What Causes Hair Breakage : How To Stop And Prevent Hair Breakage and Damage
Do you have brittle hair that breaks and splits easily? Do you find yourself constantly dealing with what seems like an endless cycle of damage and split ends? If so, it's time to take a closer look at what causes hair damage.
Understanding what is causing your damaged locks is the first step toward finding a solution. So let's take a look at what causes hair damage, the signs of broken hair, and what you can do to prevent it.
Main Causes Of Hair Damage
Hair loss occurs when your hair falls, and it is not replaced by new hair. The Main Causes of hair damage can be divided into two broad categories: external and internal factors. External factors that can damage your hair include environmental damage from sun exposure, chemicals from hair styling products, and heat damage from blow drying and flat-ironing. Internal causes, on the other hand, are related to the structure of our hair. These include aging, genetics, and poor nutrition.
Signs of Damaged Hair
The signs of broken hair include split ends, dryness, dullness, frizziness, and tangles. Your hair may also appear weak or lifeless. If your hair is severely damaged, you may even experience scalp irritation from frequent brushing or combing.
Hair Breakage due to excessive use of heat styling tools
Excessive use of heat styling tools is a common problem, especially for those with naturally curly hair. Heat styling can cause both external and internal damage to the hair shafts.
External damage from heat styling is caused by the direct application of extreme temperatures to the hair roots. This causes the proteins in the hair to become weakened, making them susceptible to damage. Internal damage from heat styling is caused by the dehydration of the hair roots, resulting in dryness and brittleness.
Too Much Coloring Or Bleaching Your Hair
Colouring or bleaching your hair is a common cause of breakage and damage. When you dye or bleach your hair, it strips away the naturally occurring oils and proteins that keep your hair healthy and strong. Without these protective layers, your hair becomes weaker and more susceptible to breakage.
Bleaching your hair also causes oxidation, which leads to the breakdown of proteins in your hair. This type of hair loss makes your hair dry and brittle, leading to broken ends and breakage.
Exposure To The Sun Or Chlorine
Frequent sun exposure or chlorine exposure can be a major source of hair breakage and damage. Sun exposure can weaken the natural proteins in the hair roots, making them prone to breakage. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can also strip away natural oils and proteins that keep your hair healthy and strong.
Chlorine can strip away natural oils and proteins, making your hair weak and brittle. It can also cause discoloration and fading of your hair colour, which can lead to breakage. Remember to wash your hair once you leave the pool.
Most Common Cause Of Hair Breakage
Poor Diet
Most people don't think of what they eat as having a significant impact on their hair, but the truth is that what we eat can majorly affect our hair health and development. A poor diet can lead to damaged, dry, and brittle hair.
The most common source of hair breakage due to a poor diet is not getting enough of the essential nutrients necessary for strong and healthy hair, such as protein, biotin, iron, zinc, and Vitamin B6. Not eating a balanced diet can also lead to deficiencies in minerals and vitamins which can cause dryness, brittleness, and breakage. If you want hair growth, make sure you eat a balanced diet.
Stress And Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can also cause hair breakage. Stress causes the body to produce hormones, such as cortisol, that can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss. Anxiety can also increase scalp tension, which can pull on the roots of your hair and lead to breakage.
Hair Ties
Wearing tight hairstyles or using too much force when brushing or combing your hair can lead to breakage. Hair ties, clips, and other accessories can also put tension on the hair roots and lead to breakage.
Hair Loss: Causes And Treatment
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a condition that affects people of all ages and can cause both psychological and physical distress. It is estimated that approximately 80 million people in the United States experience hair fall in some form or the other.
Hair fall can be treated in various ways depending on the underlying cause. One of the most common treatments is topical or oral medications, such as minoxidil and finasteride, which help to reduce hair loss and promote hair regrowth. In addition to medications, scalp massage and laser therapy are also effective treatments for hair loss.
Use A Good Shampoo And Conditioner
Using the right shampoo and conditioner can help to keep your hair healthy and reduce breakage. Look for products that are specifically designed to nourish, repair, and protect against further damage. Avoid shampoos or conditioners that contain harsh chemicals such as sulphates, parabens, or silicones, as these can strip away naturally occurring oils and proteins.
Hair masks or deep conditioners can help restore moisture, strengthen hair roots, and reduce breakage. It would be best if you also used a wide-toothed comb when brushing your hair to prevent tugging on the strands, which can lead to breakage.
How to repair damaged Hair?
Unfortunately, it cannot be easy to repair once your hair is damaged. The best way to repair broken hair is by preventing further damage and providing nourishment with the right products and treatments.
To help repair split ends, you should regularly use a deep conditioner or protein mask to restore moisture and strength in the hair roots.
Simple Tips for Healthy hair care
Use a wide-toothed comb when brushing your hair to avoid breakage. Never comb wet hair- make sure you brush dry hair only.
Choose shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for nourishing and protecting your hair type.
Avoid using styling tools, such as blow dryers or curling irons, at temperatures above medium heat.
Avoid tight hairstyles such as braids and ponytails that can cause breakage.
Use a leave-in conditioner or serum to nourish your hair and reduce frizz.
Eat a balanced diet to ensure you get all the essential nutrients for strong and healthy hair.
Drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated.
Get regular trims and deep conditioning treatments to help prevent split ends, dryness, and breakage.
9. Reduce stress levels as much as possible through meditation or other relaxation techniques.
Limit chemical-based hair products to reduce the risk of damage.
Protect your hair from sun exposure by wearing a hat or scarf outdoors.
When you dry your hair with a towel, do it gently.
How to get rid of greasy hair
Greasy hair can be annoying and difficult to manage. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help reduce the amount of oiliness in your hair.
Use a clarifying shampoo once or twice weekly to remove excess product buildup.
Rinse your hair with cold water after every shower to help close the cuticles and reduce oiliness.
Avoid using heavy styling products that can clog the pores in your scalp and lead to excess grease.
Choose hairstyles, such as braids or buns, that keep your hair off your face and away from excess oils on your skin.
How to fix gray hair
Gray hair is a natural part of the aging process and can be caused by genetics, lifestyle choices, or medical conditions. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to help restore your natural colour.
Use shampoos or conditioners specially formulated for gray hair to prevent further discoloration and breakage.
Try using hair dyes in shades closest to your natural colour to help restore vibrancy.
Use a wide-toothed comb when brushing or styling gray hair to avoid breakage.
Consider using professional colouring services for best results and minimal damage to the hair roots.
Conclusion
Hair damage and breakage can be caused by a variety of factors, from genetics to lifestyle choices. However, understanding the underlying cause of your hair problems is the best way to ensure that you are taking the right steps to keep your hair healthy and strong. Following these simple tips for repair, nourishment, and prevention can keep your hair looking beautiful and healthy.
Salon Haze is an award-winning hair salon in Vancouver, Kitsilano area. We are specialists in colour and style. If you are considering a new colour for your hair, contact us, and we’ll talk you through all the options to ensure your choice of colour reflects your personality and complexion.
Call today for a free consultation with one of our stylists. We have the best hairdressers and the best hair colourists in Vancouver. Call now at 604-620-9986 or email us at service@salonhaze.com.