Hair breakage can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you feel like you’re doing everything right in your hair care routine. But breakage doesn’t just happen by accident – it’s often the result of habits, hair care practices, or environmental factors that we may overlook. As experts, we’ve rounded up the 5 things hairstylists wish you knew about hair breakage so you can take better care of your strands and keep them strong and healthy.
1. Breakage Happens When Hair is Weak, Not Just Dry
A common misconception is that hair breakage only happens when your hair is dry, but breakage can also happen when your hair is overly weak. Weak hair is more likely to snap or break under stress, even if it’s properly moisturized. Overuse of certain styling tools, chemical treatments, or rough handling can lead to weakened hair strands that break easily.
Hairstylist Tip: Incorporate protein treatments into your routine to help strengthen your hair and restore its natural structure. Products like Olaplex or Protein Bond Reconstructor are great for rebuilding the strength of hair bonds.
2. Heat Damage is One of the Leading Causes of Breakage
Excessive heat styling, whether it’s from flat irons, curling wands, or blow dryers, is a major contributor to hair breakage. Heat can weaken the hair cuticle, making it brittle and more prone to breaking. If you regularly use hot tools, it’s important to take precautions.
Hairstylist Tip: Always use a heat protectant before styling and try to keep the temperature of your styling tools as low as possible. Limit the frequency of heat styling and explore heatless styling alternatives when possible.
3. Tight Hairstyles Can Cause Traction Alopecia
While tight ponytails, braids, and buns may look chic, they can cause a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia. This condition occurs when excessive tension is applied to the hair follicles, leading to hair breakage at the roots. Over time, this can result in permanent hair loss in some areas.
Hairstylist Tip: Choose looser hairstyles to minimize tension on the scalp. Opt for scrunchies or silk-covered hair ties that cause less friction and stress.
4. Harsh Chemical Treatments Can Damage Hair Bonds
Coloring, perming, and other chemical treatments can change the structure of the hair shaft. When hair bonds are weakened by these treatments, the hair becomes more susceptible to breaking. It’s important to give your hair regular breaks from chemicals to prevent excessive damage.
Hairstylist Tip: When getting color treatments or perms, always follow up with a strengthening treatment. Olaplex No. 3 is a fantastic choice for restoring damaged bonds after chemical treatments.
5. Over-Washing Strips Hair of Its Natural Oils
Washing your hair too frequently can strip it of its natural oils, which act as a protective barrier against breakage. Over-washing can also lead to an overproduction of oil, leaving the scalp and hair more susceptible to damage. Ideally, you should aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week to maintain the right balance of moisture.
Hairstylist Tip: Use a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent stripping the natural oils and try incorporating dry shampoo between washes to keep your hair fresh and voluminous without over-washing.
How to Prevent Hair Breakage and Keep Your Hair Healthy
- Use Moisturizing and Strengthening Products: Moisture is essential, but strength is just as important. Use shampoos, conditioners, and treatments designed to hydrate and strengthen your hair.
- Limit the Use of Hot Tools: Always protect your hair from heat and avoid overusing hot styling tools.
- Protect Your Hair While You Sleep: Invest in silk pillowcases or a silk hair bonnet to reduce friction while sleeping and prevent hair breakage.
- Trim Regularly: Regular trims help prevent split ends and breakage from spreading up the hair shaft.
- Don’t Overload on Hair Products: Too many products can weigh your hair down, causing it to break more easily. Stick to a simple, effective routine tailored to your hair type.
Book Your Hair Treatment at Hello Texture Beauty Bar
If you’re experiencing hair breakage or damage, our professional treatments at Hello Texture Beauty Bar can help restore the health and strength of your hair. From protein bond reconstructor treatments to hydration therapy, we’ve got you covered.
Call us at 09030290156 to book your appointment today or follow us on Instagram at @hellotexture_salon for more updates and tips!