Both hair styling techniques and underlying health conditions can cause hair breakage. If hair styling techniques cause it, it is a temporary problem that can be managed with changes in your hair care routine. If underlying health conditions cause temporary or permanent hair breakage, treatment options vary.

1. Hair Products

Certain hair products can damage the hair, causing it to become dry and brittle. Products used for coloring, permanent waves (perms), or hair relaxers contain chemicals that increase the risk of hair breakage.

Some shampoos can also cause hair to break. A study found that shampoo with a high pH level (alkalotic shampoo) can increase the friction between hair fibers, causing damage and breakage.

2. Nutrition

Nutrition and diet play an important role in hair health. Vitamins and minerals are essential to several body functions, including hair growth and health.

Deficiencies in the following nutrients may lead to hair loss or breakage:

• Biotin (vitamin B7)
• Iron
• Niacin
• Selenium
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Zinc

When someone is not nutrient deficient and takes certain supplements, it can lead to over-supplementation. Over-supplementation of selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin have been linked to hair loss.

3. Thyroid Conditions

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck. It produces hormones that control how the body uses energy. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been linked to hair loss and damage. People with these health conditions may notice that their hair is thinner or sheds more easily.

A healthcare provider will diagnose a thyroid condition based on a medical history and blood tests. In some cases, a biopsy may be needed. Treatments will vary depending on the specific thyroid condition and may include medications or other therapies.

4. Tight Hairstyles

Hairstyles like ponytails, buns, or tight braids pull the hair off the scalp in an extreme way. These hairstyles can cause hair breakage or even hair loss (traction alopecia).

Anyone can have hair breakage from a tight hairstyle. However, the hair follicle shape of people of African descent makes them more prone to hair damage from tight hairstyles.

Avoid wearing tight hairstyles and using rubber bands in place of hair ties to prevent breakage.

5. Eating Disorders

Eating disorders cause malnutrition (not having the proper nutrients to meet a body’s needs), which can lead to hair breakage and hair loss. Poor nutrition in people with eating disorders can cause a change in the hair growth cycle, leading to hair shedding.

It’s estimated that 24% to 50% of people with an eating disorder experience some kind of hair loss or breakage.

6. Stress

Stress, especially chronic (long-term) stress, can negatively impact a person’s health. It can cause health conditions such as anxiety, poor sleep, and digestive problems.

Stress also causes hair loss and breakage. Researchers believe that high cortisol levels reduce hair growth and impair the stem cells needed for hair growth.

7. Over-Brushing

Brushing hair more than it needs or brushing it while it’s wet are two ways to cause breakage. To prevent this, use a wide-tooth comb and comb or brush your hair only enough to detangle it. Add hair moisturizer, such as conditioners, as needed for dryness or to loosen knots or tangles.

8. Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in which a person pulls and twists their hair until it breaks or pulls out. It tends to affect women more than men and typically begins before the age of 17.

Treatment may include behavioral therapy or medications like naltrexone (a drug that helps with substance use disorders) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antidepressants that increases levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain).

9. Hair Extensions

Hair extensions and weaves are hairpieces added to natural hair through clips, sewing, tape, or glue. These hairpieces add volume, length, or a different texture.

The problem with hair extensions and weaves is that they pull on the natural hair and can cause breakage. To prevent these hairstyles from causing damage, choose ones that are light so that they do not pull on the hair. Go to salons specializing in hair extensions and weaves and only wear them for two to three months.

10. Trichorrhexis Nodosa

Trichorrhexis nodosa is a condition in which the hair shaft becomes weak and easily breaks. It can be inherited or triggered by hair styling techniques, such as perming, excessive blow-drying, and straightening.

The condition causes fragile hair that breaks easily. It may look like the hair does not grow at all, but it is actually breaking close to the scalp.

The first step in managing trichorrhexis nodosa is treating any underlying condition. Other treatments include gentle brushing and avoiding chemicals and heat on the hair.

11. Over-Styling

Over-styling hair with heated tools like curling irons, hot combs, and blow-dryers can cause hair damage, increasing the risk of breakage. Use these tools sparingly.

12. Trichothiodystrophy

Trichothiodystrophy is a genetic disease that causes a range of abnormalities in the body. One of the primary symptoms is hair that breaks easily and is sparse.

This rare condition causes hair to grow without the proteins that typically give hair its strength. When examined under a microscope, the hair will show light and dark areas of banding, similar to a tiger’s tail.

Trichothiodystrophy can also cause developmental delay and frequent infections.

13. Swimming in Pools

Swimming pools are full of chlorine and other chemicals, which is hard on hair and can dry it out. To prevent chemical buildup, rinse your hair with clean water before going into the pool.

This will help the hair absorb the clean water before being exposed to chlorinated water. While swimming, wear a pool cap and rinse your hair with clean water after swimming.

How to Repair Hair Breakage

Repairing hair breakage begins with changing a hair routine. Stop using damaging products, avoid using too much heat, and eat a well-balanced diet.

Look for hair care products that moisturize the hair and scalp. After washing, let the hair air dry and use gentle products. Be sure to use conditioner to add moisture to the hair and scalp.

Hair Care and Styling Tips to Prevent More Damage

Steps to prevent further hair damage include:

• Frequently change hairstyles.
• Avoid strong hair chemicals.
• Avoid tight hairstyles.
• Avoid using heat-styling hair tools.
• Do not brush wet hair.
• Do not rub hair with a towel.
• Use conditioner.
• Use hair ties that are gentle on hair shafts and minimize friction and pulling.
• Wear a swim cap in pools.

When to Consult a Provider

If making changes to your hair care routine does not improve hair breakage, contact a healthcare provider. The provider will examine your overall health, including your health history, to determine the underlying cause and provide treatment options.

Summary

Styling techniques or underlying health conditions cause hair breakage. Frequently, if the causative problem is addressed, then the breakage will stop, leading to healthy hair growth. Contact a healthcare provider if home treatments are not effective. They will be able to evaluate the problem and form a treatment plan.

Remember that hair grows slowly, about 1cm per month, so changes may not be visible right away.