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Skin layers
Skin layers


Dry hair

Alternative Names:

Hair - dry



Home Care:
  • Shampoo less frequently -- perhaps only once or twice a week
  • Add conditioners
  • Avoid blow drying and harsh styling products


Call your health care provider if:

If your hair does not improve with gentle treatment, you are experiencing hair loss, or other unexplained symptoms appear, call your health care provider.



What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may ask the following questions:

  • Has your hair always been slightly dry?
  • When did the unusual hair dryness first start?
  • Is it always present, or is it off and on?
  • What are your eating habits?
  • What kind of shampoo is used?
  • How often do you wash your hair?
  • Do you use a conditioner? What type?
  • How do you normally style the hair?
  • Do you use a hair dryer? What type? How often?
  • What other symptoms are also present?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
  • Examination of the hair under the microscope
  • Blood tests



Review Date: 10/29/2004
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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