What should you know about brittle and breaking hair?

Breakage occurs when a hair shaft snaps before it reaches its natural shedding point. Short broken pieces, uneven ends and a rough feel differ from hairs coming out whole from the root. Repeated bleaching, relaxing, colouring, hot tools, tight hairstyles, vigorous brushing and friction can weaken the outer layer. Dry air, frequent washing or unsuitable products may worsen the feel. Breakage can also occur alongside scalp inflammation or another type of hair loss, so the pattern matters.

Pause or space out chemical services and use lower heat with a heat protectant when styling. Choose a conditioner that makes detangling easier, work in sections, and use a wide-tooth comb or fingers from the ends upward. Avoid pulling wet hair, tight elastics and repeated handling of the same area. Protect hair from friction during sleep and swimming. If shedding is also increasing, record when it began and discuss nutrition, medicines and possible treatment options with a clinician.

See a dermatologist when breakage is persistent, widespread, painful to touch, or accompanied by itching, scale, redness, sores, a widening part or distinct bald patches. Prompt evaluation is sensible after a sudden change or when scalp tenderness and discharge appear. A clinician can examine the scalp and hair shafts and decide whether further assessment is needed.

Is this breakage, shedding from the root or both? Which ingredients and styling practices should I avoid? Could a scalp condition, medicine or health change be contributing? When should I expect improvement after changing my routine?