANY months of treatment and even years sometimes to resolve these issues.  You have to be willing to do what it takes to resolve your underlying health issues. With my clients, I treat the gut issue for months before even attempting to resolve  nutrititional deficiencies.

If you see it through, I am certain you will be very proud of your crowning glory!  Let us know if you would like to discuss your situation and treatment options.

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Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

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