How to Fix Hair Breakage and Prevent Further Damage

Hair breakage makes your hair appear thin and frizzy. Small fragments of hair can be seen in your clothes, beddings or brush. It may become dry and fragile. The good news is that there are simple ways to protect your hair.

Once your hair becomes damaged it cannot repair itself completely. By using a suitable hair mask for damaged hair may help reduce dryness and make hair softer and easier to manage. Proper hair care can help protect remaining strands and reduce further breakage.

This guide explains how to fix hair breakage, its causes and simple ways to prevent it.

What Is Hair Breakage?

Hair breakage happens when a strand of hair snaps along its length. The snapping can occur at the tips, the middle, or at close proximity to the scalp and create very short bits of hair sticking out.

Mostly, the hair contains a protein called keratin. Keratin ensures that the hair remains strong. However, the use of heat, chemicals, and harsh treatment to the hair can harm the hair's protective layer, which makes the hair weaker.

Some symptoms of hair breakage include:

• Different lengths of hair, where some are very short.
• Splitting of hair ends.
• Brittle, dry and rough hair.
• Easily tangling hair.

Hair breakage can occur to all kinds of hair. However, dry, curly, coily, bleached or chemically treated hair may require special attention.

Hair Breakage vs. Hair Shedding: Key Differences

Hair breakage and hair shedding may look similar.  But both cause the thinning of hair.But hair shedding and hair breakage are caused by different factors.

• Hair shedding is an occurrence that happens naturally as part of the hair growth cycle. Shedding of hair occurs in order to allow the growth of new hair.
• Hair breakage refers to hair falling off before the normal shedding period. Hair breakage is mainly caused by poor hair quality.
• A small, light-colored bulb at the end of a fallen hair can be part of normal shedding. It does not mean the whole hair root has come out forever.

Sometimes, breakage and shedding happen at the same time. If you notice sudden hair loss, bald patches or a wider part, speak with a dermatologist. A doctor can help find the cause.

What are Common Causes of Hair Breakage? 

There are various reasons why the hair may break.These include various things, such as heat styling, chemical processes, and physical handling, among others.

Heat Stylings: Application of blow dryer and straightening irons can be harmful to your hair. You should be careful with heat application to your hair.

Chemically Treated Hair: Bleaching and coloring of hair can cause damage to your hair.

Hair Braiding and Tight Styling: This can result in hair breakage.

Exposure to Sun, Pool Water, and Friction: All these factors may harm your hair. Rinse your hair after you swim and do not rub your hair hard.

Lack of Nutrients: Protein and iron deficiency may have an effect on your hair’s condition.

Simple Ways to Reduce Hair Breakage

If you want to know how to reduce hair breakage, start with simple changes. You do not need to buy many products. Focus on protecting your hair and stopping the habits that cause damage.

Trim Split and Damaged Ends

You can trim your split ends so that your hair becomes manageable.Trim split ends to prevent further damage, as broken hair cannot repair itself. 

Use a Gentle Shampoo

Select a shampoo suitable for your hair type and massage your scalp with the fingertips. Do not rub your hair vigorously during washing.

Condition Your Hair after Each Wash

Conditioner is a substance that helps make your hair smooth and easy to comb. Conditioners should be applied to the lengths of the hair and their ends. 

Un-tangle Your Hair Slowly and Delicately

When combing your hair, start with the tips and slowly move towards the root of your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb when un-tangling your hair without causing any harm to it.

Have a Balanced Diet

In order for your hair to grow, it requires nutrients such as protein, iron and others. Consume such foods as eggs, beans, fish, vegetables, fruits and cereals.

Hair Care Routine for Preventing Breakage

A simple hair care routine can help reduce hair breakage. Gently cleanse your hair and apply a conditioner after washing. Comb slowly and do not wear tight hairstyles. Do not apply much heat to your hair.

Wash Day

• Gently cleanse your scalp using shampoo.
• After washing, apply conditioner to your hair. 
• A soft towel can be used for drying hair.

Daily Hair Care

• Gently brush your hair.
• Do not tie your hair in tight ponytails or braids.
• Apply less heat to your hair.

Weekly Hair Care

• Deep condition if necessary.
• Clean your brushes and combs.
• Cut off any damaged ends of your hair.

Can Broken or Split Hair Be Permanently Repaired?

Hair that is broken or split cannot be repaired for good. Hair conditioners and treatments might make your broken hair appear more smooth. Yet, these hair treatments will not restore your hair. It is best to cut away the split ends.

How Long Does It Take to Fix Hair Breakage?

It varies depending on the level of hair breakage. The conditioner will make your hair easier to style immediately. Hair grows from the scalp rather than from the tips of the hair.

When to Consult a Dermatologist

Hair breakage is generally resolved through changes in your hair care routine. But there are hair conditions that will require professional intervention. 

Consult a dermatologist in case you have experienced abrupt hair fall, bald spots, or scalp pain. This is especially true in cases of continuous hair breakage even with gentler treatment.

Conclusion

Learning how to fix hair breakage starts with gentle hair care. Reduce heat, avoid tight hairstyles and use conditioner after washing. Run through your hair carefully and get rid of any split ends that may exist. 

Eat a healthy diet for the production of healthy hair. Please note that it is not possible to restore damaged hair. However, proper hair care will prevent future damage and help you retain more hair.

FAQs

1. How do I deal with hair breakage immediately?

Minimize the application of heat on your hair and avoid tight hairstyles. Put a conditioner on when you wash your hair. Moreover, you should trim any split ends. 

2. Does hair breakage regenerate?

Broken hair cannot heal itself but hair will continue to grow from the follicle which is intact.

3. Which oil can treat hair breakage?

There is no single oil which will fit everybody. There are certain oils that might help in ensuring that hair remains soft and minimises friction. However, the oil will not be able to repair any broken strands of hair.

4. Can shampoo prevent hair breakage?

Using mild shampoo will cleanse your scalp but it alone cannot solve the problem of damaged hair.

5. How do I prevent hair breakage naturally?

Hair needs to be handled with tender care and using conditioners is important. You have to take enough protein in your body.