What Is Dull Hair and What Causes It?

Hair strands are formed by protein covered with tiny scales like roof tiles. These scales attract light and give luster to your strands, which then reflect the real health of your hair. However, these scales are too fragile that they can be easily broken due to various external factors.

When the scales are lifted, they will cause your strands to have a rough-like surface and matte feels. That’s basically when your hair gets dry, dull, and shaggy.

In case you are wondering what causes hair strands to dry out, there are actually many factors. Then again, environmental condition, hair care habits, and physical health are considered among the main reasons.

Environmental Condition

Environmental condition is simply the climate you live in. If you live in a dry and hot climate, then chances are, the scales that protect your hair cuticles will easily get damaged.

Likewise, spending time and exposing your hair to windy conditions, and exposing your hair to chlorinated or salty water would yield the same effects.

Hair Care Habits

The hair care habits that contribute to the dullness of your hair include the constant washing with chemical-based shampoos and exposing your locks to heat styling tools.

Washing your hair regularly with a chemical-based hair care product would tend to wash off the moisture needed by the scalp and the hair cuticles. The exposure to heat, such as the use of heat styling tools like curling irons, blow dryers, and curlers, would result in frizzy hair.

Overall Physical Health

Your overall physical health plays a vital role in hair health. It is likely that people with dull, dry, and damaged hair are suffering from health conditions and illnesses. Below are some health problems that are associated with dull and shaggy hair:

Anemia

Anorexia Nervosa or Eating Disorder

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Thyroid Problems

Stress

Other health problems and complications related to dull and shaggy hair will be discussed further below.

Other Health Complications

If health problems are neglected, your hair may suffer. It can get damaged and may, later on, result in more complications. If you suffer any of the problems below, then it is possible that you may experience dull, dry and shaggy hair:

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid is the gland that is responsible for regulating energy in the body. Without enough amount of thyroid hormones in the body, our body’s natural function would decline. People diagnosed with this illness may experience massive drying and thinning of hair.

Hypopathyroidism

Hypopathyroidism is a rare condition that only occurs when there is no enough parathyroid hormone produced in the thyroid glands. People diagnosed with this illness may experience patchy hair loss.

Anorexia Nervosa

People diagnosed with anorexia nervosa feel worried about gaining weight. They seem to think and feel better of themselves when they lose weight. Because they don’t eat right, their bodies don’t get enough amount of nutrients needed, hence they tend to have yellow skin covered with soft pine hair.

If you suspect that you have any of these three conditions, do not hesitate to consult your doctor to have a proper diagnosis. But when it comes to treating your simple dry, dull and shaggy hair problem, you need not to rush to the doctor because there are natural ways to remedy it.

8 Effective Tips to Remedy Dull and Shaggy Hair

Make it a habit to moisturize hair with natural oil. After you apply shampoo, massage your favorite natural oil first and leave it on for 30 minutes. And then, rinse. The best recommended natural oils for hair are argan oil , olive oil, and coconut oil. Choose the best natural shampoo that’s best for dry, dull and shaggy hair. Make sure to wash hair with shampoo only three times a week. Don’t shampoo daily because it will drain the moisture in the cuticles. Choose a gentle and detangling shampoo and concentrate the application on your scalp. When using a conditioner, focus on the tips of your hair. Always apply conditioner after shampoo. It helps moisturize your hair and prevents it from incurring further damage. Deep condition your hair with a product enriched with protein and vitamins. Do it at least twice a month. Use cold water when washing off shampoo. Hot water would only snatch the natural oils from the hair, making it dull and dry. Eat foods that are rich in zinc and iron . They help hair follicles develop faster. Experts recommend eating red lean meat matched with non-meat sources like soybeans or lentils at least twice a week. Foods that are rich in omega-3 also help hydrate the hair. They also contain compounds that help relieve depression and other heart diseases. It is best to eat fatty fish like salmon to achieve that silky hair.

8 Recommended Natural Hair Masks For Dull and Dry Hair

1. Protein Hair Mask

What You Need:

1 Egg yolk

1 tbsp. castor oil

1 tbsp. Honey

Method:

In a bowl, mix all ingredients. Then cover your hair with the mixture from the roots to the tips. Put on a shower cap and wrap your head with a towel. After 30 minutes, rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar. Wash off with your favorite natural shampoo.

2. Banana Mask

What You Need:

2 ripe mashed bananas

2 tbsp. mayonnaise

1 tbsp. olive oil

Method:

Combine the ingredients together and gently apply to your hair. Leave the mixture on for half an hour. Wash your hair with lukewarm water afterwards.

3. Potato Hair Mask

What You Need:

1 large potato

2 tbsp. Aloe Vera gel

Method:

Peel the potato and grate it. Get the juice by squeezing it in a bowl, then mix the Aloe Vera Gel. Mix both ingredients until a smooth texture is achieved. Massage the mixture into the scalp for 15 minutes and leave it on for two hours. Wash it off with warm water.

4. Coconut Cream Mask

What You Need:

Freshly grated coconut

Method:

Take out all the cream of the grated coconut by mixing a little water. Squeeze it in a bowl. Heat the coconut cream for a little while in a low heat setting. Let it cool. Then, slowly massage the mixture into your hair from the roots to the tips. Leave it on for 1 hour and wrap your hair with a towel. Gently shampoo your hair afterward. Do it regularly to regain hair luster.

5. Avocado Mask

What You Need:

1 avocado

½ cup mayonnaise

Method:

In a bowl, mash the avocado pulp and mix in the mayonnaise. Apply the mixture into your hair and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash with water.

6. Methi anti-dandruff hair mask

What You Need:

Methi seeds

Water

Method:

Grind the Methi seeds until you achieve a paste-like texture. Apply into your scalp and massage gently. Leave it on your hair for 20 minutes. Shampoo. Use warm water in rinsing.

7. Protein-Rich Gram Pack

What You Need:

3 tbsps of black gram

1 medium-sized beaten egg

1 tbsp of lemon juice

1 cup of yoghurt

Method:

Soak the black gram overnight. The next day, grind the black gram to achieve a paste-like texture and mix it in with the other ingredients in a small bowl. Apply onto your hair and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash it with cold water.

8. Hibiscus Hair Pack

What You Need:

1 cup red hibiscus petals

¼ cup olive oil

Method:

Soak the cup of red hibiscus petals overnight and add olive oil. In the morning, mix the ingredients carefully until a paste-like texture is achieved. Apply the mixture into your scalp and massage. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, and then wash with cold water.

Some Handy Hacks

Massage your head with a natural oil after shampooing to make it appear soft and smooth.

Choose a gentle and shampoo that is formulated for dull hair.

Condition your hair every after shampooing.

Always use cold water as hot water will strip off the natural oils from the strands.

Wrapping Up

Every woman dreams of having a crowning glory to be proud of. But not everyone is fortunate enough to achieve that.

With the tips and hacks we provided above, we hope you can turn that dream of having glorious, shining, steaming, gleaming, long beautiful hair into a reality. Of course, you should also use proper and natural hair care products.

Keep in mind that the hair is like our skin that needs moisture. So keep it healthy and make it a habit to observe these natural hair care routines.

At this point, you already know how to turn your shaggy hair into a real crowning glory. Don’t take chances and do everything to keep your hair healthy. Start by steering clear of harsh chemical treatments and hair care products. If possible, go natural. Opt for products that are safe to use and don’t contain sulfate and paraben.

Now, if you find this article helpful, share it on social media. You’d spare shaggy-guys and gals if you do so!