Why does my hair break off?

Many experience that their hair feels brittle and weak. Why does hair break off? Is it only worn-out hair that breaks, or can there be more explanations and causes for hair breakage?

Where does the hair break off?

Where does the hair break off? If you find that your hair is mainly coming loose from the scalp/root and not in the middle or along the strands, it could be either normal or abnormal hair loss. We all lose hair strands every day, and it’s completely normal. We have written more about hair loss and common causes behind it here.

If your hair is breaking off along the strands, the most common cause is indeed damaged hair. Hair breakage can affect anyone, regardless of hair quality or type, but it’s particularly common for people who frequently bleach or color their hair to experience some form of hair loss where the strands break. Wear and tear are very common causes of this.

Can you repair hair that is breaking off? In short, no, hair that is breaking off cannot be repaired. But it can be prevented!

Other reasons for hair breakage may include having long/medium-length hair that you haven’t cut or trimmed in a while, causing your ends to split and “eat their way up,” leading to strand breakage.

Another factor affecting hair quality is our diet. Are you getting all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your hair needs? These are essential for building hair from within, helping it grow strong and resilient. A tip to ensure you get everything your hair needs is to supplement your diet with a hair-specific supplement.

How do I prevent my hair from breaking off?

The best thing you can do for your hair is to take care of it and handle it gently. Avoid coloring/bleaching as much as possible if you notice that your hair can’t handle it, especially with home coloring or bleaching.

3 useful tips to prevent hair breakage:

• Trim the ends regularly. Hair that is never cut, whether it’s a few centimeters every three months or a longer interval, will eventually start to break off. All hair eventually develops split ends, regardless of hair type, quality, or how often you color or bleach it. As soon as the hair grows out from the scalp, it is exposed to wear and tear, which may go unnoticed but occurs inevitably in daily life. If you imagine that hair grows approximately 1 cm per month, consider how many years old the hair at the ends is. If you don’t regularly cut or trim your ends, they will become damaged, eventually splitting and causing the strands to break higher up. You can prevent future hair breakage by cutting or trimming your hair regularly.
  
• Avoid tight hairstyles. Or rather, minimize them drastically. Of course, you can have your hair tied up if you want, but it’s important to vary your hairstyles. For example, if you wear a tight ponytail every day in the same spot, the hair around that area will become worn and damaged, causing breakage in that area. Tight hairstyles also put pressure on the hair from the roots, making it easier for the hair to come loose from the roots. If possible, vary your hairstyles and avoid tight ones. Tight hairstyles can cause unnecessary hair loss from both the scalp and the area where you tie the ponytail.
  
• Use products that counteract this. Focus on moisturizing, as dry hair is more prone to breakage. Products containing proteins are also very effective in strengthening and protecting the hair. Make sure to use products with good ingredients. If you use salon products, you know you’re getting products specifically designed for hair and its well-being. The products you use lay the foundation for how your already-grown hair will look, feel, and endure. If you want your hair to maintain its quality for as long as possible and effectively prevent breakage, review your hair care routine and invest in products that are good for your hair. It’s worth it in the long run when you start to notice that your hair stays strong, healthy, and more protected against external stresses.