The Root of the Problem: Understanding the Hair Breakage Causes
Hair breakage is a common hair issue that many people experience.
It occurs when hair strands break or split, causing the hair to appear frizzy, damaged, and unmanageable.
Hair breakage can have various causes, such as excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, lack of moisture, and poor nutrition.
As per the American Academy of Dermatology, it’s very normal to shed about 50 to 100 hairs a day.
This article will explore some of the leading hair breakage causes and prevent common hair problems.
Causes of hair breakage
Hair breakage can be caused due to several reasons, such as tight hairstyles or diet changes.
Some reasons are given below with the preventive measures for hair breakage.
Over-brushing
Brushing your hair too much can cause breakage and lead to excessive hair shedding.
People don’t need to brush their hair as much as they think.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is a myth that hair needs 100 brush strokes daily.
Generally, two strokes, one in the morning and one in the evening are considered normal.
Although it may depend on person to person. Use a wide-tooth comb and gently comb your hair to prevent breakage.
Remove tangles gently by applying a moisturizing conditioner if necessary.
Diet
A nutritional diet plays a vital role in promoting healthy hair growth.
People need certain nutrients and supplements to make their hair look dry, dull, and brittle.
Lack of Biotin can even lead to severe hair loss and baldness.
Some crucial vitamins that people must include in their diet are as follows:
- Vitamin D
- Protein
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Zinc
- Iron
Heat and lack of moisture
Using straighteners, blow dryers, and curling tongs can damage hair strands and weaken them.
This can also remove moisture from hair, which can cause brittle hair and breakage.
Humid and hot climates can also dry the hair and increase the risk of broken hair.
You can avoid or reduce heat treatment to prevent future hair breakage.
Tight hairstyles and hair ties
Hair breakage can occur if people frequently tie their hair back in tight hairstyles or use elastic bands to hold it up.
Tight hairstyles can break or stretch the hair at the root.
Tight hairstyles like braids, buns, and dreadlocks can lead to traction alopecia.
It is a temporary hair loss and can be recovered once you treat your hair well.
Elastic hair ties can pull your hair tightly and can cause hair breakage.
Individuals can choose loose hairstyles and relieve pressure on the hair strands.
Stress
Increased stress or severe shock can damage the hair and cause a hair condition called Telogen Effluvium.
Severe shock can make hair roots reach the resting stage of the hair cycle faster, and hair gets loose from follicles.
If you notice excessive hair loss, consult your dermatologist immediately.
Overwashing your hair
You are more likely to produce too much sebum (natural oil) in your scalp if you have oily skin.
This may result in the temptation to wash your hair more frequently than necessary.
If you have oily hair, daily washes are acceptable, but you shouldn’t wash your hair more than once a day.
On the other hand, dehydrated hair requires weekly shampooing.
Also, gently shampoo the scalp and evenly distribute conditioner from your ends to your roots.
Improper towel drying
Rubbing your hair with a towel after showering can damage it when it’s most vulnerable.
Instead of rubbing, blot an absorbent towel around your hair to dry it.
You can also leave a towel in your hair to soak up excess water.
This will help keep your hair healthy and strong.
Remember, gentle with your wet hair can prevent breakage and promote healthy growth.
Hair styling products
Hair coloring, perming, relaxing products, and shampoos contain chemicals that can weaken hair.
It makes hair more prone to breakage.
Research has found that the pH of shampoo can also impact hair breakage.
The alkaline or basic shampoos create more friction between hair strands and lead to breakage.
Avoiding harsh chemical treatments and choosing a shampoo with a neutral pH is advisable to improve hair health.
Thyroid disorder
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition characterized by decreased production of hormones by the thyroid gland.
The thyroid is essential for metabolism, heart rate, and hair growth.
Excessive hair loss and damage can be a cause of this medical condition.
People with low thyroid might also experience low energy, sudden weight gain, and depression.
If you have these symptoms, seeing a healthcare professional for a thyroid check is important.
Conclusion
Excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions can cause hair breakage.
To prevent hair breakage, it’s crucial to identify and address the underlying cause.
This can be done by limiting heat styling, avoiding harsh chemical treatments, and using gentle hair care products.
Also, maintaining a healthy diet and addressing any underlying medical conditions can help.
You must have protective hairstyles and hair-strengthening treatments.
By taking these steps, you can promote healthy hair growth and reduce the risk of hair breakage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What illnesses can cause hair breakage?
Various conditions can cause hair loss and breakage. Some of the common conditions are pregnancy, thyroid disorder, and anemia. Autoimmune diseases, PCOS, and skin conditions like dermatitis can also cause hair breakage.
What does breakage mean in hair?
Breakage in hair is when the hair shaft breaks off, causing the hair to become shorter and thinner. Chemical treatments, heat styling, excessive brushing, and a lack of proper hair care can cause it.
What vitamin deficiency causes hair breakage?
Biotin deficiency is a common vitamin deficiency that can cause hair breakage. Other vitamins like B2, also known as Riboflavin and B12, can cause hair damage.
What hormone deficiency causes hair breakage?
Imbalances in thyroid hormones can lead to hair loss and thinning. This can make hair more fragile and prone to breakage. Similarly, androgen (male hormones) imbalances can cause hair loss in both men and women. It can also make the remaining hair more prone to breakage.
Why is my hair breaking so much?
Hair breakage can occur due to aggressive brushing, combing, heat styling, and sleeping on wet or rough fabrics that cause friction. Additionally, constantly pulling hair into tight styles can also lead to breakage.
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