Hair Breakage Causes and Treatment

A strand may snap after repeated heat, bleaching, relaxing, colouring, tight styling, extensions, rubbing, or rough detangling. Dryness and split ends make the fibre more vulnerable, but a clinician also considers inflammation or infection when breakage comes with itch, scale, pain, crusting, or a patch of reduced density. Scalp ringworm needs medical treatment rather than cosmetic repair. Traction alopecia is linked with sustained pulling and may require early changes to styling. A careful history and scalp examination help separate breakage from hair shedding.

Stop or reduce the suspected trigger first. Use conditioner, handle wet hair gently, detangle from the ends, and limit hot tools and chemical services. Keep styles loose and alternate partings or attachment points. A haircut can remove split ends, although it cannot strengthen the remaining fibre. Do not share combs, brushes, hats, or towels if a contagious scalp infection is suspected. A dermatologist may prescribe treatment for an identified infection or inflammation and can advise on protecting the scalp and new growth.

Book an assessment when breakage is close to the scalp, progressing, painful, associated with marked itch or scale, or accompanied by visible thinning. Seek timely advice for a smooth or sharply outlined patch, pus, or crusting. Medical care is useful when careful hair handling has not changed the pattern, because the treatment for pulling-related loss differs from treatment for infection or simple fibre damage.

Is this shaft breakage, follicle loss, or both? Which trigger should I remove first? Do I need testing for infection or inflammation, and what hair routine is safe while treatment is underway?