Dry Brittle Hair Falling Out: Causes and How to Fix It

When you notice dry, brittle hair falling out, it usually means your strands have lost moisture and structural strength. This happens when heat styling, harsh products, or nutrient deficiencies weaken the cuticle, leading to breakage along the shaft. 

Hormonal changes, thyroid issues, or deficiencies in iron and vitamin D can also increase shedding. The fix starts with restoring hydration, reducing heat, and choosing gentle, nutrient-rich care. With consistent habits and supportive ingredients, most people can see stronger, smoother hair within a few months.

At RootMD, led by hair restoration specialist Dr. Ross Kopelman, we share clear steps that improve hair health with safe, practical care you can start today.

Key Takeaways

• Dry, brittle hair that often falls out results from moisture loss, heat styling, harsh products, or nutrient deficiencies that weaken the cuticle and lead to breakage.

• Restoring hydration, using heat protectant sprays, and choosing sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner help rebuild smoothness and reduce shedding.

• Underlying issues such as thyroid disorders, hormonal changes, or low iron and vitamin D levels can worsen dryness and fragility, requiring medical evaluation.

• Consistent care with natural oils, balanced nutrition, and gentle styling habits supports long-term hair health and prevents further thinning.

• If shedding remains severe or patchy despite proper care, consulting a dermatologist can help identify deeper causes and guide safe, evidence-based solutions.

Why Does Dry and Brittle Hair Start Falling Out

Dryness weakens the cuticle, so fibers snap and shed more easily. Low scalp oil, harsh washing, and rough towel-drying raise friction and stress on hair follicles. 

Heat styling and chemical services strip moisture from the hair, leaving it coarse and prone to breakage at weak points. Over time, small breaks add up, and you see more short fragments and more hair on your brush.

Early signs and common damage patterns

Watch for dull mid-lengths, white dots along the shaft, and short halo breakage. Notice when shedding spikes after heat styling or a new routine. Thinning hair at the temples or part may reflect increased breakage rather than just root loss. Track habits that make your hair feel worse, like tight styles or skipping a heat protectant.

Medical Causes of Dry Brittle Hair

Some conditions lower oil production or change the hair cycle. Hypothyroidism, anemia, autoimmune disease, and severe stress can raise shedding and dryness. An eating disorder may cause nutrient deficiencies that manifest as brittle hair. If symptoms include fatigue, weight changes, or scalp pain, book a medical check.

Thyroid-related causes of dry, brittle hair falling out

Low thyroid levels slow sebum production and prolong recovery after damage. You may see coarse texture, diffuse shedding, and slow regrowth. Ask about TSH and free T4 testing if other thyroid signs are present. Treating the root cause often restores moisture balance over time.

Hormonal patterns in women

Postpartum shifts, perimenopause, or cycle-related changes can affect shedding and dryness. Lower estrogen may reduce hydration in the fiber and scalp. Track your cycle timing to see trends. Gentle care during these windows helps protect your hair from extra breakage.

Nutrients and Deficiency Causes of Brittle Hair

Low iron, protein, or vitamin D can weaken fibers and slow growth. A balanced diet with enough calories, protein, and micronutrients supports the matrix cells around hair follicles. Track labs if you notice systemic signs, such as fatigue or brittle nails. Food first, then supplements when a clinician confirms a gap.

How deficiencies contribute to dry, fragile hair

Deficits reduce sebum quality and weaken the cortex, so fibers snap under mild stress. Recovery takes weeks as new growth emerges. Support with nutrition, gentle handling, and patient expectations. 

Log meals and symptoms to see what helps most, and explore eating for healthy hair to better understand which nutrients support stronger strands.

Damage-Related Causes of Dry and Brittle Hair

Breakage climbs when the cuticle is chipped or melted by heat. Repeated lightening, aggressive brushing, and tight styles raise stress. Hard water and sun exposure also dehydrate the shaft. Minor fixes add up – choose softer tools and reduce friction.

What to Do and What Not to Do

Keep temperatures moderate and use a heat protectant every time. Space lightening sessions and avoid stacking relaxers with frequent color changes. Let your hair air-dry when you can, and if you blow-dry, aim for warm, not hot. Choose styling products that add slip and reduce friction.

Treatment Options for Dry Brittle Hair Falling Out

Start with simple changes, then layer targeted care. The goal is fewer breaks, better slip, and a calmer scalp. Track progress with photos every 4–6 weeks, and learn more about what helps your hair grow thicker through proven scalp and strand-supportive habits. If shedding worsens, seek a clinician’s input.

Dry brittle hair falling out treatment overview

Think in three lanes – routine, products, and habits. Reduce heat, add lubrication, and avoid a tight pull. Use natural oils as sealants on mid-lengths and ends, not on the scalp. Protect your hair during sleep with a smooth pillowcase or bonnet.

How to stop dry, brittle hair from falling out

• Wash your hair with lukewarm water and gentle motions.

• Use a wide-tooth comb and work in sections.

• Pause tight buns and heavy extensions during recovery.

• Trim frayed ends to prevent splits from spreading upward.

Ingredient-based and lifestyle treatments

Look for bond builders, ceramides, and amino acids in hair products. Rotate protein and moisture so fibers feel flexible, not stiff. Support a balanced diet with steady protein, iron-rich foods, and omega-3s. Sleep, stress control, and gentle exercise also support hair health.

At-Home Hair Care for Dry and Brittle Hair

Small daily habits protect fragile fibers. Keep routines repeatable and straightforward. Choose tools and products that lower friction.

Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner with slip and light oils. Alternate clarifying steps to avoid buildup from heavy styling products. Rinse well so the actives perform as labeled. Adjust frequency to your scalp’s oil level.

Apply light oils or serums to reduce friction before blow-drying or using curling irons. Always add a heat protectant before any heat styling. 

On rest days, let hair air dry to lower thermal stress, and follow these simple steps on how to use hair oil for growth to boost hydration and scalp strength. Log which combinations give you smoother results.

When to see a dermatologist

Book a visit if breakage persists despite careful care, or if you notice bald patches. Bring a timeline, routines, and a product list. Mention medications and any recent life events. Clear context speeds answers.

Support your regrowth routine with dermatologist-formulated care. Strengthen strands and reduce shedding by pairing the RootMD DHT-Blocking Shampoo with the RootMD Hair Growth Oil. Together, they help rebalance the scalp, improve density, and keep your hair looking fuller over time.