What should you know about frizzy breakage hair?

Frizz appears when the outer cuticle is raised or uneven, allowing strands to swell and move in different directions. Breakage is different from shedding: a broken strand may look shorter, have a split or blunt end, and leave uneven lengths without a bulb at the root.

Frequent straightening, bleaching, colouring, tight styles, rough towel drying and brushing wet hair can all weaken the shaft. Itching, scale, tenderness or broken hairs close to the scalp can point to a scalp problem such as Scalp Ringworm. Hairline or edge breakage after repeated pulling can occur with Traction Alopecia.

Use a gentle cleanser on the scalp, conditioner through the lengths, and a wide-tooth comb from the ends upward. Pat hair dry with a soft towel, limit high heat, and use heat protection when styling. Pause bleaching, relaxing or tight braids while the hair recovers; vary partings and styles to reduce repeated tension.

Trim visibly split ends when practical, since products can smooth their appearance but cannot fuse a split shaft. A clinician can examine the scalp and hair if breakage continues despite reducing mechanical and chemical stress.

Arrange a dermatology assessment for sudden or rapidly worsening breakage, clear patches, scalp pain, marked itching, crusting, swelling, or hairs snapping at the scalp. Seek prompt advice when hair loss accompanies the breakage, or when a child has scaly areas and broken hairs, because infection and traction need different treatment.

Could this be shaft damage, traction, or a scalp condition? Do you see inflammation or infection? Which styling practices should I stop, and when should I return if the breakage or thinning does not improve?