What should you know about lots of hair breakage?

Breakage leaves short uneven hairs, split ends, or white points, whereas shedding releases a full-length strand with a root. Repeated bleaching, relaxing, colouring, high heat, tight hairstyles, rough detangling, and friction can weaken the shaft. Breakage close to the scalp, scalp scale, itching, or smooth areas of missing hair may signal a condition rather than routine styling damage. Scalp ringworm can affect the scalp and hair, while traction alopecia is associated with repeated pulling.

Pause bleaching, relaxing, and frequent hot-tool use while the hair recovers. Loosen braids, extensions, buns, or ponytails, especially if they cause tenderness or headaches. Detangle gently from the ends upward with conditioner, avoid rubbing wet hair, and use a wide-toothed comb. Trim visibly split ends if desired, but remember that a trim cannot repair the shaft above it. Photograph changes and note recent products, procedures, or hairstyle changes for an assessment.

Book a dermatology visit when breakage continues after reducing styling stress, appears in distinct patches, or is accompanied by scale, crusting, tenderness, itching, or reduced density. Prompt assessment is useful when a child has broken hairs and scalp changes, because scalp ringworm may need prescription treatment. Painful tight styles should be removed rather than continued.

Ask whether the problem is shaft breakage or shedding, whether the scalp needs testing, and which hairstyles, products, or treatments should be paused while new growth develops.