How to reduce hair breakage

Breakage is damage to the hair shaft, so you may see short pieces, split ends, uneven length, frizz, or hairs that snap during brushing. It differs from shedding, in which a complete hair releases from the follicle and may have a bulb at one end.

Bleaching, relaxing, colouring, frequent hot tools, rough towel drying, friction, and tight styles can weaken the shaft. Scalp inflammation or infection can also affect hair quality and needs a closer look.

Use conditioner on the lengths, detangle from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb, and avoid brushing aggressively while hair is soaking wet. Pat dry, vary hairstyles, and keep ponytails, braids, extensions, or coverings loose enough to avoid pulling.

Reduce high heat and use a heat protectant when styling. Space out chemical services and trim visibly split ends; trimming does not repair the shaft but can prevent splits travelling farther. A dermatologist can check whether a scalp condition such as traction alopecia or scalp ringworm is contributing.

Seek assessment for sudden breakage, smooth or expanding patches, scalp pain, redness, scaling, pus, heavy itching, or broken hairs concentrated in one area. Prompt care matters when a child has scalp scaling or close contacts develop similar symptoms.

Ask whether the problem is shaft breakage, shedding, or both; whether your styling routine is causing traction; and whether the scalp needs testing or treatment. Bring a list of chemical services and products used recently.