What should you know about crown breakage in relaxed hair?

Breakage appears as short, uneven pieces or frayed ends along the crown. A relaxer changes the hair shaft, and repeated processing or product overlap can leave previously treated lengths fragile. Tight styling, hot tools, brushing, and friction can add mechanical stress. The crown may also receive more manipulation when hair is parted or gathered.

Breakage is different from follicles releasing hairs, although both can occur. Pain, burning, sores, marked itching, scale, or a smooth area are not explained by shaft damage alone. Traction alopecia can follow repeated pulling, while scalp ringworm can cause scalp changes and broken hairs.

Avoid relaxing hair over already processed lengths and allow a qualified professional to apply product only where needed. Space chemical services according to your hair and scalp’s condition, and stop if there is burning or significant discomfort. Reduce heat, loosen styles, handle the crown gently, and detangle with conditioner and a wide-tooth comb.

Do not disguise worsening breakage with tighter extensions or heavy backcombing. Photograph the crown under similar lighting and note service dates, products, and symptoms. A dermatologist can assess the scalp and distinguish chemical shaft injury from an inflammatory or traction-related condition.

Seek dermatology advice if the crown continues thinning, feels sore, develops redness or crusting, or shows persistent scale. Prompt review is appropriate after a chemical service causes burning, blistering, or open skin. Hair coming out from the root or a rapidly expanding smooth patch warrants assessment rather than another cosmetic service.

Is the damage limited to the shaft, or are the follicles affected? Could my chemical service or styling be causing traction? What should I pause, and when is it reasonable to resume colouring, relaxing, or heat styling?