What Is Hair Breakage?
Hair breakage happens along the length of the hair shaft—not at the root and not just at the ends. Instead of growing long and smooth, the strand snaps in the middle or closer to the ends, leaving behind shorter, uneven pieces.
Common Causes of Hair Breakage
- Tight hairstyles (ponytails, braids, buns): create tension and weaken the hair shaft
- Excessive chemical processing: repeated color, bleach, or relaxer sessions make hair brittle
- Over-brushing or harsh combing: especially when wet, when hair is at its weakest
- Nutritional deficiencies or health conditions: low protein, iron, or thyroid issues can reduce hair strength
- Excessive dryness or UV exposure: makes hair less elastic and more likely to snap
Why These Factors Cause Damage
- Heat and chemicals weaken keratin bonds that give hair strength
- Tension and friction erode the cuticle, making it easy for hair to split or snap
- Lack of moisture reduces elasticity, so hair can’t bend without breaking
- Internal health issues can make hair structurally weaker from the root
