Dull Hair And Its Causes

Often, most people describe any hair that lacks moisture or shine and looks dry as dull hair. Well, they are right. Hair is considered dull once it has the above qualities. When you leave your salon with your hair looking lustrous and shiny, and you observe that in less than 24 hours, your hair has lost its shine. Of course, you will be worried. Worry not!! This should not weigh you down or ruin your mood. 

From our basic understanding of hair care, we understand that hair should be shiny, hydrated, and healthy. However, when you don’t pay enough attention and care to your hair, you may be faced with some of its consequences. One of which we will be discussing in this article. Dull hair, also known as dry hair, refers to hair that lacks moisture and shine. Dull hair cuts across all hair types and textures. So, whether your hair is straight, curly, wavy, or kinky, you may be a victim.

There are several causes of dull hair, but we will focus on the important and common ones. Common causes include accumulation of hair products, wrong use of hair products, excessive heat, hard water, nutritional deficiency, or even medical conditions. This article will provide information on the various causes of dull hair.

1. Washing with dry shampoos

Dry shampoo, also known as hybrid shampoo, contains alcohol or starch as its main ingredients. What it does is absorb the oil and grease in hair. While it is understandable why most people prefer dry shampoos over other types of shampoos, it has a downside. Dry shampoos strip your hair of moisture and essentials needed for your hair to shine, leaving hair dry, dehydrated, and dull.

2. Use of hard water

While we can say that hard water does not interfere with the tensile strength of hair, it can make the hair dull and hard. Hard water is a type of water that has high levels of calcium and magnesium. Magnesium and calcium are positive cations, which help them bind to hair easily. 

When there is a build-up of these minerals, they form a sheath on the hair and prevent moisture from reaching the roots of the hair, thus leading to dullness. One of the characteristics of hard water is that it does not lather easily. If you observe that your hair wash products do not foam as they should or your hair feels sticky after washing, then it is most likely you are using hard water to wash your hair. 

3. Excessive heat styling 

Heat styling products like straighteners, curlers, and blow dryers help beautify the hair and give it a sleek look. However, when not used in moderation, heat can cause your hair to become dry and dull. This is why it is recommended that you apply hair serums or oils before applying any heat tool.

4. Accumulation of hair products 

Accumulation of hair products is one of the most common causes of dull hair. Hair products are necessary for the nourishment and growth of hair. However, when it’s in excess, they can clog the hair shaft, preventing flow to the strands and making the hair dull. Most hair products contain ingredients that are hydrophobic and catatonic and, therefore, bind to the hair. When there is a build-up of products, the hair feels sticky and greasy when touched and appears dull.

5. Chlorine or Saltwater

After a calming swim, you may notice that your hair looks dry, dull, and hard. This is because of the chlorine present in the swimming pool. Chlorine decreases the natural oils in your hair. So, if you are a regular swimmer, this is what you would expect. Water contains high amounts of salt, while swimming pools have high amounts of chlorine. These components are not good for hair growth and can cause dullness. Salts are known to draw out moisture, hence depriving the hair of being hydrated. 

6. Overwashing or Excessive washing

Regardless of the hair type, the scalp produces its natural oil to keep the hair shiny, hydrated, and healthy. When you wash your hair too frequently or harshly, it strips the hair of its natural oils, therefore making your hair have a dry texture and a dull appearance. Ideally, it is advisable to wash your hair once in 2 weeks or twice a month.

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Conclusion 

There are a lot of factors that can cause dull hair, from the use of wrong products, poor diet, and excess use of hair products to excess heat application. The first step in procuring a solution to a problem is to determine the cause of the problem. By understanding the cause of your dull hair, it will be easy to tailor a solution suitable for you based on your condition or concerns.