Hair breakage can be caused by a variety of factors, both internal and external. It happens when the hair shaft splits or breaks off at some point along its length, usually due to damage or weakness. Hair breakage differs from hair loss, where hair falls out from the root, however, both can contribute to thinning hair. Fortunately, with the right hair care routine and treatments, hair breakage can often be repaired and prevented.

How To Stop Hair Breakage

Hair breakage can be frustrating, but there are ways to treat it and prevent further damage. Here are some tips for stopping hair breakage:

Improve Hair Care Routine

• Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that contains keratin or other proteins. Avoid harsh detergents.
• Detangle hair gently with a wide-tooth comb while wet and conditioned to minimize breakage from brushing.
• Limit the use of heat-styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons. Always use a heat protectant.
• Wear hair up less often and avoid tight hairstyles that pull on hair.
• Use soft scrunchies, fabric hair ties, and clips to reduce damage from hair elastics.
• Handle wet hair gently and blot dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing hair vigorously with a towel.
• Get regular trims to remove split ends and keep hair healthy.

Hair Breakage Treatments

• Weekly deep conditioning masks strengthen hair and add moisture.
• Leave-in conditioners boost moisture between washes.
• Oils like argan, coconut, and olive oil repair damage when used on damp hair.
• Hair-repairing serums with keratin, biotin, and collagen help rebuild bonds in damaged hair.
• Reduce chemical treatments and heat styling until hair is healthier.

Improve Diet and Lifestyle

• Eat a balanced diet high in protein, omega-3s, iron, zinc, and B vitamins for stronger hair.
• Take a multivitamin to ensure adequate nutrients for optimal hair health.
• Manage stress levels and get enough sleep. High stress can exacerbate hair shedding and breakage.
• Treat any underlying scalp or medical conditions that may contribute to weak hair.

How to Prevent Hair Breakage

Prevention is the best solution for avoiding hair breakage. Here are some tips:

• Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner suited for your hair type.
• Avoid over-brushing, combing, and manipulation when hair is wet and fragile.
• Let hair air dry or use the lowest heat setting on the blow dryer to limit heat damage.
• Apply a heat-protecting spray or serum before using hot styling tools.
• Switch to soft, fabric hair ties and scrunchies. Avoid tight ponytails and buns.
• Get regular trims every 6-8 weeks to snip split ends before they travel up the hair shaft.
• Eat a balanced diet high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins A, C, D, and B-complex.
• Take a daily multivitamin containing biotin, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
• Reduce chemical treatments like dyes, bleaches, and relaxers that weaken hair over time.
• Treat scalp issues or medical conditions like thyroid disorders that can lead to shedding and breakage.
• Reduce stress through self-care. High-stress levels can increase hair shedding.
• Use overnight hair masks and oils to deeply condition hair and restore moisture.

Making a few smart changes to your daily hair care and styling routine can make a big difference in improving hair strength and elasticity to prevent damage and breakage.

Hair Breakage Causes

Many factors can cause hair breakage:

Heat Styling

Frequent use of hot styling tools like curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers can cause hair to become dry and brittle, leading to breakage.

Improper Brushing

Aggressive brushing, especially when hair is wet, can pull, stretch, and break hair strands.

Chemical Processing

Chemical treatments like dyes, bleaches, perms, and relaxers weaken the hair structure over time, increasing the chances of breakage.

Weathering

Environmental factors like sun, wind, and cold temperatures can dry out hair and cause damage.

Improper Trimming

Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, causing more splits and breakage if left un-trimmed.

Towel Drying

Vigorously rubbing wet hair with a towel creates friction that can break hair strands.

Tight Styling

Hairstyles like high ponytails and braids put tension on hair that can lead to traction alopecia and breakage at the hairline.

Poor Nutrition

Nutrient deficiencies in protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, B vitamins, and omega-3s can contribute to weak, brittle hair.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, and thyroid disorders can increase shedding and hair fragility.

Aging

As we get older, our hair can become more dry and porous leading to higher breakage rates.

What Causes Hair Breakage

Understanding what causes hair breakage is the first step to treating it. Common culprits include:

Heat Styling Tools

Repeated use of hot styling tools like curling and flat irons, blow dryers, and hot combs can boil the moisture from hair, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage.

Improper Detangling

Brushing or combing hair when wet, especially with harsh bristles, can tug, pull, and snap hair strands.

Chemical Processing

Chemical treatments like dyes, bleaches, relaxers, and perms break down hair proteins over time, weakening the hair structure.

Environmental Factors

Wind, sun exposure and cold, dry weather can rob hair of moisture leading to dry, frizzy hair prone to tangling and breakage.

Rubbing Wet Hair

Vigorously towel drying or rubbing wet hair creates friction that can stretch, fracture, and break delicate wet strands.

Tight Hairstyles

Constant tension from hairstyles like tight ponytails, cornrows, or extensions can progressively damage the hair at the root and along the length.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Inadequate intake of protein, iron, biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can compromise the strength and integrity of the hair.

Medical Conditions

Scalp disorders, thyroid disease, hormonal imbalances, and eating disorders can increase shedding and hair fragility.

Improper Trimming

Leaving split ends untrimmed allows damage to travel up the hair shaft causing more split ends and breakage.

Aging

As we age, hair can become drier and more porous, making it more prone to tangling, friction damage, and breakage.

Hair Breakage Treatment

If your hair is breaking excessively, try these tips to help minimize and repair damage:

• Do a weekly deep conditioning hair mask to increase moisture and strength.
• Avoid rubbing or towel-drying hair roughly. Blot hair gently with a soft towel.
• Use leave-in treatments and argan oil to boost hydration and reduce further breakage.
• Get regular trims every 6-8 weeks to prevent splits from traveling up the hair shaft.
• Reduce heat styling and chemical processing while hair is recovering.
• Switch to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner suited for damaged hair.
• Eat a diet rich in protein, omega-3s, iron, B vitamins, vitamin D, and zinc to support hair health.
• Reduce stress and get adequate sleep. Stress can exacerbate hair shedding.
• Treat any underlying medical conditions like thyroid disorders that could be increasing shedding.
• Take biotin, collagen, and MSM supplements to strengthen hair and reduce breakage over time.
• Avoid tight hairstyles that constantly pull on the hair roots and damage the strands.

With some TLC and targeted treatments, you can nurse your hair back to health and prevent further breakage. Be patient as repairing damaged hair takes time.

Hair Breakage at Crown

Noticing hair breakage at the crown or top of your head? This is a common area for hair damage and breakage for several reasons:

Heat Styling

The crown is exposed to direct heat during blowdrying, hot ironing, and updo styling leading to dryness and breakage.

Tension

Hairstyles like ponytails and buns put tension on crown hair causing trauma to the follicles and breakage over time.

Friction

The crown area rubs against pillows, hats, headphones, and other surfaces creating friction that wears down hair cuticles.

Chemical Processing

Harsh chemical treatments degrade the protein structure in this fragile area leading to breakage.

Hair Loss Conditions

Conditions like androgenetic alopecia often first affect the crown, making thinning hair more prone to breakage.

Nutrient Deficiency

Critical nutrients needed for healthy hair growth like protein, zinc, and iron are often lacking, resulting in weak crown hair.

To combat crown hair breakage, be gentle when brushing and styling this area. Avoid tight hairstyles, limit chemical treatments, and use conditioners and oils to add moisture. Get regular trims and focus on hair-healthy nutrition to support the growth of stronger new strands. See a dermatologist if breakage at the crown persists to check for underlying issues. With some TLC, crown hair damage can be repaired.

Severe Hair Breakage and Thinning

If you’re experiencing severe hair breakage leading to thinning hair, you likely have substantial damage that requires intervention. Here are some tips to help:

• See a trichologist or dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and get professional treatments.
• Use a reparative hair mask weekly and leave-in conditioner daily to strengthen strands.
• Avoid heat styling and additional chemical processing while hair is very fragile.
• Take biotin, silica, collagen, and vitamin supplements tailored for hair.
• Eat more protein, omega-3s, antioxidants, B vitamins, vitamin D, zinc and iron.
• Try platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to stimulate growth factors and new hair regrowth.
• Reduce stress and get adequate sleep. Stress exacerbates hair shedding.
• Check thyroid hormone levels and treat any imbalances.
• Consider minoxidil, red light therapy, or microneedling to improve hair density.
• Get regular trims to prevent further splitting as hair regrows.
• Be extremely gentle when washing, brushing, and styling hair while it is recovering.

With time and diligent care, severe hair breakage can be repaired. But you must treat the underlying cause and alter damaging hair care habits to support the regrowth of healthy, strong hair. Be patient, as recovering from significant thinning and breakage takes months.

How Do You Fix Hair Breakage

If your hair is breaking excessively, here are some tips to help fix and prevent further damage:

• Do a weekly deep conditioning mask to strengthen hair and increase moisture.
• Avoid rubbing or towel-drying hair roughly. Blot strands gently with a soft towel.
• Apply a leave-in conditioner and hair oil like argan, coconut, or olive oil to boost hydration.
• Get regular trims every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft.
• Reduce heat styling, chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles while hair recovers.
• Switch to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner designed for damaged, brittle hair.
• Eat more protein, omega-3s, iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins A, C, and D to nourish hair.
• Take supplements like collagen, keratin, biotin, and saw palmetto to strengthen strands.
• Reduce stress through meditation, yoga, massage, and adequate sleep.
• Treat underlying causes like thyroid disorders, fungal infections, or hormonal imbalances.

With targeted treatments and improved hair care habits, you can minimize breakage and prevent further hair damage. Focus on gentle handling, moisture, and hair-healthy nutrition.

What Does Hair Breakage Look Like

Here’s how to identify hair breakage:

• Short hairs stick up along the hair length, rather than growing from the root. This is the most obvious sign of breakage.
• Split or frayed ends – a single strand appears almost like a mini broom. This results from damage to the cuticle and cortex.
• A brush full of broken hairs after combing – hundreds of small, short hairs come out.
• Thinning or see-through patches in areas like the crown. Extensive breakage contributes to loss of density.
• Hair feels dry, coarse or frizzy. The cuticle may be lifted and unable to lock in moisture.
• Tangles and knots form easily, even in conditioner-coated wet hair. Damage increases porosity.
• Hair won’t grow past a certain length. Breakage occurs at the same point as new growth stops.
• Layers around the face won’t stay long. This spot gets extra wear and tear from styling and tucking behind ears.

Carefully inspect the lengths of your hair to look for split ends, short hairs, and excessive shedding. Hair breakage itself doesn’t hurt, but over time it leads to thinning, loss of length, and damaged locks.

Best Shampoo for Hair Breakage

If your hair is breaking excessively, switch to a strengthening, repairing shampoo to help minimize damage. To treat hair breakage, look for these ingredients:

• Keratin – Fills in gaps in the hair cuticle to strengthen strands and prevent moisture loss.
• Biotin – Helps produce keratin to reinforce hair fiber strength and elasticity.
• Avocado oil – Rich in vitamins and fatty acids to hydrate dry, brittle hair.
• Amino acids – Small proteins that penetrate the hair shaft to reinforce bonds and mend split ends.
• Rice water – Contains inositol, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids to boost shine, smoothness, and strength.
• Green tea – Powerful antioxidant that helps combat free radicals and environmental damage.
• Niacin – Boosts circulation to stimulate the growth of healthier, stronger new hair.

Additionally, look for hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and argan oil for added moisture. Avoid harsh sulfates and detergents that could further dry and damage fragile strands. With consistent use, the right shampoo can help restore strength and prevent hair breakage over time.

Hair Breakage at the Crown

Experiencing concerning hair breakage at the crown or top of your head? This delicate area is especially prone to damage for several reasons:

• Heat exposure – The crown bears the brunt of the heat from blow dryers, hot irons, and updos.
• Tension – Hairstyles like ponytails put extra traction on crown hair follicles.
• Friction – The crown rubs against pillows, hats, and headphones causing extra friction.
• Chemical processing – Bleach, dye, and perms degrade proteins in the crown area.
• Androgenetic alopecia – Hair loss conditions often first affect the crown.
• Poor circulation – Reduced blood flow to the scalp fails to nourish crown hair.
• Nutrient deficiency – Lack of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins leads to weak crown hair.

To treat crown hair breakage, be ultra-gentle when brushing and styling to avoid further damage. Use conditioners, masks, and oils to increase moisture in the area. Avoid tight hairstyles. Get regular trims to deal with splits quickly. Improve circulation with massage, exercise, and scalp tonics. Take supplements to address nutritional shortfalls. With diligent care, crown hair breakage can be repaired for a fuller, healthier look.

What is Hair Breakage

Hair breakage is damage that occurs when the hair shaft splits, breaks, or frays anywhere along its length. This is in contrast to hair loss, where the hair detaches and sheds from the follicle or root.

Some key facts about hair breakage:

• It happens when the outer protective cuticle layer becomes damaged, exposing the inner cortex.
• Breakage can occur in one spot, like a split end, or in multiple areas if the hair is very weak and brittle.
• Common signs are frayed ends, short hairs sticking up along the length, and excessive shedding of short hairs.
• Breakage doesn’t directly cause hair loss but can lead to thinning if extensive.
• Multiple factors like heat, chemicals, friction, and improper hair care cause and worsen breakage.
• Breakage can’t be repaired permanently, only minimized. Prevention is key.
• Treatments like protein treatments, Olaplex, and hair oils aim to fill in gaps in the cuticle layer to prevent moisture loss and more damage.

While hair breakage is frustrating, it can be reduced and hidden. Proper hair care, scalp health, nutrition, and styling techniques are key to stopping breakage in its tracks for longer, healthier hair.

Severe Hair Breakage Treatment

If you’re experiencing severe, excessive hair breakage, comprehensive treatment is needed to nourish your hair back to health. Here are some tips:

Use Reparative Treatments

• Weekly reparative hair masks – Look for protein, keratin, glycerin, and olive oil.
• Leave-in conditioners with argan oil or shea butter.
• Olaplex or Brazilian Bond Builder – Repairs broken bonds in the hair.
• DHT-blocking topicals like saw palmetto.

Alter Hair Care

• Avoid heat styling tools while hair recovers.
• Comb gently with a wide-tooth comb to minimize breakage.
• Let air dry instead of blow drying.
• Switch to soft, fabric hair ties.
• Use cooler water when shampooing.

Diet and Lifestyle

• Take biotin, collagen, keratin, and MSM supplements.
• Eat more protein, omega-3s, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and D.
• Treat thyroid disorders or hormonal imbalances.
• Practice stress management techniques.
• Get scalp massages to boost circulation.
• Consider PRP injections to stimulate growth.

Seek Professional Care

• See a trichologist to determine the underlying cause.
• Explore topical minoxidil to encourage regrowth.
• Try red light therapy to stimulate follicles.
• Discuss hair transplants for permanent solution.

With diligent haircare, scalp treatments, nutrition, and reducing damage, severe hair breakage can be repaired over time. But patience is needed as significantly increasing hair strength and density is a gradual process.

Stop Hair Breakage

To stop hair breakage in its tracks and prevent thinning hair, focus on these strategies:

Gentle Handling

• Detangle hair with a wide-tooth comb or wet brush when conditioned.
• Avoid aggressive brushing and handling when hair is wet.
• Use soft scrunchies or fabric hair ties – no tight bands or clips.
• Sleep on a silk pillowcase to minimize friction.
• Blot wet hair gently with a cotton tee – no vigorous rubbing.

Protective Styling

• Allow hair to air dry naturally when possible.
• Always use a heat protectant before hot tools.
• Wear hair up less frequently – no tight ponytails.
• Opt for loose braids or twists rather than pulling hair taut.

Moisturizing Ingredients

• Use a shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair with amino acids.
• Apply an intensive hydrating mask weekly.
• Mist hair with leave-in conditioner between washes.
• Try a few drops of marula, argan, or olive oil on mid-lengths and ends.

Healthy Habits

• Get regular trims every 8 weeks.
• Eat a balanced diet high in protein and omega-3s.
• Take a daily multivitamin containing biotin, iron, and zinc.
• Reduce chemical treatments while hair recovers.

With diligent moisture, protection, and care for hair’s protein bonds, you can halt hair breakage and thinning to regain lush, healthy locks.

Prevent Hair Breakage

Preventing hair breakage before it starts is the best solution for maintaining strong, healthy hair. Here are proactive tips:

• Shampoo less frequently – 2-3 times per week instead of daily. Use a gentle, hydrating formula.
• Avoid rubbing wet hair with a towel – blot gently to absorb moisture.
• Let hair air dry instead of blow drying to limit heat damage.
• Wear hair up in loose styles – no tight ponytails or buns.
• Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
• Use soft, fabric-covered hair ties and clips instead of thin elastic bands.
• Invest in a wet brush or wide-tooth comb. Detangle gently on conditioned hair.
• Apply a heat protectant before using any hot styling tools.
• Get a trim every 8 weeks to snip split ends before they travel up the hair shaft.
• Eat a balanced diet high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, and biotin.
• Take a hair supplement with keratin, collagen, and vitamins A, C, D, and E.
• Limit chemical treatments that degrade the hair structure over time.
• Practice self-care techniques to reduce stress on the body.

With smart, gentle haircare habits and nourishment from root to tip, you can maintain strong, resilient hair and prevent damage and breakage.

Hair Breakage on Top of Head

Noticing hair breakage at the crown or top of your head? This delicate area is prone to damage for several reasons:

• Heat exposure – Hot styling tools and blow drying directly damage crown hair.
• Tension – Hairstyles like ponytails put extra traction on the hair follicles.
• Friction – Against pillows, hats, and headphones causes friction wear.
• Chemical processing – Bleach, dye, relaxers degrade protein structure.
• Androgenetic alopecia – Can initially cause thinning hair at the crown.
• Poor circulation – Reduces blood flow to the scalp compared to lower areas.
• Nutrient deficiency – Lack of protein, iron, and zinc leads to fragile strands.

To treat hair breakage at the crown, be extra gentle when brushing and styling. Avoid tight hairstyles. Use hydrating products and oils to add moisture. Take hair-healthy supplements. Improve scalp circulation through massage. Protect hair from sun exposure. With diligent care, the crown area can regain strength and fullness.

Hair Breakage at Top of Head

Seeing annoying hair breakage at the crown or top of your head? This common area of damage can be caused by:

• Heat styling – Hot air from blow dryers and irons directly damages crown hair.
• Traction alopecia – Tight ponytails and buns put extra tension on the hair follicles.
• Friction – The crown area rubs against hats, pillows, and headphones.
• Chemical processing – Bleach, dye and relaxers compromise protein bonds.
• Pattern baldness – Can initially cause thinning hair at the crown.
• Nutrient deficiency – Lack of protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins.
• Age – The crown shows graying and aging first as hair growth slows.

To treat crown hair breakage, be gentle when brushing and avoid tight styles. Use a hydrating shampoo and masks. Take biotin supplements. Massage the scalp to boost circulation. Protect hair from sun exposure. With diligent care, your crown hair will grow back healthier and stronger.

Stop Hair Breakage Instantly

While there’s no instant fix to completely halt hair breakage, you can take steps to significantly reduce damage right away:

• Stop brushing dry hair – Only gently comb with a wide-tooth comb when wet and conditioned.
• Put down hot tools – No more flat irons, curling wands or blowdryers for now.
• Change your hair ties – Swap tight elastics for soft scrunchies or fabric ties.
• Wear it down – Avoid pulling hair back tightly into ponytails or buns.
• Skip the shampoo – Use a co-wash or conditioning cleanser only.
• Lube up – Use a nourishing oil like argan, coconut, or olive oil on mid-lengths and ends.
• Get a trim – Snip those split ends before they spread up the hair shaft.
• Hydrate – Use a rich hair mask or deep conditioner.
• Be gentle – Avoid rubbing wet hair roughly with towels. Blot dry.

While these quick fixes help minimize damage, fully repairing broken hair takes time. But you can instantly make your hair routine less abrasive while introducing moisture and TLC.

How to Stop Hair Breakage Naturally

To help stop hair breakage naturally:

• Massage aloe vera gel or coconut oil into your scalp – nourishes hair follicles
• Rinse with apple cider vinegar – seals cuticles
• Apply avocado or olive oil to hair before washing – penetrates shaft to strengthen and hydrate
• Avoid brushing when wet – switch to a wide-tooth comb
• Limit shampoo to 2-3 times per week – use a gentle, sulfate-free formula
• Reduce heat styling – allow hair to air dry
• Wear a loose braid vs tight ponytail
• Sleep on a silk pillowcase
• Drink bone broth for collagen
• Eat omega fatty acids from fish and walnuts
• Take biotin, vitamin D, zinc, and iron supplements
• Practice stress relief techniques – meditation, yoga, journaling

With a little diligent care, natural ingredients and hair-healthy lifestyle habits can help minimize hair breakage and damage.

Hair Breakage Products

If your hair is breaking excessively, try using specialized products formulated to repair damage and prevent future breakage:

Shampoos

• Keratin shampoos – contain proteins that fill gaps in the cuticle
• Biotin shampoos – help produce keratin for stronger hair strands
• Argan oil shampoos – hydrate and protect

Conditioners

• Bond repair conditioners – contain polymers to mend split ends
• Ceramide conditioners – reinforce the cuticle surface layers
• Leave-in conditioners – boost moisture between washes

Styling Products

• Heat protectant sprays – shield hair from hot tool damage
• Argan oil or serum – nourish hair and reduce breakage
• Split end menders – glue split ends together temporarily

Treatments

• Reconstructive hair masks – contain proteins, oils and butters to strengthen
• Olaplex – repairs broken bonds in the hair shaft
• Jojoba hot oil treatments – penetrate shaft to fortify hair

Using the right combination of strengthening, reparative and protective products can help restore damaged hair and stop further breakage.

Best Treatment for Hair Breakage

To effectively treat excessive hair breakage, use an intensive conditioning treatment 1-2 times per week to restore moisture, strength and manageability.

Deep Conditioning Mask

For best results, apply a hair mask containing:

• Protein – Keratin, collagen and wheat protein rebuild bonds.
• Moisturizing oils – Coconut, argan and olive oils hydrate.
• Ceramides – Reinforce and repair the outer cuticle layer.
• Biotin – Boosts keratin development for stronger strands.
• Vitamin B5 – Helps grow thicker, healthier hair.

Apply generously on damp hair, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes up to overnight, then rinse. Use weekly or bi-weekly to continually fortify hair.

Olaplex

This revolutionary salon treatment reconnects broken bonds in the hair strand caused by damage to restore strength and prevent further breakage.

Brazilian Blowout

This popular keratin smoothing treatment uses the powerful protein to temporarily seal the cuticle for up to 12 weeks to stop breakage.

Deep conditioning masks, Olaplex and Brazilian Blowouts can transform the look and feel of hair by reducing friction, mending splits and protecting from heat styling and environmental damage.

Severe Hair Breakage

If you are experiencing severe hair breakage, with extensive thinning and loss of length, intensive treatment is needed to nourish strands back to health. Here are tips to repair severe damage:

At-Home Treatments

• Weekly reparative hair masks – Look for strengthening proteins, hydrating oils and moisturizing butters. Leave on 30 minutes with heat.
• Daily leave-in conditioner – Containing argan oil, shea butter or silicones to smooth and protect.
• Olaplex No. 3 – Use 1-2 times per week to mend broken bonds in the hair shaft that are causing breaks.
• Avoid heat styling while hair is in fragile state.
• Take biotin, collagen, keratin and MSM supplements to support hair strength.

Professional Treatments

• Olaplex salon treatment – More potent professional version of at-home system.
• Brazilian blowout – Seals cuticle with keratin for smoother, stronger hair.
• Hair reconstruction service – Intensive conditioning and bond-rebuilding treatment.
• Low-light hair color – deposits pigment into hair shaft making it appear thicker.
• Platelet-rich plasma injections – Stimulate new growth in areas of breakage.
• Toppik hair thickening fibers – Instantly disguise thin spots and fill in areas of breakage.

Severe hair breakage won’t improve overnight, but with diligent at-home conditioning, protective styling and professional treatments, the cycle of damage can be stopped and new healthy growth promoted.

Hair Breakage Around Face

Seeing hair breakage around the face, by the temples, bangs or sides? This delicate area is vulnerable to damage from:

• Heat styling – Direct exposure to hot irons and blowdryer air when doing bangs or touch-ups.
• Repeated tucking – Tucking hair behind ears stresses strands and causes split ends.
• Friction – Against glasses, scarves and coat collars.
• Sun exposure – Sun and elements wear down cuticle on exposed forehead hair.
• Chemical treatments – Highlighting or coloring the face frame.
• Oil production – Temples and hairline can be oilier, attracting buildup and tangling.
• Improper trimming – Avoid over-cutting bangs and fringe which leads to weakened ends.

Be extra gentle when brushing and heat styling the hairline and temples. Keep hair tucked loosely behind ears. Use hydrating products and minimize chemical processing here. Get regular trims, but remove no more than 1/4 inch of length. Protect hair from sun exposure. Soon your framing hair will grow out healthy and strong.

Best Shampoo for Hair Breakage and Loss

If you’re experiencing hair breakage that’s causing thinning and loss of volume, switch to a strengthening shampoo. Look for these beneficial ingredients:

• Keratin – Fills in gaps in the hair cuticle to prevent moisture loss and breakage.
• Biotin – Helps stimulate keratin production to reinforce hair strands.
• Pyrithione zinc – Reduces scalp inflammation that can contribute to hair shedding.
• Green tea – Contains EGCG antioxidant to combat damage from free radicals.
• Jojoba oil – Mimics natural sebum oil to moisturize hair without buildup.
• Pumpkin seed oil – Contains zinc and iron to nourish follicles.
• Saw palmetto – Herbal extract helps inhibit DHT hormone linked to pattern baldness.

Additionally, avoid harsh sulfates that could further dry and damage fragile hair. A strengthening shampoo, paired with a nourishing conditioner and mask will help restore weak, breaking hair.

How to Help Hair Breakage

If your hair is breaking excessively, here are some tips to nourish strands and minimize further damage:

• Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair – with keratin or argan oil.
• Apply a hair mask or oil treatment 1-2 times per week to strengthen and hydrate hair.
• Avoid rubbing wet hair with a towel – blot gently instead.
• Let hair air dry when possible – limit heat styling while hair recovers.
• Wear hair loosely in soft scrunchies or fabric bands – avoid tight styling.
• Use a wet brush or wide-tooth comb for gentle detangling.
• Take biotin supplements daily to support stronger hair growth.
• Eat more protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, D, zinc, iron.
• Get regular trims to remove split ends before they travel up the strands.
• Reduce chemical treatments, hot styling and friction while hair is fragile.
• Treat any scalp issues or medical conditions causing shedding or thinning hair.

With some targeted TLC for your strands, diligent haircare habits and scalp health, you can minimize hair breakage and improve thickness and shine.

Extreme Hair Breakage

Extreme hair breakage can result in alarming thinning and loss of length. To treat intense damage:

Haircare Habits

• Avoid heat styling and additional chemicals while hair recovers
• Detangle only with a wide-tooth comb or wet brush
• Allow hair to air dry – no blow drying
• Use repairing masks and leave-in treatments
• Wear hair loose – no tight styling
• Invest in silk pillowcases, scrunchies and brushes

Supplements

• Take biotin, vitamin D, iron, zinc
• Try hair-specific supplements like Nutrafol or Viviscal
• Increase protein intake – collagen, whey powder

Lifestyle Tweaks

• Practice stress management – therapy, yoga, meditation
• Check for nutritional deficiencies with blood work
• Have thyroid and hormones tested – treat imbalances
• Reduce medications that cause shedding if possible

Professional Care

• See a trichologist to diagnose cause
• Explore topical minoxidil or laser treatments
• Discuss PRP injections to stimulate regrowth

With diligence and patience, extreme hair breakage can be repaired. Stopping the cycle of damage is the priority. Therapies to encourage regrowth come next. Consistent nurturing haircare is key.

How to Stop Hair Breakage and Shedding

To stop hair breakage combined with excessive shedding:

Protective Care

• Use a strengthening shampoo and conditioner
• Let hair air dry – avoid heat styling
• Wear loose styles – no tight ponytails
• Comb gently when conditioned – no harsh brushing
• Sleep on a silk pillowcase

Moisturizing Treatments

• Apply a hair mask or oil treatment weekly
• Use leave-in conditioners and creams
• Try a few drops of jojoba, argan, or olive oil on the ends

Lifestyle Tweaks

• Exercise regularly to increase circulation
• Get thyroid and hormones tested – treat imbalances
• Add scalp massages to boost circulation

Damaged Hair Fixes

• Avoid heat styling and chemical processing
• Get regular trims to remove split ends
• Use Olaplex or a bond-building treatment
• See a trichologist for underlying causes
• Explore platelet-rich plasma therapy
• Try hair-thickening fibers or spray

With gentle care, protective styling, scalp treatments, and resolving underlying issues, both hair breakage and excess shedding can be minimized for fuller, healthier locks.

Signs of Hair Breakage

How can you tell if your hair is breaking excessively? Look for these signs:

• Short hairs sticking up all along the hair length.
• A brush is full of small, broken hairs after combing.
• Split ends, fraying or a “broomstick” look to individual strands.
• Thinning, bald patches or see-through areas on the scalp.
• Inability to grow hair past a certain length due to breakage.
• Layers around your face not stay long due to wear and tear.
• Hair feels dry, frizzy, or dull even when washed.
• Tangles easily and doesn’t comb smoothly even when conditioned.
• Hear crunchy, crackling sounds when brushing.
• Need to remove knots and hair from the brush frequently.

Carefully inspect your hair from roots to ends to assess any damage. Look for short, broken hairs versus full-length strands when brushing or washing. Address signs of breakage early before extensive thinning occurs.

How to Fix Hair Breakage on Top of Head

Dealing with hair breakage at the crown or top of your head? This delicate area tends to show damage earliest. Try these fixes:

• Use repairing shampoos and masks containing proteins and oils to strengthen strands.
• Apply leave-in conditioner, serum, or argan oil to hydrate and protect the crown area.
• When brushing, be extra gentle around the crown where hair is most fragile.
• Avoid tight hairstyles like high ponytails or buns that traction the crown.
• Protect hair from sun exposure with hats, scarves, or products.
• Check for nutrient deficiencies – take supplements containing biotin, iron, and zinc.
• Massage the scalp frequently to increase blood flow to the crown for optimal nourishment.
• Use minoxidil, red light therapy, or PRP treatment to encourage new regrowth.
• Ask your stylist to blend in short trimmed layers around the crown for fullness.
• Switch from hot tools to finger-styling crown hair whenever possible.

Targeted care for the crown area along with overall hair health will help minimize breakage and keep your part looking its fullest.

Hair Breakage or New Growth

How can you tell whether those short hairs are from new growth or breakage? Here’s how to diagnose:

Signs It’s New Growth

• Shorter hairs have the same texture as existing hair – smooth or kinky.
• Little “crinkled” bulb on the end of the short strand – the root.
• Shorter pieces are distributed evenly throughout the hair.
• No excessive shedding was noted.
• No thinning patches or loss of volume.
• Hair still retains moisture well and has shine.

Signs of Breakage

• Short hairs feel dry, coarse, and frizzy compared to length.
• No bulb/root on the end. Frayed, split, or knotted tip.
• Short pieces clustered in damaged areas like crown or nape.
• Thinning, see-through patches on the scalp are visible.
• Lots of little hairs covering your shirt and the floor after styling.
• The length feels brittle and straw-like. Won’t retain moisture. Lacks shine.

Go through your hair section by section, examining the short hairs. Breakage will feel damaged, dry, and weak while new growth sprouts appear healthy if you’re taking care of hair properly.

Front Hair Breakage

Noticing annoying short hairs breaking around your hairline or front pieces? This fragile area is prone to damage from:

• Repeated tucking behind ears – Causes friction and split ends.
• The heat from blowdryers and hot styling tools when doing bangs or touch-ups.
• Sun exposure and wind.
• Glasses resting on the hairline.
• Product buildup along the front hairline.
• Chemical processing – Highlights, color around the face.
• Oilier roots around the temples mean more tangling.
• Lack of circulation to the front scalp area furthest from heart.

Be gentle when brushing and styling the front pieces. Avoid over-trimming bangs. Use hydrating products to add moisture. Swap glasses for contacts to reduce tension. Protect hair from sun exposure. Scalp massages can boost circulation to nourish the follicles. Treat this delicate area with care and your front hair will grow out healthy.

Causes of Hair Breakage

There are many factors that cause hair breakage:

• Heat damage – Repeated use of hot styling tools like blowdryers and irons.
• Improper detangling – Combing or brushing aggressively when hair is wet or conditioned.
• Chemical processing – From hair dye, bleach, relaxers, perms.
• Environmental factors – Sun, wind, cold weather.
• Rubbing wet hair – With towels or fingers causes friction damage.
• Tight hairstyles – Ponytails, braids put stress on hair strands.
• Poor nutrition – Lacking protein, iron, zinc, omega-3s, B vitamins.
• Hormones – Thyroid disorders or post-partum shedding.
• Medications – Drugs that affect hormone levels or nutrient absorption.
• Aging – As we get older, hair becomes drier and more fragile.
• Improper trimming – Neglecting to trim split ends causes more splitting.

By being gentle, using protective styles, hydrating damaged hair and optimizing nutrition, breakage can be minimized for healthier, longer hair.

Hair Breakage from Bleach

Bleaching hair can cause significant damage and breakage over time for several reasons:

• Strips melanin – Bleach removes the proteins that give hair structure and elasticity.
• Alters pH – The alkaline bleach makes hair very porous, causing dryness.
• Weakens cuticle – The protective outer layer of the hair is disrupted.
• Degrades inner cortex – Where the bulk of strength and pigment lie.
• Oxidation – Bleach is a harsh chemical treatment that creates free radical damage.
• Repeated lightening – Overlapping with highlights further deteriorates strands.

To prevent breakage from bleach:

• Space out full highlights to 6-8 weeks or more.
• Use Olaplex or bond-building treatments with lightener.
• Shampoo less frequently and use a hydrating conditioner.
• Apply hair masks and oils to increase moisture.
• Trim regularly to remove damaged ends from bleach.

While beautiful, achieving blond hair through bleaching comes at a cost for hair health. Take steps to minimize bleach damage for stronger, shinier strands.

Thyroid and Hair Breakage

Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid function can contribute to dry, brittle hair and increased breakage. This is because:

• It slows metabolism – Cell turnover and hair growth drops.
• Alters hormone balance – Less thyroid hormone throws female hormones out of balance.
• Reduces circulation – Decreased blood flow to the scalp fails to nourish follicles.
• Impacts nutrition – Nutrient absorption and digestion are compromised.
• Causes shedding – More hair falls out, leaving thinner, weaker strands prone to breaking.
• Creates dryness – Thyroid imbalance reduces sebum oil production on the scalp and shaft.

To reduce breakage, have thyroid levels tested to see if medication is needed. Improve diet and take supplements to increase vitamin and mineral intake. Treat scalp dryness with hydrating products. Boost circulation through massage and exercise. With a healthy thyroid and improved haircare, strands become strong and resilient again.

Hair Breakage Natural Hair

Curly and natural hair textures can suffer breakage for several unique reasons:

• Kinky, dense curls – Prone to tangling, knots and matting which causes hairs to intertwine and snap.
• Lack of moisture – Curly hair easily loses hydration from shampooing and needs extra conditioning.
• Mechanical damage – Coils are fragile when wet and combing or brushing aggressively causes breaks.
• Heat damage – Extra heat required to straighten and style natural hair can burn sensitive strands.
• Chemical processing – Relaxers change the bonds and make hair weaker and more prone to breakage.
• Improper detangling – Not using enough conditioner or correct tools leads to pulling of curls.
• Lack of trims – Neglecting to snip splits allows them to spread up the hair shaft.

Moisturizing natural hair is crucial. Use plenty of leave-in conditioner and deep treatments. Gently detangle curls while wet and conditioned. Avoid chemical processing. Get trims regularly to prevent broken hairs from accumulating into more knots and damage.

How to Avoid Hair Breakage

Here are tips to help avoid and minimize hair breakage:

• Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner suited for your hair type.
• When hair is wet, avoid tugging, combing or rough handling to prevent mechanical damage.
• Let hair air dry naturally instead of blow drying to limit heat exposure.
• Apply a heat protectant before using any hot styling tools like flat irons or curling wands.
• Be gentle handling wet hair – don’t rub with towels or fingers harshly. Blot gently.
• Wear hair loosely in soft scrunchies or fabric hair ties. Avoid tight elastics.
• Invest in a wet brush, wide-toothed comb or detangling tool for careful combing.
• Sleep on a silk pillowcase to minimize friction. Change your sheets frequently.
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein, omega-3s, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
• Get trims every 8 weeks to remove split ends before they travel further up the strands.

Is Hair Breakage Normal

Some hair breakage is normal. On average, most people shed 50-100 hairs per day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. However, excessive breakage is preventable and damaging in the long-run:

WARNING SIGNS:

• Short hairs covering your hands, sink, clothes and brush.
• Thinning or see-through patches on the scalp.
• Inability to grow hair past a certain length.
• Lots of split ends and tangling when hair is clean and conditioned.
• Reduction of volume and density over time.

CAUSES:

• Heat damage from hot styling tools
• Improper detangling and rough handling
• Chemical treatments – dyes, relaxers, perms, bleaching
• Environmental damage – sun, wind, cold weather
• Over-brushing and aggressive towel drying
• Nutritional deficiencies – low protein, iron, zinc, vitamins
• Scalp conditions or health issues

While some breakage happens as part of the shedding process, excessive breakage indicates hair damage that should be addressed through improved haircare habits, scalp treatments and eliminating causes of breakage.

Blonde Hair Breakage

Blonde hair tends to be particularly prone to breakage for several reasons:

• Bleaching – Removal of melanin proteins leaves hair very porous and vulnerable.
• Overlapping lightener – Repeated overlapping when touching up roots further deteriorates strands.
• Dryness – Cuticle damage from lightener leads to loss of moisture and protein.
• Weathering – Blonde hair shows signs of environmental damage faster.
• Heat styling – Required high-heat blowdrying and ironing degrades hair over time.
• Chlorine – Swimming causes blonde hair to oxidize, become brittle.
• Sun exposure – Blonde hair is more prone to UV damage.

To prevent blonde hair breakage:

• Use bond-building Olaplex treatments with lightener.
• Alternate highlights with all-over color for a subtle touch up.
• Shampoo less often and use purple toning products.
• Apply weekly hydrating hair masks.
• Protect hair from heat, chlorine and sun exposure.
• Get regular trims to minimize split ends on delicate blonde strands.

While beautiful, maintaining blonde hair requires diligent conditioning and protection to prevent dryness and breakage.

Tricks for Healthier, Fuller-Looking Hair

Pump up the protein

Load up on protein-rich foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, beans and Greek yogurt. Hair is made almost entirely of a protein called keratin – getting adequate dietary protein helps your body produce hair that is strong and resistant to breakage.

Zinc about it

The mineral zinc is crucial for healthy hair growth and repair. Great food sources include oysters, cashews, liver, beef and egg yolks. You can also take supplements. Studies show zinc deficiency is linked to hypothyroidism and hair loss.

Omega your hair nice

Essential fatty acids like omega-3s nourish the hair follicles for optimal growth and thickness. Eat more fatty fish like salmon and tuna, walnuts, flax and chia seeds. These fats also reduce inflammation that can cause follicular damage.

Know thy hair

Understand whether your hair is oily, dry or combination so you can use the right shampoos and products for your hair type. For example, over-washing oily hair leads to overproduction of sebum oil and breakage. Using ultra-hydrating products on fine hair creates limp, lifeless locks prone to tangling.

Choose the right shampoo

Look for a volumizing shampoo for fine hair and a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser for dry, damaged hair. Clarifying shampoos remove product buildup from oily hair. Know what your hair needs.

Get condition-specific

Deep conditioners and hair masks provide intensive moisture and protein to needy strands. Use weekly or bi-weekly depending on hair damage. Those with greasy roots can apply conditioner only from ears down to ends to avoid adding weight.

Wash up and brush up

Shampoo first, then brush your conditioned hair to detangle for less breakage. Never brush hair while dry to avoid causing splits and pulling your natural wave pattern. Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair.

Hair Maintenance Tips

Caring for your hair is extremely important for having beautifully lush and healthy locks. Here are some top tips for maintaining strong, shiny hair and preventing breakage over time:

Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner

Harsh soaps and detergents strip hair of its natural oils leading to dryness and brittleness. Look for a sulfate-free formula with nourishing ingredients like keratin, argan oil and shea butter. Condition well focusing on ends.

Limit heat styling and hot tools

Repeated exposure to extreme heat from blow dryers, curling irons and straighteners dehydrates hair, depleting moisture and protein overtime. Allow hair to air dry frequently and always use a heat protectant.

Handle wet hair gently

Hair is in its most vulnerable state when wet. Avoid excessive brushing, combing or rubbing with towels which can cause hairs to stretch, tangle and break. Detangle with a wide-tooth comb or wet brush.

Use hair masks and oils

For added moisture and protection, apply a hair mask or oil like coconut, argan or olive oil from roots to ends once or twice a week. This adds nutrients essential for strong, supple hair.

Wear hair loosely

Tight hairstyles like ponytails, buns or braids constantly pull on hair over time leading to damage, traction alopecia and breakage, especially along the hairline. Protect delicate strands by wearing hair down or in loose styles held with soft scrunchies.

Sleep on a silk pillowcase

The friction caused by cotton pillowcases can dry hair and cause tangles, knots and breakage overnight. A silk or satin pillow allows hair to smoothly glide against the surface. Use a bonnet for added protection.

Get regular trims

Schedule trims every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends before they travel further up the hair shaft causing more damage. Letting them go leads to knots and extensive breakage over time. Even a light dusting helps prevent splits.

Eat a balanced, nutritious diet

Hair is made of protein so ensure you eat adequate meat, fish, eggs and beans. Also consume healthy fats like salmon, walnuts and avocados for shine. Get enough zinc, iron, biotin, vitamins A, C, D and antioxidants which support growth.

The Life-Changing Magic of Cutting Your Hair

Getting your hair cut regularly is one of the simplest yet most important things you can do for hair health. Here’s why consistent trims truly help transform your locks:

It prevents split ends

Split ends are the number one cause of hair breakage over time. Getting trims removes these damaged ends before they travel further up your hair causing more splitting.

It maintains thickness

Leaving split ends untrimmed leads to tangled knots and matting as damage spreads. This gives the appearance of thinning hair. Regular cuts keep strands strong.

It retains length

Trims get rid of weak points prone to breakage so strands can grow longer before splitting. Less breakage equals more inches.

It boosts shine

Freshly cut ends and removal of dead ends leaves hair looking shiny, healthy and polished.

It reduces frizz

Split ends stick out and prevent the cuticle from laying flat, causing frizz. Smoothing the edges retains moisture better for sleeker hair.

It stimulates growth

Trims remove dead, damaged tips and optimize circulation to the scalp to nourish follicles and promote new growth.

It minimizes knots

Without split ends tangling together, hair combs out smoothly and detangles more easily.

It lightens weight

Getting rid of damage takes unnecessary bulk out of the ends making hair feel lighter and more manageable.

It shapes style

Precise cuts enhance your layers, bangs, texture and movement for defined, fresh looking hair.

Regular trims every 6-8 weeks are like hitting the reset button for your hair. Ask your stylist to assess your ends and remove as little or as much as needed to keep your strands in their healthiest state.

Hair Breakage: 10 Causes and Ways to Repair

Hair breakage can happen to anyone. Here are some of the most common causes and tips to nurse your hair back to health:

What is the cause?

Determine what is causing hair to break so you can properly treat it. Common culprits include heat damage, chemical processing, poor nutrition, hormones, medications and failing to trim split ends. Examine your haircare routine and lifestyle to pinpoint problems.

Hair products and styling

Frequent use of hot styling tools and harsh ingredients in certain hair products can degrade, dry out and brittle hair overtime. Give hair a break from heat and switch to moisturizing, gentle formulas free of sulfates and parabens.

Over-brushing

Handling hair too aggressively by combing and brushing when dry causes mechanical damage and splits. Only brush gently when wet and conditioned. Use a wet brush or wide-toothed comb.

Heat and lack of moisture

Repeated high heat from blowdryers, curling and flat irons deprives hair of moisture leading to brittleness and breakage. Minimize heat styling and use thermal protectants. Amp up hydration with masks and oils.

Towel drying

Vigorously rubbing wet hair with a towel creates friction that strains and breaks delicate strands. Gently blot hair instead to absorb moisture. Limit towel time.

Not having regular haircuts

Trimming split ends prevents damage from traveling further up the hair shaft causing more splits and breakage. Get a trim every 6-8 weeks.

Diet

Lacking key nutrients like protein, vitamins A, C, D, zinc, iron and omega fatty acids can compromise hair health. Eat a balanced diet and take supplements to support growth of stronger hair.

Tight hairstyles

Constant pulling from ponytails, cornrows and extensions stresses and damages hair at the follicles and shaft resulting in thinning and loss of length over time due to breakage. Wear hair down more.

Stress

High cortisol levels lead to inflammation and oxidative stress which can disrupt normal hair growth cycles leading to excess shedding and fragile strands more prone to breakage. Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, and therapy. Get good sleep and exercise.

Thyroid disorders

Both hyper and hypothyroidism impact hormone levels that shift hair growth phases, potentially causing telogen effluvium excessive shedding of fragile hairs. Treating thyroid problems improves hair strength.

Eating disorders

Conditions like anorexia, bulimia and malnutrition deprive the body of essential nutrients for optimal hair health leading to dry, brittle hair prone to breakage. Improving diet and nutrition restores balance.

Treating Hair Breakage

If your hair is breaking excessively, here are some tips to help minimize damage, repair strands and prevent further hair loss:

Change haircare routine

• Shampoo gently 2-3 times a week with a moisturizing, strengthening formula. Avoid harsh detergents.
• Condition well each time you shampoo. Leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.
• Apply a weekly hydrating hair mask. Look for deep conditioning formulas with keratin or argan oil.
• Use a wide-toothed comb or wet brush when detangling to minimize breakage.
• Let hair air dry when possible and use heat protectant spray before hot styling tools.
• Wear hair up less frequently. When putting hair up, use soft scrunchies or fabric bands, not tight elastics.

Use a conditioner

• Condition daily or as needed with a leave-in conditioner to smooth and moisturize hair between shampoos. Focus on the fragile mid-lengths and ends.
• Apply a hair serum like argan oil to dry or damp hair to increase shine and reduce further splitting.

Get regular trims

• Visit your stylist every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and prevent further damage from traveling up the hair shaft. Even a light dusting helps.

Limit heat styling

• Give hair a break from hot tools like blowdryers, curling irons and straighteners while it is recovering from damage. Air dry instead.

Address medical conditions

• See your doctor to check for nutritional deficiencies or hormone imbalances that may be impacting hair health and causing excess shedding.

Take supplements

• Biotin, vitamin D, iron and zinc support hair growth. Collagen and MSM boost production of keratin proteins that strengthen strands.

Handle gently

• Avoid harsh combing and rubbing wet hair with towels which causes mechanical damage. Use wide-tooth combs and blot hair gently after washing.

With a nourishing haircare routine and treatments focused on rebuilding bonds, hydration and protection from damage, hair can recover from breakage over time and become strong and resilient again. Be patient through the repairing process.

How to Stop Hair Breakage

It’s frustrating dealing with damage and hair breakage. Here are tips to help improve hair health and stop strands from splitting and snapping:

Moisturize

Use deep conditioning treatments and hydrating products to nourish hair. Look for ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, aloe vera and glycerin. Dry, brittle hair is prone to breakage.

Protect strands

Limit use of hot styling tools, avoid harsh brushing and switch to soft hair ties. Be extra gentle handling wet hair when it’s most fragile. Use heat protectant sprays.

Get regular trims

Split ends lead to more splitting as damage travels up the hair shaft. Getting trims every 6-8 weeks prevents this.

Take supplements

Biotin strengthens keratin, collagen adds amino acids, zinc boosts cell growth. Support better hair health internally.

Examine habits

Assess your current hair washing, drying, brushing and styling habits to identify where roughness, friction and excess force occurs. Tweak routines to be gentler.

Use bond builders

Look for strengthening shampoos, conditioners and treatments that contain bond-building ingredients like Olaplex or keratin to repair damaged areas prone to breakage.

Wear protective styles

Avoid constantly pulling hair back too tightly. Use loose braids or soft scrunchies. Wrap hair in silk at night. Limit chemical processing while hair recovers.

Check for underlying issues

Have thyroid levels evaluated, look for nutrient deficiencies with blood work, treat scalp conditions and eliminate medications that may contribute to hair shedding or thinning.

While breakage can’t be entirely prevented, minimizing damage through nurturing hair habits and repairing weakened areas will help you retain length and prevent thinning.

What Does Hair Breakage Look Like?

Here’s how to spot hair breakage:

• Short broken hairs standing up all along the hair shaft and lengths rather than growing from the root. The biggest red flag for breakage.
• Individual strands appear split, frayed or wispy. Like a little broom or feathering on the end.
• Lots of little short hairs covering your hands, clothes and hairbrush after styling. Much more shedding than normal.
• Thinning patches or see-through spots become noticeable on the scalp. Hair feels less dense overall.
• Inability to grow hair past a certain length. Breakage occurs stopping progress.
• Layers around face seem to need trimming constantly. This area is vulnerable to wear and tear.
• Hair feels dry, coarse and brittle due to loss of moisture and cuticle damage despite conditioning.
• Tangles easily even when hair is freshly washed. Products have a hard time penetrating shaft.
• Crunchy, crackling sounds when you brush. It shouldn’t sound like you’re ripping through knots.
• Hair is rough with lots of frizz and flyaways that won’t smooth down. Cuticles are lifted and damaged.

Assessing your hair from all angles will help you identify areas of damage and breakage. Target treatments to distressed areas before extensive thinning occurs.

What Causes Hair Breakage?

There are many factors that can cause hair breakage:

• Heat damage from hot styling tools – repeated use of flat irons, curling wands, blowdryers
• Harsh brushing and handling when hair is wet and most fragile
• Chemical processing – bleach, coloring and other chemical services weaken hair over time
• Environmental factors like sun exposure, cold weather, wind, chlorine damage hair
• Pulling wet hair too hard with combs, brushes, fingers, towels
• Tight hairstyles like high ponytails put tension on hair that leads to breakage
• Lack of moisture – not properly conditioning leads to dry, brittle hair
• Nutrient deficiencies – low protein, vitamins A, C, D, zinc, biotin
• Hormonal changes – menopause, pregnancy, thyroid issues alter hair growth cycles
• Medications – drugs that interfere with vitamin absorption or hormone regulation
• Aging – as we get older hair becomes more dry and porous and prone to breaking
• Not getting regular trims – allows split ends to travel further up the hair shaft

Identify factors weakening your hair so you can minimize damage through improved haircare and scalp health. Targeted treatment will get your hair strong again.

Is Hair Breakage the Same as Hair Loss?

Hair breakage and hair loss may look similar but have different causes:

Hair Breakage

• Hairs snap or break off along the length rather than shedding from the root.
• Typically caused by damage – styling, processing, improper care.
• Can happen anywhere on head. Most obvious around face, neck, shoulders.
• No pain. May notice more shedding.
• Can lead to thinning if severe.
• There is damage to each strand – looks frayed, wispy, split.
• Will feel dry, coarse and tangled.

Hair Loss

• Hair sheds from the follicle and falls out intact.
• Caused by disrupted growth cycles or medical condition.
• Often concentrated at top of head or diffused overall.
• Can be painful as follicles shrink (traction alopecia).
• Notice dramatically increased shedding.
• Strands remain smooth, no splits. Wet and dry feel same.
• May reveal widening of part or exposed scalp.

Look closely at individual strands and whether loss originates from root or shaft to determine if you’re dealing with breakage or overall thinning. Seek treatment accordingly.

Products to Disguise Hair Breakage

If your hair is damaged from breakage, use these temporary concealing products as it recovers:

Dusting Powder

These colored powders easily blend with your natural hair tone to disguise sparse areas of breakage, matches to your roots. Shake onto any see-through spots to add density. Avoid over-application.

Thickening Spray

Formulas with natural keratin fibers cling to the hair shaft to quickly add fullness and make hair look thicker overall. Spritz over sections where breakage has caused thinning.

Root Touch-Up

Similar to mascara, these colored root concealers attach tiny fibers to sparse areas and new growth to disguise any visible scalp and make hair look fuller. Available in an array of hair shades.

Volumizing Dry Shampoo

In addition to soaking up oil, dry shampoos add gritty texture that thickens hair. Spray at the roots to lift flat, limp hair that is revealing areas of breakage at the scalp.

Texturizing Powder

Unlike smooth fillers, texturizers give hair a tousled, effortlessly full look. These work well to disguise layers that are compromised by breakage around the face and neck.

Color Glaze

Sheer semi-permanent glazes in lighter shades help reflect light and minimize the appearance of thinner spots by making hair look denser overall. Use as directed between color appointments to freshen roots.

These instant fix products temporarily supplement areas of damage while your hair recovers from breakage behind the scenes. Always gently handle hair to avoid further stress and breakage.

How to Repair Broken Hair

If your hair is breaking excessively, try these tips to help minimize damage, repair strands and prevent further hair loss:

Weekly Reconstructing Mask

Use an intensive protein hair mask weekly to strengthen strands. Look for ingredients like keratin, wheat protein, argan oil, vitamin E and B5.

Bond Building Treatments

Salon treatments like Brazilian Blowout, Olaplex and Aprés Soleil fuse split ends and rebuild broken disulfide bonds that cause damage.

Deep Conditioning

Frequently apply a hydrating conditioner and let it soak in 3-5 minutes to increase elasticity and prevent brittle hair prone to snapping.

Lower Heat Styling

Cut back on hot tools like curling and flat irons and blow dryers to prevent further damage while hair is in a fragile state.

Silk Pillowcases

Sleep on silk or satin pillowcases to minimize friction that can pull and catch hair overnight leading to breakage.

Scalp Massaging

Gently massage scalp with oils to increase circulation and stimulate the follicles for optimal hair growth.

Nutrient Rich Diet

Eat foods high in proteins, fatty acids, vitamins A, C, D and B-complex and use supplements to support stronger hair.

Regular Trims

Get a trim every 6-8 weeks to snip split ends and prevent further damage from traveling up the hair shaft.

With diligent conditioning, protective gentle handling, trims and scalp care, damaged hair can be nourished back to a healthy state. Preventing further breakage is key while strands repair.

Is Thin Hair More Prone to Breakage?

Yes, thin hair is more susceptible to breakage for several reasons:

• Less density means hairs are more exposed to environmental damage from sun, wind and temperature changes without the protection of thicker hair.
• Thin hair requires less tension or force for strands to snap – heavy, dense hair withstands more without breaking.
• There are fewer cuticle layers in fine hair to hold onto moisture – dryness causes brittleness.
• Minimal sebum oils make thin hair prone to static electricity and friction damage.
• Thin hair shows the effects of chemical treatments faster as there are fewer structure proteins to begin with.
• Sparse areas are often lacking in nutrients and blood flow for healthy hair growth.

To prevent breakage in thin hair:

• Handle gently, don’t overbrush wet or dry hair.
• Use deep treatments and oils to add moisture.
• Reduce chemical treatments and hot styling.
• Take vitamins and supplements tailored for hair thickness.
• Use volumizing products and protective hairstyles.

With extra diligent conditioning and care, thin hair can better withstand daily wear and tear to minimize breakage over time. See a dermatologist if thinning persists.

How Long Does Broken Hair Take to Grow Back?

On average, broken hairs take 2-6 months to fully regrow and replace damaged ends depending on:

• Hair Type – Slow growing hair like tightly coiled curls can take years. Faster growing straight hair may regrow in under 6 months.
• Breakage Severity – Minor split ends regrow quicker than extensive damage. Shorter hair rebounds faster.
• Growth Rate – Hair typically grows about 1/2 inch per month. Growth slows as we age.
• Root Health – Damage near the follicle impairs regrowth. Scalp disorders slow new hair progress.
• Nutrition – Proteins, vitamins and minerals needed for optimal growth must be adequate.
• Blood Circulation – Good blood flow to the scalp transports nutrients essential for new hair.
• Damage Removal – Getting regular trims helps hairs regrow without excess splitting on the ends.

Have patience as regrowing strands damaged from breakage takes time. With diligent haircare, treatments focused on scalp health and hydration and minimizing further damage, your hair will be restored to its healthiest, fullest state.

10 Hair-Care Habits That Can Damage Your Hair

Many common haircare routines actually weaken strands over time. Here are 10 habits that likely damage your hair:

Washing Your Hair By Rubbing Shampoo Into the Length of Your Hair

Only apply shampoo to the roots. Rubbing it along strands causes tangles and strips moisture from mid-length hair leading to breakage.

Skipping the Conditioner

Thoroughly conditioning after shampooing replaces lost lipids and proteins so hair doesn’t become dry and brittle which causes breakage.

Dermatologists’ Recommendations for Swimmers

• Wet hair with clean water before swimming to prevent chlorine absorption.
• Apply conditioner before putting on a swim cap for protection.
• Rinse with shampoo soon after getting out of the pool.
• Use a deep conditioner regularly to restore moisture. Consider leave-in conditioners as well.

Drying Your Hair by Rubbing It with a Towel

Rubbing hair with a towel creates friction that causes strands to catch, pull, and break. Instead, gently blot hair to absorb excess moisture. Limit towel time.

Brushing Your Hair While It Is Wet

Wet hair is extremely fragile. Let hair air dry slightly before brushing to avoid damage and breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb on damp hair if needed.

Using a Blow Dryer, Hot Comb, or Curling Iron Daily

Frequent intense heat styling boils moisture out of the hair cortex making hair dry and brittle over time leading to breakage. Allow hair to air dry periodically.

Applying Styling Products That Offer Long-Lasting Hold

Ingredients like copolymers in strong hold hair gels and mousses cause buildup and dryness over time. Switch to more nourishing, conditioning styling products.

Pulling Your Hair Back Tightly, Such as in a Ponytail, Bun, or Cornrows

Constant tension on the follicles from too-tight hairstyles damages hair over time causing traction alopecia and breakage along the hairline and temples.

Wearing a Weave or Hair Extensions

Just like tight hairstyles, the weight and binding tension of weaves and extensions pulls on hair follicles leading to thinning and shedding if worn constantly.

Coloring, Perming, or Relaxing Your Hair

Frequent chemical treatments degrade the structural proteins in hair causing dryness, brittleness and fragility prone to breakage over time. Extend time between chemical services.

Brushing Your Hair 100 Strokes Per Day or Tugging On Your Hair to Style It

Vigorous brushing and pulling on wet or dry hair causes mechanical damage like splits and abrasion to the cuticle. Handle gently at all times.

HOW TO STOP DAMAGING YOUR HAIR

Damaged, dry and brittle hair prone to breakage? Don’t despair. There are solutions to help stop further destruction and improve the health of your locks.

Shampoo less frequently

Too much shampooing strips essential oils and depletes moisture. Switch to washing just 2-3 times per week and use a gentle cleanser without sulfates.

Use conditioner every time

Thoroughly conditioning after shampooing is crucial to replace lost protein and seal the cuticle to prevent moisture loss.

Avoid brushing wet hair

Wet hair is super fragile. Always let hair air dry at least half way before brushing to avoid snapping strands.

Ditch the hot tools

Lay off hot styling tools like blowdryers, curling and flat irons for a few weeks to allow hair to recover from heat damage causing brittleness.

Wear hair down

Constant tension from tight hairstyles further stresses hair. Wear hair loose and free of elastics pulling on the follicles while hair is rehabilitating.

Upgrade your hairbrush

Invest in a high-quality vented ceramic brush that will gently detangle without pulling. Also have a good wide-tooth comb.

Use hydrating treatments

Apply a weekly hair mask to restore moisture. Look for deep conditioning formulas with oils and butters. Let sit 30+ minutes before rinsing.

Get a trim

Have split ends neatly trimmed every 6-8 weeks to prevent further damage from traveling up the hair shaft. Ask for just a dusting.

Take a supplement

Biotin, collagen, keratin, MSM and vitamins A, C, D, E will strengthen hair and support growth.

Protect your hair

Use a cap, hat or bandana to shield hair from sun and wind. Tuck hair into coat collars to prevent abrasion. Sleep on a silk pillowcase

Check hair products

Avoid products with harsh sulfates, parabens and alcohols that can dry out hair over time leading to brittleness. Opt for gentle, nourishing formulas.

Use a heat protectant

If you do heat style, always apply a thermal protectant. These seal in moisture and form a barrier against extreme temperatures from irons and blow dryers.

Sleep in a bonnet

Wrapping hair in a silk or satin bonnet at night prevents breakage caused by cotton friction and tangles. Use a loose ponytail inside the bonnet.

Examine diet

Ensure you eat adequate protein, omega-3s, iron, zinc and vitamins for stronger hair. Consider supplements if diet is lacking key nutrients for growth.

Treat scalp issues

Dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis can all inflame hair follicles leading to shedding and thinner strands prone to breakage. See a dermatologist.

Manage stress

High cortisol levels lead to oxidative stress and inflammation compromising follicle growth. Make time for yoga, meditation, massage and proper sleep.

Rinse with cold water

A quick cold water rinse at the end of your shower can help smooth the cuticle and lock in moisture to prevent dry, brittle hair.

Do a strand test

Pull on a single strand. More than 2-3 hairs should not come out at once. If they do, your hair is in a fragile state and breaking excessively.

Use bond multipliers

Look for products containing bond-building polymers to fill gaps in the hair cortex and multiply bonds to reinforce hair strength.

See a trichologist

If your hair is still excessively damaged despite your best efforts, seek professional help from a trichologist to get to the root cause.

With patience and persistently gentle, protective care, even severely distressed hair can be nourished back to a healthy condition. Support your strands from the inside out and minimize stress.

Avoid chlorine damage

• Wet hair with clean water before swimming to prevent chlorine absorption.
• Apply a pre-swim conditioner.
• Rinse immediately after swimming.
• Regularly use a deep conditioning mask.

Don’t wash every day

• Limit washing to 2-3 times per week at most.
• Daily shampooing strips essential oils leading to dryness.
• Use a cleansing conditioner or co-wash on non-shampoo days.

Invest in microfiber

• Microfiber hair towels cause less friction than terrycloth towels.
• Microfiber hair wraps reduce breakage at night.
• A microfiber hair turban speeds up drying.

Try protective styles

• Braids, twists and buns keep hair contained and protected.
• Scrunchies prevent damage from hair elastics.
• Headscarves shield hair from sun and wind.

Boost circulation

• Scalp massages increase blood flow to follicles.
• Exercise and staying hydrated maximizes circulation.
• Blood flow brings nutrients to the roots.

Use cool setting

• If blow drying, use the cool setting to lock in moisture.
• Finish with cool air to close the cuticle and add shine.

Don’t over-brush

• Limit brushing to twice a day at most.
• Let the conditioner detangle for you.
• Brush from the ends up to prevent snagging.

Shampoo strategically

• Focus shampoo only on the scalp area.
• Let shampoo run through the ends instead of rubbing it in.

Comb correctly

• Wide-tooth combs are best for wet hair.
• Start at the bottom and work up.
• Untangle before washing out conditioner.

Tricks for Healthier, Fuller-Looking Hair

Here are some tips for getting thicker, shinier, healthier hair:

Pump Up the Protein

Eat protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, chicken, nuts, beans, and dairy. Hair is made of a protein called keratin, so getting enough dietary protein helps optimize hair growth.

Zinc About It

The mineral zinc is crucial for hair follicle health. Great sources include oysters, spinach, seeds, nuts and red meat. Take supplements if deficient. Studies show low zinc levels correlate with increased hair shedding.

Omega Your Hair Nice

Essential fatty acids like omega-3s nourish follicles and boost shine. Eat more salmon, walnuts, chia and flaxseeds. These healthy fats also reduce inflammation that can impair hair growth.

Know Thy Hair

Figure out if your hair is dry, oily or combination so you can use the proper shampoos and products best suited to your hair type. For example, over-washing dry hair worsens moisture loss.

Choose the Right Shampoo

Clarifying shampoos remove buildup from oily hair. Volumizing shampoos add body for fine hair. Look for hydrating cleansers for dry or damaged hair. Read labels.

Get Condition-Specific

Use targeted treatments like weekly reparative masks for damaged hair or scalp scrubs for product buildup. Apply hydrating conditioners focused just on the lengths if you have oily roots.

Wash Up and Brush Up

Shampoo first, then brush conditioned hair to distribute oils and untangle with less breakage. Never brush dry hair harshly. Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair.

Protect Your Strands

Limit use of hot tools, avoid handling hair roughly when wet, wear hair loose and sleep on silk to prevent breakage. Deep condition regularly for strength.

Time Trims

Get a trim every 6-8 weeks to snip split ends before they travel up the shaft causing more damage. Even a light trim helps.

Take Supplements

Biotin, collagen, keratin, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, C, D, E support thicker, faster growing hair. Address any nutritional deficiencies.

With the right customized products, handling techniques, haircuts and nutrition, your hair will look and feel healthier, shinier and fuller.

Hair Maintenance Tips

Maintaining the health of your hair is key to having beautiful, shiny locks. Here are top tips:

Use a Gentle Shampoo and Conditioner

Harsh detergents strip oils leading to dryness and breakage. Opt for a sulfate-free formula with nourishing ingredients like keratin, coconut oil or shea butter. Thoroughly condition mid-lengths to ends.

Limit Heat Styling

Frequent high heat from blowdryers, flat irons and curling wands dehydrates hair over time. Allow your hair to air dry frequently. Always use a thermal protectant spray before hot tools.

Handle Hair Gently Wet

Hair is fragile when wet. Avoid excessive combing, brushing or rubbing with towels which causes breakage. Carefully detangle using a wide-tooth comb or wet brush.

Use Restorative Masks

Apply a weekly hydrating hair mask or hot oil treatment to nourish strands. Leave on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing. The moisturizing oils and butters will strengthen and protect hair.

Wear Hair Loose

Tight ponies, buns, braids put tension on follicles that can damage hair. Allow hair to hang freely more often using soft scrunchies for gentle styling when needed.

Use a Silk Pillowcase

Standard cotton pillowcases absorb moisture and cause friction leading to tangles, knots and breakage. A silk or satin pillow allows hair to slide smoothly.

Get Regular Trims

Visit your stylist every 6-8 weeks to trim split ends and prevent further damage from traveling up the hair shaft causing more splitting and thinning. Dusting helps.

Take Biotin Supplements

Biotin strengthens keratin, the hair proteins that give strands their structure. This B-vitamin promotes growth of thicker, healthier hair resistant to breakage.

Eat Balanced Nutrition

A diet rich in omega fatty acids, protein, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, D, iron and zinc supports optimal hair growth and strength. Stay hydrated.

Consistent nourishing haircare habits, protective styles, trims and internal nourishment from a healthy diet and supplements lead to stronger, shinier tresses.

The Life-Changing Magic of Cutting Your Hair

Getting your hair trimmed regularly is one of the simplest yet most powerful things you can do to maintain healthy hair and achieve longer length. Here’s why:

It Prevents Split Ends

Split ends are the number one cause of hair breakage. Trims remove damaged, frayed ends so they don’t travel further up the hair shaft causing more splitting.

It Maintains Thickness

Leaving splits untrimmed leads to tangled knots matting hair together giving the appearance of thinning locks. Removing them keeps hair strong and full.

It Retains Length

By snipping away weak points prone to breakage, hair can grow longer before it splits. Trims allow for maximum length retention.

It Boosts Shine

Freshly cut ends instantly improve the look and feel of hair, increasing movement and shine. Removing dull, dry ends makes hair look revitalized.

It Reduces Frizz

Split ends stick out and prevent the cuticle from laying flat, causing frizz. Neatening up the ends helps hair better retain moisture and appear sleek.

It Stimulates Growth

Removing dead, damaged ends optimizes circulation to the scalp and follicles to nourish new hair progress. Trims reactivate growth.

It Minimizes Knots

Smooth, even ends glide through hair smoothly and tangle less. Reducing split ends prevents matting and knots.

It Lightens Weight

Trimming damage removes unnecessary bulk from the ends making hair feel lighter, bouncier and more manageable overall.

It Shapes Style

Regular trims enhance layers, bangs and your natural texture. Precise cuts keep styles fresh.

Schedule trims every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair healthy and minimize damage over time. Less is more – ask your stylist to remove as little as needed.

Hair Breakage: 10 Causes and Ways to Repair

It’s frustrating dealing with damaged, breaking hair. Here are some of the top causes of hair breakage as well as tips to help minimize and repair it:

What is the cause?

Look at your haircare habits, diet and lifestyle to identify factors contributing to excessive breakage. Common causes include heat damage, harsh brushing, chemical processing, nutritional deficiencies, medications, hormones and failing to trim split ends.

Hair products and styling

Frequent use of hot tools combined with hair products containing drying alcohols and sulfates can degrade hair over time. Avoid harsh ingredients and cut back on heat styling.

Over-brushing

Handling hair too aggressively by brushing when dry or using harsh boar bristle brushes can cause mechanical damage. Only brush gently when wet and conditioned using a wide-tooth comb or wet brush.

Heat and lack of moisture

Repeated high heat from blowdryers, curling and flat irons deprives hair of moisture leading to brittleness prone to breakage. Minimize heat and amp up hydration with masks.

Towel drying

Rubbing wet hair with a towel creates friction that strains and breaks delicate strands as they catch. Instead, gently blot hair with a soft cotton tee or microfiber towel to absorb moisture.

Not having regular haircuts

Getting trims every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends prevents further damage from traveling up the strands causing more splitting and thinning.

Diet

Lacking key nutrients like protein, iron, B vitamins, vitamin D, zinc and essential fatty acids leads to dry, brittle hair. Eat a balanced diet and take supplements.

Tight hairstyles

Constant tension on the follicles from too-tight ponytails, buns, braids or extensions stresses hair leading to traction alopecia and breakage along the hairline and temples.

Stress

High cortisol levels lead to inflammation and oxidative damage to follicles impairing growth cycles. Hair sheds excessively leaving fragile strands prone to breakage. Manage stress through self-care.

Thyroid disorders

Both hyper and hypothyroidism change hormone levels that can shift hair into shedding phase. Getting thyroid levels regulated improves hair strength.

Eating disorders

Anorexia, bulimia and malnutrition deprive the body of nutrients essential for hair health. Healing disordered eating habits through counseling helps hair.

Treating Hair Breakage

If your hair is breaking excessively, here are some tips to help minimize damage, repair strands and prevent further hair loss:

Change Haircare Routine

• Shampoo gently 2-3 times a week with a moisturizing, nourishing formula. Avoid harsh detergents.
• Condition thoroughly each time you shampoo. Leave on 3-5 minutes before rinsing out.
• Use a wide-tooth comb or wet brush when detangling to prevent mechanical damage.
• Let hair air dry when possible and always use heat protectant before hot tools.
• Wear hair up loosely, avoiding tight styles. Use soft scrunchies or fabric bands, not elastic bands.

Deep Conditioning Treatments

• Apply a hydrating hair mask or oil 1-2 times per week to increase moisture and strength.
• Leave a repairing mask on for at least 30 minutes with heat for deeper conditioning.
• Use Olaplex or Brazilian Blowout bond-building treatments.

Get Regular Trims

• Get a trim every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends before they travel further up the hair shaft causing more damage.
• Ask your stylist to assess your ends and remove the minimal amount needed.

Limit Heat Styling

• Cut back on hot tools like curling and flat irons and blowdryers to prevent further damage while hair recovers.
• Let hair air dry when possible. If using heat, always apply a protectant.

Check for Underlying Issues

• See your doctor to test for nutritional deficiencies or hormone imbalances impacting hair health.
• Look into medications that may be causing hair shedding as a side effect.

With targeted moisturizing treatments and a gentle haircare routine focused on scalp health, damaged hair can regain strength overtime. But consistency and diligence are key.

How to Stop Hair Breakage

It’s frustrating dealing with excessive hair breakage. Here are some tips to help halt hair splitting and thinning:

Use Gentle Products

Switch to a moisturizing, strengthening shampoo and conditioner. Avoid harsh sulfates and detergents that strip hair. Look for nourishing ingredients like keratin, argan oil and shea butter.

Handle with Care

Be extremely gentle brushing, combing and handling hair, especially when wet. Use a wide-tooth comb or wet brush on conditioned hair to minimize breakage.

Protect Strands

Limit use of hot styling tools, avoid tight hairstyles, sleep on silk and use hair protectant sprays to prevent damage leading to brittle, compromised hair.

Hydrate Intensely

Do a weekly deep conditioning hair mask. Apply argan oil or leave-in conditioner to boost moisture daily. Dry, brittle hair breaks more easily.

Get Regular Trims

Get a trim every 6-8 weeks to snip split ends and prevent the damage from spreading up the hair shaft causing more breakage.

Take Supplements

Biotin, collagen, keratin, MSM and vitamins A, C, D, E can strengthen hair, prevent shedding and reduce breakage.

Examine Habits

Take a look at your current hair washing, drying, brushing and styling habits. Determine where you can be more gentle to avoid damage.

Use Bond Rebuilders

Use special shampoos, conditioners and treatments containing bond-building polymers to fill in gaps in hair fiber weakened by damage and chemical services.

See a Dermatologist

If you’ve tried many remedies and your hair is still breaking excessively, see a dermatologist to determine if an underlying scalp or medical issue is causing your weak, thinning hair.

While you can’t completely prevent breakage, minimizing damage through gentle care and targeted treatments will help restore your hair’s strength and shine.

What Does Hair Breakage Look Like?

How can you identify hair breakage? Look for these signs:

• Short, broken hairs sticking up along the hair length rather than growing from the roots. The most obvious visual sign.
• Individual strands appear split, frayed, wispy or knotted rather than smooth.
• A hairbrush filled with little short hairs after combing. Much more shedding than normal.
• Noticeable thinning patches or see-through spots becoming visible on the scalp. Hair feels less dense.
• Inability to grow hair past a certain length due to repeated breakage stopping progress.
• Layers around face seem to constantly need trimming from daily wear and tear around ears and neck.
• Hair feels very dry, coarse and brittle with frizz despite regular conditioning.
• Tangles easily and doesn’t comb smoothly even when conditioned and wet.
• Crunching, crackling sounds when you brush instead of gliding smoothly.
• Rough, frizzy texture with a lot of flyaways and static. Cuticles are lifted and damaged.

Carefully inspect the lengths of your hair for signs of damage. Look for short, broken hairs rather than full strands. Addressing issues early prevents extensive thinning.

What Causes Hair Breakage?

There are many factors that can cause hair breakage:

• Heat damage – From consistent use of hot styling tools like curling irons, straighteners and blowdryers.
• Harsh brushing – Handling hair too aggressively, especially when wet, causes mechanical damage.
• Chemical processing – Treatments like dyes, bleaches, relaxers and perms degrade hair over time.
• Environmental factors – Sun exposure, wind, cold, dry weather rob hair of moisture.
• Towel drying – Vigorously rubbing wet strands with a towel creates friction leading to breaks.
• Tight hairstyles – Braids, high ponytails constantly pull on hair follicles and strands.
• Poor nutrition – Deficiencies in protein, vitamins, minerals lead to dry, brittle, fragile hair.
• Hormones – Thyroid disorders, menopause, postpartum shedding alter hair cycles.
• Medications – Drugs that affect hormone regulation or nutrient absorption.
• Aging – As we get older, hair becomes more porous and prone to dryness.
• No trims – Letting split ends go causes more damage over time.

By minimizing these factors and handling hair gently, you can reduce breakage for healthier, fuller locks.

Is Hair Breakage the Same as Hair Loss?

Hair breakage and hair loss may appear similar but have distinct differences:

Hair Breakage

• Hairs snap, split or fray along the length rather than shedding fully from the root.
• Typically caused by damage from styling, chemicals, heat, improper care, malnutrition.
• Can happen anywhere but most obvious along bottom and around face.
• No pain but may notice more shedding of broken hairs.
• Can lead to thinning if excessive breakage.
• Broken hairs look frizzy, wispy, split down the shaft.
• Feels dry and coarse, won’t hold moisture well.

Hair Loss

• Entire hair sheds from the follicle and falls out intact.
• Caused by disrupted growth cycles, medical conditions.
• Often concentrated at top of head or diffuse overall.
• Can be painful as follicles shrink (traction alopecia).
• Dramatic increase in amount of hair falling out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you stop hair breakage?

• To stop hair breakage, try to avoid excessive heat styling, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair gently, and use a deep conditioning treatment regularly. Additionally, protect your hair from environmental damage and avoid harsh chemical treatments.

1. Why is my hair breaking so much?
   • Hair can break due to a variety of reasons, including over-processing, using harsh hair products, excessive heat styling, nutritional deficiencies, and environmental damage. It can also be caused by rough handling of hair, such as brushing or combing too vigorously.
2. Does breakage mean damaged hair?
   • Yes, breakage is often a sign of damaged hair. When hair becomes weak or brittle, it is more prone to breaking. It’s important to address the underlying causes of breakage to prevent further damage.
3. Can hair grow after breakage?
   • Yes, hair can grow after breakage. By taking steps to prevent further breakage and promoting healthy hair growth, you can encourage new hair to grow.
4. How do you fix hair breakage?
   • To fix hair breakage, you can try using a deep conditioning treatment, trimming the damaged ends, avoiding heat styling, and using gentle hair care products. It’s also important to address any underlying issues, such as nutritional deficiencies or health conditions, that may be contributing to the breakage.
5. Which hair treatment is best for hair breakage?
   • The best hair treatment for breakage depends on the cause of the breakage and the condition of your hair. Deep conditioning treatments, protein treatments, and moisturizing masks can all help improve the strength and condition of your hair.
6. Can hair breakage grow back?
   • Yes, hair breakage can grow back. By taking steps to prevent further breakage and promoting healthy hair growth, you can encourage new hair to grow.
7. How do you get rid of hair breakage?
   • To get rid of hair breakage, you can try trimming the damaged ends, using a deep conditioning treatment, avoiding heat styling, and using gentle hair care products.
8. How do I fix my broken damaged hair?
   • To fix broken, damaged hair, try using a deep conditioning treatment, trimming the damaged ends, and avoiding heat styling. It’s also important to address any underlying issues, such as nutritional deficiencies or health conditions, that may be contributing to the damage.
9. How can I regrow my hair breakage?
   • To regrow hair after breakage, focus on preventing further breakage and promoting healthy hair growth. This includes using gentle hair care products, avoiding heat styling, and maintaining a healthy diet.
10. Why does my hair have so much breakage?
    • Hair breakage can be caused by a variety of factors, including over-processing, using harsh hair products, excessive heat styling, nutritional deficiencies, and environmental damage. It’s important to identify the underlying cause of your breakage to effectively address it.
11. Can you restore hair breakage?
    • Yes, you can restore hair breakage by taking steps to prevent further breakage and promote healthy hair growth. This may include using deep conditioning treatments, trimming the damaged ends, and avoiding heat styling.
12. Can hair breakage be repaired?
    • Yes, hair breakage can be repaired. By taking steps to prevent further breakage and promote healthy hair growth, you can repair the damage and improve the overall condition of your hair.
13. Does hair grow back after breakage?
    • Yes, hair can grow back after breakage. By taking steps to prevent further breakage and promoting healthy hair growth, you can encourage new hair to grow.