Hair shedding and breakage are common hair concerns that many people face. These issues can affect anyone, whether you have long, short, curly, or straight hair. But what exactly causes hair shedding and breakage, and how can you prevent it? This article will teach us the top 10 facts regarding hair shedding and breakage. We will also advise you on how to nourish and fix your hair.
Hair shedding and breakage are common hair concerns that many people face. These issues can affect anyone, whether you have long, short, curly, or straight hair. But what exactly causes hair shedding and breakage, and how can you prevent it?
Hair shedding and breakage are two different hair problems that can happen at the same time or separately. Knowing the difference can help you deal with the specific issue better.
Hair shedding is when hair strands reach the end of their growth cycle and fall out. It’s a normal part of the hair growth cycle and usually happens evenly across the scalp. On average, people lose around 50 to 100 hairs per day. Various factors can cause excessive hair loss, such as hormonal changes, stress, lack of proper nutrition, intake of certain drugs, or other health issues.
On the other hand, hair breakage happens when the hair becomes weak and brittle, causing it to snap or break off. If you use too much heat, or chemicals, brush too hard, use strong hair products, don’t moisturize enough, or physically harm your hair, it can cause damage.
Hair breakage is usually more noticeable at the ends of your hair.
In this article, we will discuss the top 10 facts about hair shedding and breakage and give you advice on how to nourish and fix your hair.
Fact #1: Hair Shedding is Normal
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that hair shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. On average, we lose about 50-100 strands of hair per day. This is because our hair goes through three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting). During the telogen phase, hair sheds to make room for new hair growth. So, if you notice a few strands of hair in your brush or shower drain, don’t panic – it’s completely normal.
Fact #2: Hair Breakage is Not the Same as Hair Shedding
While hair shedding is a natural process, hair breakage is not. Hair breakage occurs when the hair shaft becomes weak and snaps off, resulting in shorter, uneven hair. This can be caused by excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, or harsh brushing. Unlike hair shedding, hair breakage can be prevented with proper hair care and nourishment.
Fact #3: Over styling Can Lead to Hair Breakage
As mentioned, excessive heat styling and chemical treatments can cause hair breakage. This is because these processes can damage the hair shaft, making it more prone to breakage. To prevent this, try to limit your use of heat styling tools and opt for more natural hairstyles. If you do use heat, make sure to use a heat protectant and keep the temperature on the lower side.
Fact #4: Diet Can Affect Hair Shedding and Breakage
Believe it or not, what you eat can have a significant impact on the health of your hair. A diet lacking in essential vitamins and nutrients can lead to hair shedding and breakage. Make sure to incorporate foods rich in protein, iron, and vitamins A, C, and E into your diet to promote healthy hair growth.
Fact #5: Stress Can Contribute to Hair Shedding
Stress can have a major impact on our overall health, including our hair. When we’re stressed, our bodies produce more cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to hair shedding. To reduce stress, try including relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing in your daily routine.
Fact #6: Hair Nourishment is Key to Preventing Breakage
To prevent hair breakage, it’s important to nourish your hair from the inside out. This means using hair care products that are specifically designed to strengthen and repair damaged hair. Search for products that have keratin, biotin, and argan oil. These ingredients can make your hair stronger and healthier.
Fact #7: Regular Trims Can Help Prevent Breakage
While it may seem not intuitive, getting regular trims can help prevent hair breakage. Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks can remove split ends and stop them from moving up the hair and causing damage. Plus, regular trims can help keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.
Fact #8: Hair Breakage Can Be Caused by Overwashing
Washing your hair frequently can strip it of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. It’s important to find a balance and only wash your hair when necessary. If you have oily hair, you may need to wash it more often, but if you have dry hair, you can go longer between washes.
Fact #9: Hair Masks Can Help Repair Damaged Hair
Hair masks are a great way to nourish and repair damaged hair. They are typically more concentrated than regular conditioners and can provide deep hydration and nourishment to the hair shaft. Look for hair masks that contain ingredients like avocado, coconut oil, and shea butter for maximum nourishment.
Fact #10: Prevention is Key to Reducing Hair Shedding and Breakage
While there are ways to repair damaged hair, prevention is always the best approach. By taking care of your hair and nourishing it properly, you can reduce the risk of hair shedding and breakage. This includes using gentle hair care products, limiting heat styling, and having a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Hair shedding and breakage are common hair concerns that can be caused by a variety of factors. By understanding the causes and taking preventative measures, you can keep your hair healthy and strong. Remember to nourish your hair from the inside out, limit heat styling, and get regular trims to keep your locks looking their best. With these tips, you can say goodbye to hair shedding and breakage and hello to healthy, beautiful hair.
