Hair breakage is a common issue for many people. If you’ve noticed that your hair feels brittle or is breaking off more than usual, you’re not alone. This can happen for a variety of reasons, from how you style your hair to how well you care for it. In this article, we will explain what causes hair breakage, how to fix it, and how popular hairstyles like the taper fade can affect hair health. Keep reading to find out how to keep your hair strong and healthy.
What is Hair Breakage?
Hair breakage occurs when the hair strand weakens and snaps, leaving it shorter and more damaged. Unlike hair shedding, where the entire hair strand falls out from the root, breakage happens along the shaft of the hair. You may notice uneven hair lengths, frizz, and split ends if you’re dealing with breakage. The good news is, once you understand the causes, you can take steps to fix it.
Common Causes of Hair Breakage
There are many potential causes of hair breakage, ranging from your daily habits to environmental factors. Here are some of the most common reasons:
1. Heat Styling
Using heat tools like straighteners, curling irons, or blow dryers can weaken your hair. High temperatures strip the hair of moisture, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage. If you regularly use heat to style your hair, it’s important to use a heat protectant to reduce the damage.
2. Chemical Treatments
Chemical treatments such as colouring, perming, or relaxing can make your hair more vulnerable to breakage. The harsh chemicals used in these processes weaken the hair’s natural structure. If you regularly dye or chemically treat your hair, deep conditioning treatments can help restore some of the lost moisture and strength.
3. Lack of Moisture
Dry hair is more prone to breakage. If your hair lacks moisture, it can become rough and brittle, making it more likely to snap. This is especially common for curly or textured hair types, which naturally have less moisture. To combat this, use hydrating shampoos and conditioners, and consider adding leave-in treatments to your routine.
4. Tight Hairstyles
Wearing tight hairstyles like ponytails, buns, or braids can put tension on your hair, leading to breakage over time. It’s important to switch up your hairstyles and avoid pulling your hair too tightly. For example, if you’re opting for a popular taper fade, make sure the rest of your hair is styled loosely to prevent breakage.
5. Overwashing
While keeping your hair clean is essential, overwashing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and more prone to breakage. Washing your hair two to three times a week is generally recommended for most hair types. If you have curly or textured hair, you may need to wash it even less frequently to retain moisture.
How to Prevent Hair Breakage
Now that you know what causes hair breakage, let’s explore how to prevent it. Making small changes to your hair care routine can make a big difference in reducing damage and promoting stronger hair.
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1. Limit Heat Styling
Try to limit your use of heat-styling tools. When you do use them, always apply a heat protectant to shield your hair from high temperatures. Lower the heat setting on your tools and allow your hair to air dry whenever possible.
2. Use Moisturising Products
Incorporate moisturising shampoos, conditioners, and treatments into your hair care routine. Look for products with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or aloe vera to help lock in moisture and keep your hair nourished.
3. Choose Looser Hairstyles
Avoid hairstyles that pull on your hair too tightly. Opt for loose styles that don’t cause too much tension on your hair strands. If you love wearing buns or ponytails, try using soft hair ties or scrunchies to minimise breakage.
4. Protect Your Hair at Night
Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase can cause friction, which may lead to breakage. Switch to a satin or silk pillowcase, or wrap your hair in a silk scarf to protect it while you sleep. This can help reduce the damage caused by rubbing against your pillow.
5. Be Gentle with Wet Hair
Wet hair is more fragile than dry hair, so it’s important to be gentle when handling it. Avoid vigorous towel drying or brushing your hair when it’s wet, as this can cause breakage. Instead, gently pat your hair dry with a soft towel or t-shirt, and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle it.
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Conclusion
Hair breakage can be frustrating, but by understanding the common causes, you can take steps to fix it. Whether it’s heat styling, chemical treatments, or tight hairstyles, making small changes to your routine can significantly improve the health of your hair. If you’re a fan of trendy cuts like the taper fade, make sure you’re also caring for the rest of your hair to prevent unnecessary damage.
At taperfade.co.uk, we believe that with the right care, anyone can have strong, healthy hair!