Even when you are more careful with your strands, hair breakage can still occur. Heat damage is one of the most common factors that cause hair damage. However, other factors such as diet and daily habits can also lead to hair breakage or split ends.
Losing a few strands of hair a day is normal. But if you notice the strands falling out are shorter or your hair feels drier and more brittle overall, you might be dealing with hair brakeage vs hair loss. Healthy hair tends to be shiny while damaged hair has frayed ends.
When dealing with hair breakage, prevention is critical. This is why it’s important to understand what is causing the breakage. In this guide, we will unravel the mystery of hair breakage, identifying the common causes and approved solutions to keep your hair healthy and strong.
Understanding Hair Breakage
Hair breakage happens when your hair strands get weak and break off, often leaving split ends and frizz. It’s normal to lose 50-100 hairs every day, which is natural shedding from the root. If it’s breakage, the hair starts to snap off somewhere along the shaft. However, with a little bit of TLC and using the right products, you can prevent hair breakage and promote healthy hair growth.
How to Tell if it’s Hair Brakeage
Distinguishing between regular shedding and breakage can be tricky, but there are a few signs to look out for:
Ragged, Thinning Ends
If you notice the ends of your hair to be thin and ragged with lots of split ends, then you are dealing with breakage. When the hair breaks, it does so at different lengths along the strand, which lead to thinning ends that taper off rather than appearing blunt and healthy.
Frizzy, Dull Hair
If your hair constantly appears to be frizzy and lacks its usual shine, it might be due to the strands breaking off and creating a rough texture. Healthy hair cuticles tend to lie flat, giving the hair a smooth and shiny appearance. When damaged, it can look dull and feel rough.
Uneven Strand Lengths
If you notice your hair growing unevenly, with strands varying in length throughout, you could be dealing with breakage. Typically, healthy hair grows at a consistent rate, so if you see a lot of shorter, broken pieces mixed with longer strands, it’s a sign of breakage.
Likely Places for Hiar Breakage to Occur
Hair breakage can occur at different places along the length of the hair shaft. Noting where it’s occurring can help you tailor your hair care routine.
At the Root
Hair breakage at the root is less common but can happen. It mainly occurs as a result of tension from tight hairstyles or over-use of extensions. The common sign for this type of breakage is new hair growth that’s shorter than the rest of the hair.
At the Crown
Breakage at the crown is mainly due to frequent ponytails, buns, or other updos that stress this area. It is characterized by broken strands that stick up, which gives your hair an uneven look on top.
On Top of the Head
Overbrushing, a lot of heat when styling, and harsh chemicals are the reasons for this type of hair breakage. You’ll notice several shorter hairs that are difficult to smooth down. Black hair that undergoes chemical straightening or frequent heat styling at too high temperature can especially be susceptible to this type of breakage.
At the Back of the Head
Breakage at the back of the head mainly results from hairstyles that put pressure to the back of the head or sleeping on rough pillow cases. You will notice shorter, broken hairs that don’t lay flat.
Around the Hairline
The hairline is delicate and highly susceptible to hair breakage. Main causes here include tight hairstyles, friction form headbands or hats, and over-manipulation. It appears as shorter, finer hairs around the edges of the face.
What Causes Hair Breakage?
Here’s a list of possible causes of hair breakage:
Diet and Stress
Your diets and overall health play a crucial role in your hair health. Nutrients like vitamin D, iron, and zinc are need for essential hair functions such as protein synthesis and oxygen within and to the hair cells to promote healthy growth.
Although stress doesn’t directly lead to breakage, it can impact on the hair growth cycle ad the amount of blood flow and nutrients to the scalp. Telogen effluvium is common type of alopecia that’s caused by stress that’s linked to hair damage.
If dealing with stress, it can also lead to other unhealthy habits like pulling on the hair and poor hair care.
Heat Damage
Often, high heat is required when using a hair dryer, flat iron, or curling iron. However, when used incorrectly, it may risk damaging the cuticles from the extreme temperatures. The best way to prevent damage is to reduce the use of styling devices to once per week. Also, select the ceramic versions as they heat up more evenly, which prevents you from using them on the same section of the hair repeatedly.
Overprocessing
Relaxers, perms, coloring, and professional straightening can make your hair seem like it’s healthier after the first session or two. However, doing these services too often, you risk breaking down the cuticle and cause hair damage. Permanent hair dye can also interact with the scalp potentially causing contact dermatitis. It’s recommended that you extend the time between your sessions to 8 to 10 weeks, if possible.
Incorrect Brushing and Combing
Brushing less frequently reduces hair loss. When combing your hair, use wide-tooth combs to prevent breakage. Also, use a brush only when your hair is dry, and avoid using plastic bristles. Rather, use a brush with natural bristles.
Over-washing
For people with oily skin, it’s likely to have excess sebum production in the scalp. This can lead to the temptation to wash the hair more often than needed. While daily washes are acceptable, you shouldn’t wash your hair multiple times in a day. On the other side, extremely dry hair may only need weekly shampooing.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, develops when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones are essential for regulating many body functions, including healthy hair growth.
People with low thyroid might notice excessive hair damage and loss, especially after brushing. If you have dry, damaged hair along with low energy, sudden weight gain, and depression, it’s good to have your doctor check your thyroid function.
Tips to Preventing Hair Breakage
To prevent future hair damage, try these pro tips:
- Trim your hair regularly
- Air dry your hair whenever possible
- Use the right products for your hair type
- Wash and condition your hair using sulphate-free, moisturizing shampoo, and conditioner
- Try sleeping on a silk pillowcase
- Limit heat styling
- Reduce chemical processing
- Use light weaves and lightweight clip in hair extensions to avoid them pulling on the scalp.
- Eat nutrient-rich diet to ensure that your hair gets all the necessary nutrients
- Avoid wearing tight hats
Hair breakage can be frustrating. The good news: most underlying causes can be corrected. If you continue experiencing hair breakage even after making changes to your hair routine and diet, it may be time to see a doctor. This will help to rule out any underlying medical problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash damaged hair?
If you have brittle, color-treated, or chemically processed hair, it’s recommended that you wash less often, maybe three to four days. Over-washing can make your hair dry even more fragile. Make sure to use hydrating shampoos and conditioners, and incorporate a deep conditioning treatment weekly.
How long does it take for damaged hair to regain its health?
Using products that are created to nourish the scalp and hair can speed up the process. But on average you’re looking at 6 to 12 months to fully see any difference in your hair’s condition.
Which hair type is more prone to breakage?
Fine-textured hair that has been through a lot of chemical processing can easily break as the chemicals can make the hair strands more fragile.