Why My Hair Feels Like Straw? (5 Causes & Solutions)

Hair Feels Like Straw: Your hair may fell like straw and thin because lack of moisture. Having hair that feels like straw can be frustrating and disheartening. Straw-like hair is characterized by dryness, brittleness, and a lack of shine, making it challenging to manage and style. However, fear not! There are various reasons why your hair might feel this way, and even better, there are numerous effective solutions to bring life back to your locks. First let’s find, 

What are straw like hair?

Straw-like hair is a term used to describe hair that is dry, brittle, and rough to the touch. It may have a dull appearance and can be prone to breakage and split ends. This type of hair lacks moisture and natural oils that keep it healthy and shiny. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as heat damage, over-styling, and lack of moisture. To restore moisture to your hair, you can try using a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask, and avoid using hot tools and hair products that contain alcohol.

Could straw hair be a medical concern?

Straw-like hair can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism and an eating disorder . If you are experiencing other symptoms in addition to straw-like hair, such as fatigue or weight gain, it may be a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.

Now let’s look at these term in detail one by one,

Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition in which the parathyroid glands in the neck do not produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH is responsible for regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. When there is not enough PTH, calcium levels in the blood can drop, which can lead to a range of symptoms such as muscle cramps, tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes, and seizures.

Eating disorders

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, can cause straw-like hair due to a lack of proper nutrition. When the body is not getting enough essential vitamins and minerals, it can cause hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. This is because the body prioritizes other vital organs over hair and skin when it comes to the distribution of nutrients. In addition, eating disorders can cause hormonal imbalances that can affect hair growth and health. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and produces hormones that regulate metabolism, body temperature, and other important bodily functions. When there is not enough thyroid hormone, it can lead to a range of symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and hair loss. Hypothyroidism can be caused by a variety of factors such as autoimmune disorders, radiation therapy, or surgery to remove the thyroid gland. It is usually treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

How moisture is related to straw like hair?

Moisture is essential for healthy hair, and without enough moisture, hair can become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. This is because the outer layer of the hair, called the cuticle, is made up of overlapping scales that protect the hair shaft. When hair is dry, these scales can become raised and rough, which makes hair feel rough and straw-like. Moisture helps to smooth down the cuticle and keep hair looking and feeling healthy. To keep hair moisturized, it is important to use a conditioner after shampooing and to avoid using hot tools like flat irons and curling irons that can further damage hair and strip it of moisture.

Causes of straw like hair with explanation

Following are the main causes that make your hair feel like straw,

Use of hard water:

Hard water can cause hair to become dry and straw-like due to the high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, that are present in the water. These minerals can build up on the hair shaft, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair. As a result, hair can become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Hard water can also cause hair to become dull and lifeless. To combat the effects of hard water on hair, it is important to use a clarifying shampoo that can help to remove mineral build up from the hair. Additionally, using a leave-in conditioner or hair mask can help to restore moisture to the hair.

Swimming a lot:

Swimming in outdoor pools can cause hair to become dry and straw-like due to the chlorine and other chemicals that are used to keep the pool clean. Chlorine can strip the natural oils from the hair, leaving it dry and brittle. In addition, exposure to sunlight and UV rays can further damage hair by breaking down the proteins that give hair its strength and elasticity. To prevent straw-like hair from swimming, it is important to rinse hair with clean water before and after swimming to help remove chlorine and other chemicals. Wearing a swim cap can also help to protect hair from the damaging effects of chlorine and UV rays. Additionally, using a leave-in conditioner or hair mask can help to restore moisture to the hair after swimming.

Use of excessive heat to style hair:

Excessive heat can make hair straw-like because it can cause the cuticle, the outer layer of the hair, to become damaged and dry. This can occur when hair is exposed to high temperatures from hot styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers. When the cuticle becomes damaged, it can no longer protect the hair shaft, which can lead to dryness, breakage, and a straw-like texture. To prevent excessive heat damage, it is important to use a heat protectant product before using hot styling tools. Additionally, using these tools on a lower heat setting and for shorter periods of time can help to minimize damage to the hair.

Off balance Nutritional Intake:

An imbalanced nutritional intake can make hair straw-like because the hair needs a variety of nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals, to grow and maintain its health. When the body is deficient in these nutrients, it can affect the quality of the hair, making it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. To get rid of dry and straw hair, it is important to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods. Foods that are high in protein, such as lean meats, fish, eggs, and beans, can help to strengthen the hair and promote healthy growth. Foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, can help to nourish the hair and prevent dryness and breakage. Additionally, drinking plenty of water can help to keep the hair hydrated and healthy.

Excessive Chemical Treatment:

Excessive chemical treatments can make hair straw-like because they can weaken the hair shaft and cause it to become dry and brittle. This can occur when hair is exposed to harsh chemicals such as those found in hair dyes, relaxers, and perms. These chemicals can break down the protein bonds in the hair, which can lead to dryness, breakage, and a straw-like texture. To prevent excessive chemical damage, it is important to limit the frequency of chemical treatments and to use products that are specifically designe to protect and nourish the hair during and after chemical treatments. Additionally, taking breaks between treatments and using natural hair care products can help to maintain the health and integrity of the hair.

How to Fix Straw like hair?

There are several methods to get rid of straw-like hair, including:

• Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner: Look for products that are specifically designe to hydrate and nourish the hair. These products can help to restore moisture to the hair and prevent dryness and breakage.
• Apply a hair mask: Hair masks can help to deeply nourish and hydrate the hair. Look for masks that contain moisturizing ingredients like avocado, honey, or coconut oil.
• Limit heat styling: Heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can cause damage to the hair. Limit the use of these tools and use a heat protectant product when you do use them.
• Get a trim: If your hair is severely damage, getting a trim can help to remove the damaged ends and promote healthy growth.
• Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet like protein, vitamins, and minerals can help to nourish the hair.
• Protect your hair from the elements: Exposure to the sun, wind, and cold can cause damage to the hair and make it dry and brittle. Wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair from the elements.
• Use natural hair care products: Avoid using hair care products that contain harsh chemicals, as these can strip the hair of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle. Look for natural products that are gentle on the hair and scalp.

Final thoughts:

Straw-like hair can be cause by a variety of factors, including an imbalanced nutritional intake, heat styling, exposure to the elements, and the use of harsh hair care products. To get rid of straw-like hair, it is important to nourish and hydrate the hair with a balanced diet, natural hair care products, and methods such as hair masks, limiting heat styling, and getting regular trims. By taking care of your hair and providing it with the nutrients it needs, you can restore its health and prevent dryness and breakage.