Definition of Dry or Brittle Hair
Brittle hair has lost most of its moisture. When moisture content is not sufficient, cortex and cuticle damage results, as does porosity. This is what causes hair to become dry, lose its pliability, and feel and look straw-like, according to chemist Ali N. Syed.
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Cuticle Damage
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Your hair has favorable porosity when the cuticle layer is raised from the hair shaft, which allows the hair to absorb the normal amount of moisture. Healthy hair maintains moisture levels.
High Porosity
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If your hair has high porosity, this is usually the result of over-processing and results in damaged, dry and brittle hair, according to Hairloss.hairresources.net. If water sinks into your hair within 5 to 10 seconds, your hair has become overly porous.
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Loss of Elasticity
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Hair normally has some elasticity and tensile strength, which allows it to stretch and then recover, without breaking, according to Syed. Curly hair should be able to stretch about 50 percent of its length before it reaches the point where it can't be stretched any farther or it will break. If hair can't be stretched to some degree, this means that it has lost its tensile strength and elasticity.
Medical Problems
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Certain medical conditions can lead to dry, brittle hair, including problems with your thyroid. Ask your physician if this could be the cause of your lifeless hair.
Genetics
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Some of us are simply genetically geared to have dry, brittle hair. If this is the case for you, don't do anything that will destroy the molecular bonds of your hair strands and draw what little moisture content you have out of your hair. Don't use heat styling tools and avoid harsh processes.
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