Hair breakage can be a frustrating and discouraging experience, leaving you with frizzy ends and a lackluster mane. Understanding why breakage occurs and how to address it is important for maintaining healthy and beautiful hair. 

In this article, we'll explore the common causes of hair breakage, signs that indicate your hair is breaking, and effective ways to fix and prevent breakage. Additionally, we'll highlight some recommended products to help restore and strengthen your hair.

Why Does Hair Breakage Happen?

Hair breakage is annoying, but why do we get them? It’s essential to know the causes of hair breakage, so we know which hair habits need to stop!

Using Harsh Chemicals

One common culprit behind hair breakage is harsh chemicals in hair care products. Overexposure to chemicals like bleach, peroxide, and certain dyes can strip the hair of its natural oils and proteins, leaving it weak and prone to breakage. Opting for gentler alternatives or minimizing the frequency of chemical treatments can help mitigate this issue.

Sporting Tight Hairstyles

Tight hairstyles, such as braids, ponytails, and buns, can exert excessive tension on the hair shaft, leading to breakage. Constantly pulling the hair into tight styles can weaken the strands and cause breakage, especially around the edges and at the nape of the neck. Embracing looser hairstyles and avoiding excessive tension can make a significant difference in preventing breakage.

Dry or Brittle Hair

Hair that lacks moisture becomes dry and brittle, making it more susceptible to breakage. Factors like exposure to harsh weather conditions, excessive heat styling, or drying hair care products can contribute to dryness. Keeping your hair adequately moisturized through regular conditioning and hydrating treatments can help restore its elasticity and reduce breakage.

Health Conditions

Certain health conditions, such as hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and thyroid problems, can impact the health of your hair. When the body is not receiving the necessary nutrients, the hair may become weak and prone to breakage. Consultation with a healthcare professional can help identify and address underlying health issues contributing to hair breakage.

Signs You Have Hair Breakage

It’s important to recognize the indicators of hair breakage. Thankfully, it’s easy to tell if your hair is damaged or not.

Hair Strand Length

One clear sign of hair breakage is uneven hair strand length. If you notice that your hair ends are frayed and uneven, it indicates that breakage has occurred. Regular trims and targeted treatments can help restore the uniform length and prevent further damage.

Split Ends

Split ends are another common indicator of hair breakage. When the protective outer layer of the hair cuticle becomes damaged, the hair splits into two or more strands. Trimming the split ends regularly is essential to prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft and causing more breakage.

How to Fix Breakage in Hair

Technically speaking, once the hair is damaged, there’s no way to bring the dead strands back to life. The main solution is to trim the ends and use a protein treatment, which can slowly restore the hair once it’s evened out. 

Use a Protein Treatment

Protein treatments strengthen your hair by providing the necessary building blocks. Search for products with keratin, collagen, or biotin, as they can effectively repair damaged hair and reduce breakage. Incorporate a protein treatment into your hair care routine once or twice a month to enhance the resilience of your strands.

Trim Split Ends

Getting trims regularly is essential and helps to fix hair breakage. Trim your hair every 8-12 weeks to remove split ends and promote healthier growth. While trimming won't technically repair the existing damage, it helps maintain your hair's overall health and appearance.

How to Prevent Breakage in Hair

They say prevention is better than cure. Here are seven ways you can prevent hair breakage in the future. These small habits are significant enough to protect your hair from breaking apart!

Brushing with a Wide-Tooth Comb

A wide-tooth comb is gentle on your hair and helps prevent breakage, especially when detangling wet hair. Start from the ends of your hair and then work your way up, gradually detangling without causing unnecessary stress on the strands. This reduces the risk of breakage and minimizes damage.

Brush Gently

Sometimes, you rush and want to brush your hair as quickly as possible, which can damage your hair in the long run. Avoid aggressive brushing, especially when your hair is wet. Wet hair is more prone to breakage, so use a soft-bristle brush or a wide-tooth comb to detangle gently. Patience is key to maintaining your hair's integrity and preventing unnecessary breakage.

Applying Conditioner

Regular conditioning is important to keep hair moisturized and elastic. Choose a conditioner that suits your hair type and apply it from mid-length to the ends. This helps hydrate the hair, reducing dryness and minimizing breakage risk.

Using Leave-In Treatment

Leave-in treatments give ongoing nourishment and protection for your hair throughout the day. Look for products containing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter. These treatments add moisture, improve elasticity, and shield your hair from environmental stressors that can contribute to breakage.

Don't Overdo Heat Styling

Excessive use of heat-styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons, can contribute to hair breakage. Try to avoid using these tools and opt for heat-free styling alternatives when possible. Embrace your natural texture, and give your hair a break from heat to promote overall health.

Use Heat Protectant When Styling Hair

Okay we get it; some of you just NEED to use heat styling tools when styling your hair. So, when you do, always apply a heat protectant spray or serum beforehand. It creates a barrier between your hair and the heat, reducing the risk of damage and breakage. Make it a habit to prioritize heat protection to keep your hair healthy and resilient.

Sleep with a Silk or Satin Pillowcase

Sleeping with a silk or satin pillowcase can benefit your hair by reducing friction and minimizing breakage. These materials cause less friction than cotton, allowing your hair to glide smoothly without tugging or pulling. This simple change can make a significant difference in maintaining the health of your hair while you snooze.

How to Fix Breakage in Hair: 10 Recommended Products

Want to fix breakage in hair but don’t know which products to use? We got you! Here are 10 of the best and most effective products that can help restore your hair to its natural and healthy condition.

Kenra Strengthening Conditioner

Packed with nourishing ingredients, Kenra’s Strengthening Conditioner helps repair and strengthen damaged hair, reducing breakage and promoting overall hair health.

Kenra Strengthening Shampoo

Partner the conditioner with its shampoo from the same line! This shampoo cleanses and fortifies the hair, providing a solid foundation for preventing breakage.

Kenra Platinum Restorative Shampoo

Kenra’s Platinum Restorative Shampoo is specifically formulated to restore and revive damaged hair. It helps repair breakage and leaves your hair looking revitalized.

Amika The Kure Repair Conditioner

Amika’s The Kure Repair Conditioner is enriched with high-quality ingredients and is known to deeply nourish and repair damaged hair, promoting elasticity and reducing breakage.

Amika The Kure Intense Repair Mask

If you want something more intense than their conditioner, try their Intense Repair Mask! This multi-purpose product offers a comprehensive solution for hair breakage, providing hydration, repair, and protection in one.

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

We all know the Internet loves Olaplex, and the No.3 is a cult favorite. This treatment strengthens and repairs hair structure, reducing breakage and leaving your hair noticeably healthier.

Olaplex 4-in-1 Moisture Mask

Another fantastic product from Olaplex is their 4-in-1 Moisture Mask. It’s designed to address multiple hair concerns and helps restore hydration and prevent breakage, leaving your hair soft and manageable.

Olaplex Daily Cleanse Condition Duo

If you’re a beginner in hair care and don’t know which products to use? Then this duo is for you! Using these two and one another cleanses and conditions, providing daily care to strengthen and protect your hair from breakage.

Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner

The Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner is infused with argan oil, nourishing and moisturizing hair, helping to prevent breakage and improve overall hair health. You can’t go wrong with this one!

Conclusion

Addressing and preventing hair breakage requires understanding its causes, recognizing the signs, and adopting effective hair care practices. By using the appropriate treatments, trimming regularly, and choosing the right product, you can revive and maintain the health of your hair. Embrace a gentle approach to styling, prioritize moisture, and invest in quality products to keep breakage at bay and your hair healthy overall.

Ready to transform your hair and give it a new life?Totality Skin Care offers an extensive selection of premium hair care products that cater to various specific needs. There’s no need to search for the best because we have them here. Shop now!