What causes hair breakage at the crown?

Short, uneven hairs with split or frayed ends suggest the hair shaft is snapping rather than the whole strand shedding from the follicle. Pillow friction, helmets, head coverings, frequent brushing, and heat directed at the crown can weaken this area. Bleaching, relaxing, or repeated colouring may add dryness and brittleness. Tight braids, extensions, buns, or ponytails can pull on the crown and cause breakage; ongoing traction may also lead to traction alopecia.

Scaling, tenderness, crusting, marked itch, or broken hairs close to the scalp can point to inflammation or infection. Scalp ringworm is one condition that can cause scaling and fragile broken hairs, especially when there are patches of hair loss.

Pause chemical treatments and reduce hot tools while the hair recovers. Detangle gently from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb, use conditioner on the lengths, and avoid rubbing wet hair with a rough towel. Vary partings and hairstyles, loosen anything that pulls, and give the crown less friction from hats or headwear when practical. Do not apply steroid, antifungal, or hair-growth products to a scaly or painful scalp without an assessment.

Arrange a dermatology visit if breakage continues after reducing damage, or if the crown is thinning, shiny, painful, itchy, scaly, crusted, or developing smooth patches. Seek prompt care for pus, spreading redness, significant tenderness, or sudden patchy loss. A clinician can examine the scalp and distinguish shaft damage from follicle inflammation, traction, or infection.

Could this be shaft breakage, traction alopecia, or a scalp infection? Which hair practices should I stop, and do I need scalp testing or treatment?