Tag Archive for: Hair Breakage

Hair breakage is a common concern that affects many people, regardless of hair type or length. It can be frustrating to deal with brittle, damaged hair, especially when you’re trying to grow it longer or maintain a specific style. Understanding the causes of hair breakage and how to prevent it is crucial for keeping your hair strong, healthy, and vibrant. At unDONE, our Boise hair salon stylists are committed to helping you achieve and maintain the beautiful hair you deserve. That’s why we’d like to explore what causes hair breakage and offer some practical tips for preventing it.

What Causes Hair Breakage?

Hair breakage occurs when individual hair strands become weak and brittle, causing them to snap or split. There are several factors that can contribute to hair breakage, many of which stem from the way we care for our hair daily.

Physical Stress

One of the primary causes of hair breakage is physical stress. This includes over-brushing, especially when hair is wet, as well as rough handling during styling. Using hair ties that are too tight or frequently styling your hair in the same way, such as a high ponytail or bun, can also lead to breakage. The constant tension and pressure on the hair strands weaken them over time, making them more prone to snapping.

Chemical Damage

Another significant factor that contributes to hair breakage is chemical damage. This can result from frequent coloring, bleaching, perming, or relaxing your hair. These chemical processes alter the hair’s natural structure, stripping it of moisture and protein, which are essential for strength and elasticity. Without these key elements, hair becomes dry, brittle, and more susceptible to breakage.

Thermal Damage

Thermal damage is also a common cause of hair breakage. Excessive use of heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can weaken the hair shaft. High temperatures strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Even using heat protectants can’t entirely prevent this damage if heat styling is done too frequently or at very high temperatures.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, such as sun exposure and harsh weather conditions, can also contribute to hair breakage. UV rays can damage the hair’s cuticle, the outer protective layer, making it more fragile. Similarly, exposure to wind, cold, and dry air can lead to moisture loss, further weakening the hair.

Tips for Preventing Hair Breakage

Preventing hair breakage involves adopting healthier hair care practices and protecting your hair from the factors that cause damage. By making a few changes to your routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of breakage and maintain strong, healthy hair.

Handle Your Hair with Care

First and foremost, it’s important to handle your hair with care. Avoid brushing your hair when it’s wet, as it’s more vulnerable to breakage. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair while it’s damp, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. If you must use a brush, choose one with soft bristles that won’t tug or pull on your hair.

Opt for Looser Hairstyles

When it comes to styling, opt for looser hairstyles that don’t put excessive tension on your hair. If you like to wear your hair up, try to vary your style and avoid using rubber bands or hair ties that can cause friction and breakage. Instead, choose hair-friendly accessories like scrunchies or fabric-covered elastics.

Minimize Heat Styling

Minimizing the use of heat styling tools is also essential for preventing breakage. Try to air-dry your hair whenever possible, and if you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant first. Additionally, use the lowest heat setting that will still achieve your desired style. Giving your hair a break from heat styling at least a few days a week can make a big difference in its overall health.

Combat Chemical Damage

To combat chemical damage, consider spacing out your chemical treatments or opting for less harsh alternatives. For example, if you color your hair, try going longer between touch-ups or choose a semi-permanent dye that’s less damaging. You can also ask your Boise hair salon stylist about deep conditioning treatments that can help restore moisture and strength to chemically treated hair.

Schedule Regular Trims

Regular trims are another key component of preventing hair breakage. Even if you’re trying to grow your hair longer, trimming the ends every 6-8 weeks helps prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, leading to more breakage. Keeping your ends healthy is crucial for maintaining the overall strength and appearance of your hair.

Nourish Your Hair from the Inside Out

Finally, don’t forget to nourish your hair from the inside out. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those that support hair health like biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help strengthen your hair and reduce the risk of breakage. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water also keeps your hair moisturized and resilient.

unDONE – A Trusted Boise Hair Salon

Hair breakage is a common but preventable issue. By understanding the causes and adopting healthy hair care habits, you can protect your hair from damage and keep it looking its best. At unDONE, our Boise hair salon stylists are here to support you on your journey to beautiful, strong, and healthy hair. Whether you need advice on the right products, a nourishing treatment, or a professional cut to keep your ends healthy, our experienced stylists are ready to help. Schedule an appointment online or call (208) 287-2010 to learn more about how we can help you achieve your hair goals.

Do you have trouble keeping your hair healthy? Are you finding more and more strands of hair on your pillowcase every morning? If so, it is likely that your hair is breaking off. There are a number of reasons why this could be happening. That’s why the Boise hair salon stylists at unDONE would like to explore some of the most common ones. We will also advise on keeping your hair healthy and preventing it from breaking off.

You’re Eating an Unhealthy Diet

One of the most common reasons for hair breakage is an unhealthy diet. If you’re not eating enough nutritious foods, your hair will suffer. A lack of protein, for example, can lead to dry and brittle hair that is more susceptible to breakage. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of lean protein, fruits, and vegetables is essential for healthy hair.

You’re Not Brushing or Combing Your Hair Properly

Another common cause of hair breakage is improper brushing and combing techniques. You should be gentle when you brush or comb your hair and avoid yanking or pulling on the strands. Instead, use slow, even strokes to avoid damaging your hair. In addition, make sure you’re using a brush or comb that is suitable for your hair type.

You’re Using the Wrong Hair Products

If you’re using products that are too harsh for your hair, they can cause the strands to become brittle and break. Be sure to read the labels on your hair products and choose those that are specifically designed for your hair type. Also, avoid using too many styling products, as this can also lead to hair breakage.

You Have a Medical Condition

There are a number of medical conditions that can cause hair breakage. For example, thyroid disorders and anemia can both lead to brittle, dry hair that is more susceptible to damage. If you think a medical condition may be causing your hair breakage, be sure to see a doctor or dermatologist for further testing.

You’re Exposing Your Hair to Too Much Heat

Using heat styling tools on your hair frequently can cause the strands to become dry and brittle. This makes them more likely to break. If you must use heat styling tools, be sure to use a heat protectant and keep the temperature set at a moderate level. Also, try to give your hair a break from heat styling every once in a while.

Stress is Growing in Your Life

Stress can have a negative impact on your entire body, including your hair. When you’re stressed, it can cause your hair to become brittle and dry. It can also lead to hair loss. If you’re experiencing a lot of stress in your life, it’s important to find ways to relax and reduce your stress levels.

You Have a Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances can also cause hair breakage. For example, women who are pregnant or going through menopause may notice their hair breaking off more easily. If you think a hormonal imbalance is causing your hair breakage, be sure to see a doctor for further testing.

Overprocessing is the Culprit

If you’ve been coloring, straightening, or curling your hair a lot lately, it may be the cause of your hair breakage. Overprocessing can damage the hair and make it more susceptible to breakage. If you’re concerned about overprocessing, be sure to talk to your hairstylist. They can help you choose a less damaging style to your hair.

Book a Hair Appointment Today!

If you’re concerned about hair breakage, be sure to book an appointment with a Boise hair stylist at unDONE today. We can help you determine the cause of your hair breakage and provide advice on how to prevent it in the future. Don’t wait any longer. To book your next appointment, contact us at (208) 287-2010 or schedule online today!