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Hair breakage on top of the head is a problem for many people. There are many reasons that you could be experiencing hair breakage and hair loss, but there are steps you can take to prevent or repair the damage.
What Is Hair Breakage?
Hair breakage is hair that has split, frayed, or snapped. Many factors contribute to hair breakage on the top of your head. Identifying the problem and taking action can help you to overcome the damage and grow healthy hair.
We’ve all seen the commercials boasting beautiful, soft, silky hair, and who doesn’t want that? Hair breakage can make hair look frayed, frizzy, and coarse. Unfortunately, many habits can lead to hair breakage on top of your head.
Some causes of hair breakage include:
- Dryness
- Using hot hair styling tools
- Improper or infrequent hair maintenance
- Lifestyle or health issues
Fortunately, some routines and changes can lessen or repair damage to your hair. Better habits such as letting your hair air dry as much as possible, using heat on your hair sparingly, getting proper nutrition and healthcare, and providing hair maintenance are just a few things to do for shiny, healthy hair.
What Causes Hair Breakage?
It can be very frustrating when your hair is experiencing breakage. You may see shorter hairs on your head or notice that hair falling out during the day is short or frayed. Several factors could cause your hair to break.
1. Dryness
Hair dryness is one reason your hair is experiencing breakage. Your hair may be drying out for several reasons. Washing too often or using certain chemicals in your hair can lead to dryness.
Ingredients like sulfates, alcohols, and silicones can dry out hair. Exposure to your environment, like dry and hot locations, can cause your hair to experience dryness.
Lots of sun and wind can be harsh on your hair as well. While there may be nothing you can do to control your environment, you may need to take more measures to prevent and repair any dryness.
2. Hair Styling Tools
Heat is a significant contributor to hair damage and can cause hair breakage. Styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers can all cause damage to your hair. Using these tools in the hottest setting can result in further damage.
Consistently using these tools at a high heat setting can cause dryness and breakage to your hair. The heat damage to those hair strands is permanent and can be challenging to repair unless cut or trimmed.
Tight hair accessories are also a culprit of hair breakage. Tight clips or bands used frequently can cause stress on specific areas of your hair and lead to hair breakage. If you like to wear your hair up, claw clips are an example of a less damaging hair accessory.
Read Next: Use the best heat protectant sprays to avoid damage with hot tools.
3. Maintenance
Healthy hair thrives when given proper maintenance. Hair breakage can occur or worsen when not given appropriate care. Over-brushing or brushing too harshly can cause hair breakage on the top of your head.
Some brushes are rougher on hair than others, so make sure to choose a hair brush that is gentle on your hair. Avoid brushing your hair when it is wet.
Some brushes specifically prevent pulling, tearing, and hair breakage. Use these brushes when it is necessary to brush your hair wet. Additionally, washing your hair too often can cause hair breakage.
Your hair has natural oils that are necessary for healthy hair. Washing your hair too often can strip hair of these vital nutrients, causing it to break. Infrequent hair cuts or trims are other factors that contribute to hair breakage.
Frequent hair cuts can rejuvenate your hair to encourage healthy hair and growth. Damaged or broken hair can get worse if not addressed. Trimming damaged hair can cut off the damage and stop it.
Read Next: How Often Should You Get a Haircut?
4. Lifestyle and Health
Constant stress is hard on the human body but can also show in your hair. Stress can cause hair breakage as well as hair loss. Thus, reducing stress can help improve overall health and the health of your hair.
Additionally, malnutrition can deprive your hair of the nutrients it needs to be healthy. This deprivation can lead to your hair drying out and weakening.
As a result, hair breakage is often observed in those with eating disorders or malnutrition. Thyroid disorders can also lead to hair breakage and loss.
Hair breakage and hair loss are more significant when thyroid disorders are untreated, over an extended period, or are severe. Treating your thyroid disorder can often help manage hair breakage and loss.
How to Prevent or Repair Hair Breakage
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Hair Breakage is a common problem, unfortunately. Nonetheless, there are ways to prevent or repair any hair breakage you’re experiencing, including:
- Wash your hair less often to avoid dryness
- Use a conditioner after washing
- Use products that repair and moisturize hair
- Brush your hair gently and only when necessary
- Use hair accessories that fit loosely in your hair and avoid pulling tight
- Use heat styling tools less often or at a lower temperature
- Changing hairstyles often to avoid repeated stress
- Air dry your hair when possible
- Balanced diet to give your hair all the nutrition it needs
- Reduce stress in your life as much as possible
Frequently Asked Questions
Hair breakage on the top of your head can be frustrating and leave you with questions. Below you will find the answers to some frequently asked questions regarding damaged hair.
How do you stop hair from breaking on top of your head?
Brushing the ends of your hair first before moving up your hair is one thing you can do to stop hair breakage on top of your head. Other tips include deep conditioning once a week, using a microfiber towel to wrap wet hair, blow drying and using heated styling tools less, and using sulfate-free hair products.
Can hair breakage grow back?
Yes, you can grow back healthy hair after hair breakage. Hair can grow back healthy as long as you take some action. Some things you can do for your hair include washing less frequently, conditioning after washing, using moisturizing products, brushing more gently, and using looser accessories.
How does hair breakage look?
You may be able to notice hair breakage if your hair ends look ragged or split. You may also see it when your hair sheds or while brushing there appear to be short, broken pieces of hair. Additionally, hair breakage usually makes your hair look more frizzy and coarse.
How long does it take to repair damaged hair?
Good, healthy hair habits are necessary when trying to stop and repair hair breakage. It can take six months to a year to see healthy hair growth once you have begun using routines that are healthy for your hair.
Should I cut off damaged hair?
Split or fraying ends are a sign that your hair is damaged. Trimming those ends is the best way to stop the damage from spreading up the hair strands.
Why Do I Have Hair Breakage on Top of My Head?
Hair breakage is the breaking, splitting, or fraying of hair ends. Many habits can contribute to hair breakage on top of your head. The good news is that you can create healthy routines to repair hair damage and grow beautiful, healthy hair. Happy styling!