What should you know about female hair breakage?

Breakage is different from shedding: snapped pieces may look shorter, uneven or frayed, while a shed strand has a bulb-like root. Frequent colouring, bleaching, heat styling, tight hairstyles, rough brushing and dry environments can weaken the outer hair layer. Itching, scale, tenderness or broken hairs close to the scalp can also point to a scalp problem. Scalp ringworm may cause scaling and fragile hairs, while Traction Alopecia can follow repeated pulling from braids, extensions or tight ponytails.

Pause bleaching and reduce high heat while the hair recovers. Use conditioner through the lengths, detangle from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb, and avoid brushing when hair is dripping wet. Choose looser styles and vary where ties or clips sit. A clinician can examine the scalp and hair shafts, review grooming habits, and check for contributing illness or nutritional problems when breakage is widespread.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if breakage is sudden, spreads, leaves visible thinning, or comes with scalp pain, marked itching, crusting, redness or smooth patches. Seek prompt advice when tight styling causes soreness or a receding edge, because ongoing tension can injure follicles.

Could this be shaft damage, shedding, or a scalp condition? Which styling practices should I stop? Do the scalp changes need testing or treatment?