What causes brittle hair and hair loss?

Breakage leaves shorter pieces, split ends, rough texture, or uneven length. Frequent bleaching, straightening, tight hairstyles, heat tools, chlorine, and harsh brushing can weaken the hair shaft. Shedding occurs at the scalp and may follow illness, major stress, rapid weight change, childbirth, or a nutritional problem. Gradual thinning at the part or temples can have a hereditary or hormonal pattern.

Scalp scaling, redness, tenderness, pustules, or smooth bald patches suggest a scalp condition rather than simple dryness. Hair and scalp findings need separate assessment because one person can have both breakage and shedding.

Reduce bleaching, high heat, chemical straightening, and tight pulling. Use conditioner, detangle gently from the ends, and avoid vigorous towel rubbing. Eat regular balanced meals and avoid starting high-dose supplements without advice, since excess nutrients can also be harmful. A clinician can examine the scalp, review medicines and recent stressors, and decide whether blood tests or Hair Supplement Therapy is suitable.

Arrange a dermatology review for rapid or patchy loss, scalp pain, inflammation, heavy scaling, broken hairs at the root, or loss of eyebrows or eyelashes. Seek prompt care if hair loss follows a severe illness or occurs with fatigue, menstrual changes, facial hair growth, or other new symptoms. Earlier assessment helps identify causes that need targeted treatment.

Ask whether you have shaft breakage, active shedding, or both; what pattern the scalp shows; whether medication, hormones, iron, thyroid function, or nutrition should be reviewed; and which tests are appropriate.