The Ultimate Guide to How To Stop Hair Breakage

In a perfect world, the only breaks we’d ever have to deal with are those with a less-than-awesome ex. #ThankUNext

But unfortunately, that’s not always the case. In the real world, things break seemingly all the time. From your new iPhone and nails to your car or your favorite eye-shadow pallet. Heck, even your hair breaks!

Yup, it’s true — hair breakage is a pretty common phenomenon that most of us will have the pleasure of experiencing at some point or another.

Are we particularly happy about it? No. Is there anything we can do about it? Yes.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to combat hair breakage. Interested? We thought so. Read on to discover our ultimate guide to stopping hair breakage.

What Should I Know About Hair Breakage?

First things first, what exactly is hair breakage, anyway? And how is it any different from shedding?

Hair breakage and hair shedding may seem as though they are the same, but despite what many people may think — they’re not.

Put simply, hair shedding is a totally natural part of the hair cycle. You’re supposed to lose hair every day — anywhere from 60 to 100 strands, to be exact. That’s the norm according to most experts, so if you’re consistently losing more than 100 hairs in any 24 hours, make an appointment with your primary care provider or a dermatologist to get checked out.

Hair breakage, on the flip side, happens when the actual strand of hair shreds — not “sheds,” but shreds. More often than not, you won’t notice full hairs on the ground (or swirled on your shower wall), but instead, little pieces of hair.

What Are the Signs of Hair Breakage?

For many people, hair breakage doesn’t just occur at their ends but also mid-strand. It can even be centralized in one specific spot on the scalp. That said, the most common places where hair breakage takes place include the hairline, nape of the neck, back of the head, and crown of the head.

Think you might have hair breakage? Here are a few telltale signs to watch for:

• Split Ends. The quickest way to tell if you have breakage is to examine the ends of your hair. If you notice that some of your strands split off into multiple little hairs (aka split ends), then you have some hair damage and breakage.

• Fall Out. Another surefire sign of breakage is fallout. In other words, if you frequently find tiny, broken pieces of hair, you’ve likely got breakage. Why? Because damaged hair is typically very brittle, which causes it to snap off and fall out with ease.

• Dry. Does your hair feel especially parched? Extreme dryness is a clear sign of breakage. Healthy hair should have a natural shine when adequately hydrated, and dry hair may indicate that your locks need some TLC.

Try a deep conditioning treatment to put moisture back in your locks. This should do the trick; however, if your mane still looks pretty dull and lifeless, then your hair is likely damaged and needs a little more love.

• Tangles. If your hair seems super unruly and knotty after giving it a good wash, you may have some breakage. Damaged hair that is wet will typically start to tangle when brushed.

What’s the Difference Between Hair Breakage and Hair Loss?

The main difference between breakage and hair loss (aka alopecia) all boils down to the strand.

You can usually tell when you’re dealing with breakage because your strands will appear short and shredded. Hair loss, however, will always be whole long strands, with or without a hair bulb at the end.

Defined by the weakening of the hair follicle, hair loss causes the strand of hair to fall out at the root. In contrast, hair breakage can occur at any point along the hair shaft. With that in mind, hair thinning — or loss — can be due to a number of causes, such as:

• Certain medications
• Thyroid problems
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Chronic stress
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Autoimmune conditions
• Skin diseases or infections
• Starting or stopping birth control
• Wearing tight hairstyles, like ponytails, too often

Think you’re dealing with hair loss as opposed to hair breakage? Contact your primary care provider or a dermatologist who can get to the bottom of your concern and offer proper treatment for your hair type.

 

What Causes Hair Breakage?

More often than not, hair breakage is caused by a lack of moisture in the hair.

When your tresses are regularly moisturized, they don’t lose their tendency to bounce back when stretched. When dehydrated, on the other hand, hair can become brittle, rough, and weak, causing it to lose its ability to stretch, which in turn, makes it more susceptible to breakage.

In addition, the damage your hair sustains when you color it can make it more likely to snap, too. So if you’re a die-hard fan of hair bleach and notice itty-bitty strands all around you in the aftermath of a DIY coloring sesh — it’s probably breakage.

This is because harsh chemicals can break down the strong bonds of your hair, forcing it to become weaker and weaker until it simply can’t take it anymore and breaks. Heat styling is also a major culprit behind hair breakage — hence why it’s so important to always use a good-quality hair protectant before grabbing a hot tool.

How Can I Reduce Hair Breakage?

Here at Love Wellness, we are chock-full of great tips, tricks, and information on all things female. From vaginal health to hair health — we’ve got you covered.

So, what’s the best way to combat hair breakage, you ask? Here are a few tips listed below:

Tip #1: Add Supplements to Your Diet

When your gut health is lacking, you take fiber.

When belly bloat rains on your parade, you take digestive enzymes.

When your V needs a little TLC, you take Perfect Condition Vitamin. And when you’re carrying a bun in the oven, you take a prenatal.

So when you’re plagued with hair breakage, why not take a supplement, too?

Although there’s no magic pill that can instantly heal your hair, there is Healthy Hair Probiotics — a gentle hair-lovin’ formula that stimulates the hair growth cycle to reduce hair loss while supporting the gut-scalp connection.*

Simply take one capsule daily and experience fuller, thicker, and healthier hair. What’s not to love?

Tip #2: Do a Deep Conditioning Treatment

Deep conditioning doesn’t just feel good on the scalp but replenishes the hair with an abundance of protein and minerals to help strengthen hair while absorbing nutrients deep into the shaft to heal damaged strands.

This treatment is ultra-hydrating, too, so deep conditioning is the way to go if your hair is especially dry! Using the right hair products, from hair masks to detangling products and heat-protectant, is key to caring for your tresses.

Tip #3: Get Your Stress in Check

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), stress is a known culprit behind hair breakage. Known scientifically as telogen effluviums, stress-induced hair loss is pretty common and, fortunately — not permanent.

Yup, it’s true; when hair breakage is a result of stress, it typically goes away when stress levels balance back out. So if stress is what’s putting your hair in distress, we’d say it’s time for a vacation, don’t you?

A Final Word

Now that you understand what hair breakage is and how it’s caused, you can pay closer attention to your luscious locks and stop breakage in its tracks at the first sight of a split end. Or, you can simply take a daily supplement — like Healthy Hair Probiotics — to boost your hair health and avoid damage altogether.*

At Love Wellness, we’re here to help you feel good in the skin you’re in — from the inside out. Whether you’re looking to support your gut or simply on a mission to kick acne to the curb, we’ve got you covered.

 

Sources:

Feeling Stressed? How Your Skin, Hair And Nails Can Show It | ScienceDaily

How Much Hair is Normal to Lose in the Shower? | Health Cleveland Clinic

10 hair care habits that can damage your hair | American Academy of Dermatology

Hair Loss: Common Causes and Treatment | American Family Physician