Hair breakage is a common problem that many people face. While the causes of hair breakage may vary from poor hair care practices to harsh treatments and health problems, fortunately, many effective treatments are available to restore hair strength and elasticity, whether through home remedies or commercial products designed specifically to fix hair breakage.
If you're tired of the appearance of your dry and damaged hair and looking forward to getting rid of split ends and achieving strong, shiny hair, in this article, we'll discuss 7 ways to fix hair breakage and revive it, along with explanations of why this problem occurs. So, let's dive in.
Hair breakage occurs when the hair shaft breaks or splits, causing it to break at various points along its length. This condition often causes hair strands to appear shorter or grow unevenly, with roughness at the ends, giving it a frizzy and unhealthy appearance. Unlike hair loss, which occurs at the root, hair breakage primarily affects the hair shaft due to certain health conditions or poor hair care practices.
To fix hair breakage, several preventive measures and specific treatments must be followed to nourish and strengthen the hair, repair pre-existing damage, and prevent the condition from worsening. Here are some strategies to consider:
Oils such as coconut, argan, and olive oil can deeply nourish and moisturize the hair, helping to strengthen the hair strands. These oils contain vitamins and fatty acids that penetrate the hair shaft, improving elasticity and reducing hair breakage. Massage any of these oils into your scalp and hair, focusing on the ends, and leave it for 30 minutes to an hour before washing it well with lukewarm water.
Proper hair care is essential to treat hair breakage. This includes using a gentle shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type and avoiding over-washing, as it can strip the hair of its natural oils and weaken it. Additionally, using a wide-tooth comb helps reduce breakage, especially when the hair is wet and more susceptible to damage. Regularly trimming the ends of your hair can also remove split ends and prevent them from moving up the hair shaft, which reduces the possibility of breakage and enhances hair health and strength.
Using hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can weaken hair over time and eventually cause breakage. Therefore, air-drying hair is the most suitable option. But if you have to use heat styling tools, use a heat protectant spray and set the styling device to the lowest setting possible.
The sun's rays can damage hair strands by stripping them of moisture and causing damage to the protein that forms the basic structure of the hair. Therefore, it's recommended to wear a wide-brimmed hat or use a scarf to protect hair strands from direct sunlight and reduce ultraviolet damage.
A healthy diet is essential for treating hair breakage, as a lack of nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, D, E, and biotin, causes hair to become weak and brittle. Therefore, eating foods rich in these nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, maintains scalp health, promotes hair growth, and makes it stronger and healthier.
Hair care products specifically designed to care for damaged hair can greatly help in case of split ends. These products contain ingredients such as keratin, ceramides, and amino acids that help repair the hair structure, soften it, and reduce split ends. Deep conditioning treatments enriched with proteins are also useful for restoring the elasticity of hair strands and preventing breakage.
In severe cases of hair breakage that do not improve with home remedies or over-the-counter treatments, especially if the breakage is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other scalp symptoms such as itching or dandruff, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist. They will conduct a comprehensive scalp and hair examination to identify any underlying medical conditions that may be causing hair breakage.
Hair breakage may occur as a result of various factors, the most important of which are:
Dryness and lack of moisture: This is a common cause, especially for curly hair. Hair that lacks moisture becomes brittle and prone to breakage.
Heat styling: Using heat styling tools damages hair strands over time. High temperatures break down the protein structure in the hair, leading to breakage.
Harsh treatments: When coloring, bleaching, or perming hair, harsh chemicals are used that can weaken the hair shaft and cause breakage, especially with repeated use.
Poor hair care practices: Rough handling of the hair, including combing it harshly (especially when wet), and using accessories that pull the hair tightly, may cause damage to the structure of the hair strands, leading to breakage.
Health problems: Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, and scalp problems such as eczema or psoriasis may affect the overall health of the hair.
Hair breakage can manifest through several different symptoms that indicate damage to the hair shaft. Common signs include:
Split ends: Split ends occur when the hair shaft splits into two or more strands at the ends, indicating weak or damaged hair structure.
Short and uneven hair strands: Split ends often cause hair to break at different points along the hair shaft, resulting in a frayed appearance with uneven lengths.
Brittle hair texture: Damaged hair feels dry, rough, and brittle to the touch, lacking the softness and elasticity of healthy hair.
Tangled hair strands: Weak and damaged hair is more likely to tangle and form knots, especially while washing, combing, or styling.
Lack of flexibility: Healthy hair should be able to stretch and return to its original length without breaking, but inelastic hair is more susceptible to breakage.
Dull appearance: Damaged hair often looks dull, lifeless, and lacks shine due to its rough surface.
Here are some simple ways to prevent hair breakage and keep your hair healthy and strong:
Reduce the use of thermal styling tools as much as possible and protect hair from heat when using them by applying a heat-protective spray or serum and setting thermal styling tools to the lowest possible temperature.
Use hair care products designed to moisturize and nourish hair, such as those containing argan oil, shea butter, or keratin, which help restore moisture to the hair and strengthen it.
Choose hairstyles that minimize exposure of your hair to environmental factors, and use ribbons or clips made of soft materials that prevent pulling or tearing the hair.
Use a wide-toothed comb or soft-bristled brush to detangle hair.
Split ends can move from the ends of the hair to the top of the shaft, causing more breakage. Therefore, trimming your hair regularly (every 6-8 weeks) will keep your hair healthy.
Fixing hair breakage requires a multifaceted approach that combines proper hair care practices, lifestyle adjustments, and targeted treatments. By incorporating the strategies outlined in this article, such as using natural oils, practicing gentle hair care, avoiding heat styling tools, protecting hair from environmental damage, maintaining a healthy diet, and using appropriate hair care products, individuals can effectively prevent and treat hair breakage. Additionally, consulting a dermatologist may be necessary in severe cases to identify and address underlying medical conditions contributing to hair breakage. With consistent care and attention, it is possible to restore hair strength, reduce breakage, and achieve healthier, more resilient hair.
