Dry hair is a condition that develops when your hair doesn't get or retain enough moisture. It isn't an active process that the hair does, but rather a state it enters due to insufficient hydration.
Understanding Moisture and Hair Health
Healthy hair typically has a protective outer layer, called the cuticle. When the cuticle is smooth and lies flat, it helps to seal in moisture, reflect light (creating shine), and protect the inner layers of the hair. However, when hair lacks moisture, this outer layer can become rough or raised.
When hair doesn't get or retain enough moisture, several changes occur:
- Reduced Sheen: Without sufficient moisture, the hair cuticle doesn't lie flat and smooth, preventing light from reflecting off the surface effectively. This reduces its sheen.
- Frizzy and Dull Appearance: The raised or damaged cuticle allows moisture to escape easily and makes the hair absorb moisture from the environment (like humidity), causing the shaft to swell unevenly. This leads to a frizzy and dull appearance.
- Increased Vulnerability: Dry hair is often less elastic and more prone to breakage.
While dry hair can affect anyone, the reference states that you're more likely to develop it as you get older.
In essence, dry hair 'works' by losing its ability to maintain proper hydration, leading to visible and tactile changes in its texture and appearance due to alterations in the hair's structure.
