What should you know about midshaft hair breakage?

The visible clue is hair of uneven lengths, short pieces on clothing or in the brush, or split and rough sections without a complete bulb at the end. Repeated bleaching, relaxing, colouring, hot tools, tight styles, vigorous brushing, and friction can weaken the outer cuticle and inner fibre. Scalp inflammation or infection can also alter hair quality; scalp ringworm may cause broken hairs with scaling or tender patches, while traction alopecia is linked to repeated pulling.

Pause harsh chemical services and reduce heat. Detangle slowly from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb, use conditioner, and avoid tight bands or styles that pull. Pat hair dry instead of rubbing it, and consider a smooth pillow surface. A clinician can examine the scalp and hair shafts, review products and styling habits, and decide whether testing or treatment is needed.

Seek evaluation if breakage is sudden, widespread, painful, associated with scalp scale or sores, or accompanied by clear thinning, bald patches, or eyebrow loss. Prompt care is especially useful when a child is affected or when broken hairs cluster in one area, because an underlying scalp condition may need prescription treatment.

Ask whether the damage is from the shaft or whether roots are also affected. Bring a list of recent products, treatments, hairstyles, and medicines, and ask how to protect new growth, whether a scalp infection is possible, and when progress should be reviewed.