Causes of Hair Breakage and Thinning

Breakage leaves short uneven pieces, split ends or frayed tips, often after bleaching, repeated heat, chemical straightening, tight styling or rough detangling. Shedding releases complete hairs and may make the part or hairline look less dense. Tight braids, extensions or ponytails can cause Traction Alopecia, especially where tenderness or broken hairs appear along the pulling points. Scaling, itch or inflamed patches can occur with Scalp Ringworm and deserve clinical review.

Pause bleaching and harsh chemical services, reduce high heat, use conditioner, detangle gently from the ends upward and avoid hairstyles that pull. Keep a simple record of when the change began and whether hairs are breaking or coming out from the root. A clinician can examine the scalp and hair shafts, review medicines and nutrition, and decide whether testing is needed. Do not start high-dose supplements without advice, since excess amounts can also cause problems.

Book an appointment for sudden or steadily worsening thinning, smooth patches, scalp pain, crusting, marked scaling, pus or tenderness. Seek prompt care if hair loss follows a severely inflamed scalp or if eyebrows or eyelashes are also changing. Earlier assessment can protect follicles when traction or infection is involved.

Are the hairs breaking along the shaft or shedding from the root? Does the scalp show infection, inflammation or traction? Which styling changes should I make? Would blood tests or treatment be useful?