We’ve all had “bad hair days,” when our usual style or favorite look just won’t come together for us. Maybe it’s the humidity or maybe it’s the whim of fate, but we all know exactly what it’s like when no amount of product or fiddling does anything to help. It happens, and it’s never fun!

Can a bad hair day be a sign of something worse? Most of the time there’s nothing more to worry about than our vanity, but sometimes those persistent “beauty issues” can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. The state of our skin, hair, and nails can all reflect our overall health. Of course, it’s best to consult with your health care provider if you have any concerns at all about physical changes you’re experiencing. At the same time, it’s also good to educate (and reassure) yourself! That’s why we’ve gathered information from dozens of articles written by health and beauty professionals. What follows are the eight most common hair conditions people encounter in their daily lives and what they might mean.

Dry and/or brittle hair. Dry hair is very common. In fact, it’s so common that you’ll find plenty of shampoos and conditioners that are specially formulated to treat it. If you’re experiencing dry, brittle hair, your first step should be a deep conditioning treatment, available in most drug and beauty stores. Try one out, and see if it helps! It may also be time for a trim. Regular cuts can make your hair stronger and stop split ends before they start. You also might want to think about your diet. Healthy dietary fats such as olive oil and avocado oil help your hair, as do fish oils and other sources of vitamins D and E. Also keep in mind that the sun can fry your hair. You may need a hair sunscreen if you your hair is blonde or gray or if you’ve had your hair bleached in one of the fabulous salons in Lawton. You can find hair sunscreen in most drugstores. If you’ve been hanging out at the pool during the summer months, regular exposure to chlorinated water can definitely make your hair dry! Dry hair is usually nothing to worry about, and it’s fairly easy to fix. If you’ve noticed a sudden change, however, consult your doctor.

Dandruff flakes. Dandruff is another common hair-related concern. We’re all familiar with the TV commercials advertising various shampoos to treat it. Dandruff is when your scalp skin peels off and turns into flakes or powders that appear on your clothes. Contrary to popular belief, dandruff isn’t a hygiene issue; in fact, shampooing can make dandruff worse. Try a specially formulated shampoo, and if that doesn’t work, consult a dermatologist.

Too much hair in the drain. Did you know that a normal human may shed up to a hundred or more hairs a day? That may seem like a lot, but anyone with a pet will know that a hundred shed hairs is nothing. Sometimes, though, we lose more hair than normal. Keep in mind that life events such as taking medications, giving birth, having surgery, and experiencing stress can sometimes promote hair loss. If you’ve been seeing more hair in the drain than usual for a while and nothing else is going on, it may be time for a checkup. It’s always better to know!

The dullness. Dull, lifeless hair is another common hair concern. Likely, there’s nothing too serious going on, but it can’t hurt to look at the types of dietary fat you’re consuming! Omega-3 fatty acids are important for the body in lots of different ways, and hair is one of them. Doctors and beauty pros recommend making sure your diet is rich in salmon and other fatty fishes, flax and chia seeds, nuts like walnuts, and avocados.

Greasy hair. On the other hand, lank or overly greasy hair can be a sign of too much fat in the diet. Fat is an important part of the human diet, but the source matters. Fried and heavily processed foods are often high in saturated fats, which aren’t as beneficial as fat from higher quality sources. Greasy hair can also be caused by product sensitivity, or you could need a special shampoo. Talk to your hair stylist at one of the salons in Lawton or speak to your dermatologist.

Itchy scalp. Any rash should be looked at by a health care professional as soon as possible! 

Going gray. Going gray happens to just about everyone, and it’s actually one of the hottest trends out there right now! Even though going gray is a natural part of aging, stress can also speed up the process. Times are hard out there right now. If you’re feeling stressed, talk to your doctor!

Split ends. You could be dehydrated, it could be time for a trim, or you might need some deep conditioning. Talk to your stylist!

Slow-to-grow or thinning hair. There’s not much to do to affect the growth rate of your hair. Everybody’s different! Try to eat a healthy diet rich in protein, vegetables, and good sources of fats. If your hair growth slows down or if your hair starts to fall out, then it’s time to see a doctor.

Frizz. Your hair can change texture because of stress on the hair itself. Are you hard on your hair? Do you use a blow dryer, a flat iron, or bleach? A nourishing shampoo and conditioner can help. This is another question for your stylist, not the doctor.

If you found this article by searching for “frizzy hair sign sick?” then let us reassure you. You probably just need some better conditioner. Caring for our hair can be difficult, but it’s rewarding to learn how to do it right, just like caring for the rest of our bodies. That said, if you’re experiencing changes, it’s time to talk to someone other than Dr. Google.

Salons de Beauté is a thriving salon-suites community for health and beauty pros in Lawton, OK. Check out our Salon Directory for contact information for service providers. Come see some of the best salon professionals in Lawton, Oklahoma!