Your hair is protected by an outer cuticle, but any number of decisions you make about how to treat your hair can damage that protection. Once damaged, hair becomes dry, leading to breakage and loss of shine. Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, making it break off. Regular trims will protect your hair from damaged ends and keep it healthier.
Wet Hair
Wet hair breaks more easily than dry hair, according to AgingSkinNet, a website from the American Academy of Dermatologists. Instead of rubbing your hair with a towel when emerging from the shower or bath, the academy recommends wrapping a towel around your head or letting your hair drip-dry. If you have straight hair, avoid combing and brushing it when wet, the academy advises. Do the opposite if you have curly hair; you’ll risk more breakage if you comb or brush dry hair.
Styling Products
Constantly using chemicals to change your hair–coloring, straightening, curlong or bleaching it–can dry your hair and make it brittle, leading to breakage. Dermatologists recommend using these products sparingly, according to AgingSkinNet. Products that advertise a “long-lasting hold” also have a downside. Brushing or combing your hair after you apply this type of product may cause the hair to break. With continued use, the damage can add up to serious hair loss, reports AgingSkinNet.
Styling Tools
Blow dryers, curling irons, ceramic flat irons and even hairbrushes leave your hair vulnerable to breakage. The high heat of electric devices damages the hair, particularly when they are left in contact with the hair too long or used on wet hair. The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends letting hair air-dry partially before using a blow dryer or other device. Daily use of ceramic flat irons on the highest heat settings harms the hair’s outer cuticle, making the hair break. You may notice the breakage and ramp up use of the flat iron to try to conceal the unevenness, causing more harm. Even the innocuous hairbrush can cause hair to break if it’s used too frequently or enthusiastically. Brushing less often will help reduce split ends, advises AgingSkinNet.
Hairstyles
The way you choose to wear your hair also affects its health. Tight ponytails, braids and updos pull on the scalp and cause breakage if left in too long. In serious cases, constant tension on the scalp can lead to hair loss and bald patches. Hair extensions also cause pulling, inviting breakage. They should be removed only with a professional’s help.
