Understanding Hair Breakage: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Hair breakage is a common and frustrating problem. 

It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or hair type. 

It occurs when the hair shaft becomes weak and brittle. Further leading to strands breaking off or snapping easily. 

It affects around 53% of men above 40 years and 41% of women above 50. 

Factors such as over-styling, chemical treatments, heat damage, poor nutrition, and environmental factors like humidity and pollution can cause hair breakage. 

The result can be noticeable thinning, frizz, split ends, and a lack of shine. 

Understanding the causes and preventative measures for hair breakage can help individuals maintain healthy and strong hair, promoting overall health and confidence.

In this article, we will understand all of them.

Hair breakage causes

Hair breakage has a variety of causes that, includes the following. 

Diet

The old saying “you are what you eat” is true, especially regarding healthy hair and skin.

Some nutrients help your hair grow and keep it from breaking off when damaged. 

Ensure your diet gives enough zinc, iron, and folic acid.

Your hair can also stay healthy if you eat enough protein and antioxidants, which can be found in plant foods. 

There are vitamins that can help hair grow. 

Stress

Stress has been linked to hair loss and hair breakage, with evidence showing that it can cause alopecia called telogen effluvium. 

This condition can lead to hair damage by making the hair follicles go dormant. 

It results in hair breakage during a growth cycle. This can cause both old and new hair to fall out.

One effective way to promote healthier hair is by managing stress levels. 

This can help reduce the likelihood of developing telogen effluvium and other types of hair damage. 

By practicing stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and deep breathing, individuals can reduce stress levels and promote better hair health. 

Dryness

Dry hair can be a warning sign of potential hair damage and breakage. 

Several factors, such as dry weather, low humidity, and excessive heat exposure, can contribute to its development.

If the ends of your hair are dry, only focus the shampoo on your scalp. 

Use conditioner to help hydrate and protect your strands. 

Additionally, use a hair mask on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. 

It can provide deep conditioning to help combat dryness.

If you’re short on time, using a leave-in conditioner before combing through wet hair can help hydrate and protect your strands. 

This can be particularly useful for those with dry hair prone to breakage. 

Heat damage

High heat is needed to get the best results from your hair dryer, flat iron, or curling iron.

But if you use these tools too often, you risk hurting the cuticle because of the high temperatures.

Give your hair a break from all styling tools at least once a week to protect it from heat damage.

Choose ceramic styling tools to protect your hair from heat damage. 

These heat up more evenly, so you don’t have to use them repeatedly on the same hair sections.

It’s also necessary to protect your hair before using heat. Use a heat-protecting spray to reduce damage.

Improper combing

You may have heard that brushing your hair 100 times daily is good, but the American Academy of Dermatology says that’s just a myth.

Instead, they say you should only brush and comb your hair when styling it.

One clinical study from 2009 found that women who brushed their hair less lost less hair.

Use combs with wide teeth to keep your hair from breaking.

Hair breakage treatment

Hair breakage can be treated with lifestyle changes and hair care products. 

Here are some steps to consider:

Trim-damaged ends

Trimming off damaged or split ends can help prevent further breakage and promote healthier hair growth.

Use gentle hair care products

Harsh chemicals in hair products can weaken hair and contribute to breakage. 

Use soft, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed to nourish and strengthen hair.

Deep condition regularly

Regular deep conditioning treatments can help strengthen and moisturize hair. 

It reduces the risk of breakage. Look for deep conditioning treatments. 

The one that contains ingredients like keratin, biotin, and protein to help strengthen hair. 

Protect your hair

Covering your hair with a silk scarf or sleeping on a silk pillowcase can help reduce friction and prevent breakage.

Eat a healthy diet

Include protein, vitamins, and minerals. It can help promote healthy hair growth.

In addition to these nutrients, it’s essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Eating a well-balanced diet rich in these nutrients can help prevent hair breakage and promote healthy, strong hair.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hair breakage can be caused by various factors.

These include excessive heat styling, harsh hair care products, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and certain illnesses. 

You can promote your hair growth by taking steps to protect and nourish hair, such as using gentle hair care products and deep conditioning regularly. 

Frequently Asked Question

• healthline.com
• thehairsociety.org