Hair breakage could be caused by heat, stress or other underlying conditions and many other conditions. Find out what could cause your hair to break and how to prevent it from happening.
A variety of reasons can cause hair breakage. Healthy hair depends on an internal cuticle with overlapping scales that help keep hair strands in place.
When the scales begin to fall off, your hair starts to dry and then split, which can cause damage. This can cause breakage and other symptoms like frizz or dryness.
Find out more about the 9 most prevalent causes of hair loss and how you can address them.
Diet There’s more to the adage “you are what you eat,”, particularly regarding the health of your hair and skin.
Certain nutrients aid in the growth of your hair trusted Source, and prevent breakage due to damage. Be sure to get sufficient zinc, iron and Folic acid in your diet every day.
A good amount of protein and antioxidants (found in plant foods) will also help protect your hair from damage. Some vitamins can aid in the growth of your hair.
1. Stress
A myriad of studies show links between the stress of life and loss of hair; however, it’s also well-known that stress can trigger hair loss.
Telogen effluvium is the most common form of Alopecia caused by stress, probably a trusted Source connected to hair loss. The pressure causes hair follicles to die, which means hair mid-way through growth could fall off. It’s possible to see old hair falling out too.
The ability to manage stress could cause better hair.
2. Dryness
Dry hair can represent one of the causes of breakage and damage.
It can result from several reasons, including dry conditions, low humidity, and excessive heat. Make sure to use warm, not hot, water for shampooing your hair, as the latter could cause more drying.
If your hair ends are dry, you should concentrate the shampoo on your head for a few minutes. It’s also not recommended. Try the makeup mask to cover the ends and mids of the hair.
If you’re in a hurry, you can spray a left-in conditioning spray before combing hair that is wet.
Heat damage is the most effective result from your blow-dryer, flat iron and curling iron. You require a high temperature. But, if you use these tools incorrectly or overly, they are too hot, and you risk damaging the cuticle with extreme temperatures.
One method to avoid all-over heat damage can be to allow your hair time to rest from hair styling equipment at least once per week. To lessen the harm caused by the heat generated by the styling tools you use, choose ceramic models. They have a more even heat distribution, and you won’t need to apply them to the same areas of hair frequently.
It’s essential also to be sure to protect your hair before when applying high temperatures. Sprays that protect against heat can minimize the damage.
3. Over-processing
Relaxers, perms, professional straightening and colouring can make your hair appear healthier after just one or two sessions. However, if you use these treatments frequently, your cuticle could fall apart and cause damage to your hair.
Permanent dye for hair may also affect your scalp and cause contact with dermatitis.
It is recommended that the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends extending the interval between sessions to 8-10 weeks if it is possible. While you wait, you can apply a hair treatment to boost your results.
4. Over-washing
If you suffer from oily skin, you’re more likely to experience excessive sebum (natural oil) production in your hair. This can result in your desire to clean your hair more frequently than you should.
Although daily washes are acceptable for oily hair, you should not wash your hair more than once each day. On the other hand, dehydrated hair might only require a trusted Source every week for washing.
Make sure to massage your scalp gently and then apply the conditioner gently, starting at your ends and ending at your hair roots.
5. Drying towels improperly
After you get out of the shower, you’ll naturally want to apply a towel to your hair and skin. But, this motion can damage hair when it’s the most susceptible (after being wet).
Instead of rubbing the water out from your hair, try blotting an absorbent towel on your hair. It is also possible to temporarily leave the towels in your hair to take in excess water.
6. Elastic hair ties
Hair ties with elastic are essential to keep your hair from your face while you work out. Let’s admit it: they could be helpful during bad hair times and when in the middle of a rush.
The issue with hair ties is that they tug on your hair cuticle and scalp. There is a chance that hair falling out each time you untie your ponytail.
It is possible to fix this issue by putting your hair down every once in some time or by changing your hairstyle to be a bit looser so that it doesn’t pull off your hair excessively.
Also, ensure that you’re wearing hair ties that are real and not rubber bands that could damage your hair.
Incorrect brushing and combing It’s been said that having your hair brushed for 100 strokes per day is beneficial for hair health; however, the AAD declares that it’s an untruth. They suggest you brush and comb when you’re styling your hair.
One older clinical trial from 2009, referred to as Trusted Source, discovered that brushing less often resulted in less hair loss in women.
Use wide-tooth combs to avoid breakage. It is also recommended to apply a comb only when you have dry hair and stay clear of using plastic bristles. Use natural bristles.
7. Hair trimmings that aren’t cut
It could be scary to think that cutting your hair is damaging. In reality, trimming your hair could aid in keeping your hair in good condition and free of split ends.
It is possible to think of trim for your hair as akin to exfoliating your skin — in both cases, it is possible to eliminate some old cells to allow new ones to develop. If you’ve split ends, the cuts in the cuticle may extend across your hair and could cause breakage.
Consult your stylist about every 8 weeks according to your hair’s length and texture. Even if you’re growing your hair, cutting off damaged ends can help prevent further damage.
8. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism (low thyroid disorder) is when your thyroid gland isn’t producing sufficient thyroid hormones. While the thyroid isn’t huge in dimensions, it significantly ensures your body functions. This includes your heart rate, metabolism and even the growth of your hair.
People with thyroid problems may experience increased hair damage and loss, particularly in bathing or when brushing. You should see your physician for a thyroid test if you experience injury, dry hair, fatigue, rapid weight gain, or depression.
9. Eating disorders
If you or someone close to you suffers from disordered eating, hair loss could be a possibility as sign.
This is because certain eating disorders lead to malnutrition, like anorexia or bulimia nervosa. In such instances, hair follicles do not have the nutrition they require to grow new hair, and the process ceases entirely. It is possible to notice new hairs breaking away mid-air during the growth cycle.
Disorders of eating can cause worse consequences that require medical intervention. Hearing the personal stories of people overcoming eating disorders can encourage their loved ones to take action.
Also Read: How to stop breakage on 4c natural hairs
Vitamins for hair breakage
vitamins for hair breakage are important for keeping your locks strong and healthy. While a well-balanced diet is always the best way to get vitamins, sometimes our busy lifestyles make it difficult to get all the nutrients we need from food alone. That’s where supplements come in!
There are many different vitamins that can help prevent hair breakage, but some are more important than others.
- Vitamin A is essential for healthy hair, as it helps to produce sebum, the natural oil that keeps hair hydrated and soft.
- Vitamins B6 and B12 help to keep hair follicles healthy and promote cell growth, while biotin (vitamin B7) strengthens the keratin in hair shafts, making them less likely to break.
- Vitamin C is also important for collagen production, which helps to keep hair strong.
- If you’re looking to prevent hair breakage with vitamins, be sure to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to find the right supplement for you.
Tips for Healthy Hair
To avoid future hair loss, take a look at the following tips for hair care:
- Shampoo the hair and condition it regularly. However, do it gently.
- Make use of shampoo for swimmers and conditioners before swimming in a pool.
- Make sure to allow your hair to air dry as much as possible.
- Be sure that all extensions and weaves aren’t too heavy to ensure they don’t pull the scalp.
- Think about a new hairstyle that is less damaging to maintenance.
- Take a diet rich in nutrients to ensure your hair gets all the nutrients it requires.
- Don’t wear a tight hat to look fashionable. Save the caps for sun protection.
Takeaway
Hair loss can be a source of frustration. However, the good news is that the root of the problem can be fixed.
Continue to experience Hair Breakage after making adjustments to your diet and routine. It could be time to visit an expert in the field for a thorough examination to determine if there are potential medical problems.
