Hair Dryness and Breakage: What to Know

Breakage means the shaft snaps, while shedding means a whole hair leaves the follicle. Frequent bleaching, colouring, heat styling, tight hairstyles, rough brushing, and harsh washing can weaken the shaft. Dryness may also accompany scalp inflammation. Patchy loss, scale, pain, or broken hairs close to the scalp can point to a condition such as scalp ringworm or traction alopecia.

Use conditioner on the lengths, detangle from the ends upward, and pat hair dry rather than rubbing it. Space out chemical services, lower heat, and avoid pulling hair into tight styles. Trim visibly split ends if helpful, but remember that trimming does not repair the shaft above the cut. Choose a balanced diet and discuss supplements before taking them.

Arrange a clinical review when breakage is sudden, patchy, painful, itchy, associated with scale, or accompanied by thinning at the hairline. Prompt assessment matters when a child has scalp scaling or broken hairs, or when a tight style causes tenderness.

Ask whether the problem is shaft breakage or follicle shedding, whether the scalp needs testing, and which styling changes are most likely to prevent further damage.