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Both hair styling techniques and underlying health conditions can cause hair breakage.
If underlying health conditions cause temporary or permanent hair breakage, treatment options vary.
Hair Products
Certain hair products can damage the hair, causing it to become dry and brittle.
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Someshampoos can also cause hair to break.
Nutrition
Nutrition and diet play an important role in hair health.
Vitamins and minerals are essential to several body functions, includinghair growthand health.
Over-supplementation of selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin have been linked to hair loss.
Thyroid Conditions
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck.
It produces hormones that control how the body uses energy.Hyperthyroidismandhypothyroidismhave been linked to hair loss and damage.
People with these health conditions may notice that their hair is thinner or sheds more easily.
A healthcare provider will diagnose a thyroid condition based on a medical history and blood tests.
In some cases, a biopsy may be needed.
Treatments will vary depending on the specific thyroid condition and may include medications or other therapies.
These hairstyles can cause hair breakage or even hair loss (traction alopecia).
Anyone can have hair breakage from a tight hairstyle.
However, thehair follicleshape of people of African descent makes them more prone to hair damage from tight hairstyles.
Avoid wearing tight hairstyles and using rubber bands in place of hair ties to prevent breakage.
Stress
Stress, especially chronic (long-term) stress, can negatively impact a person’s health.
It can cause health conditions such as anxiety, poor sleep, and digestive problems.
Stress also causes hair loss and breakage.
Researchers believe that high cortisol levels reduce hair growth and impair the stem cells needed for hair growth.
To prevent this, use a wide-tooth comb and comb or brush your hair only enough to detangle it.
Add hair moisturizer, such as conditioners, as needed for dryness or to loosen knots or tangles.
It tends to affect women more than men and typically begins before the age of 17.
These hairpieces add volume, length, or a different texture.
The problem with hair extensions and weaves is that they pull on the natural hair and can cause breakage.
Go to salons specializing in hair extensions and weaves and only wear them for two to three months.
Trichorrhexis Nodosa
Trichorrhexis nodosa is a condition in which the hair shaft becomes weak and easily breaks.
The condition causes fragile hair that breaks easily.
The first step in managing trichorrhexis nodosa is treating any underlying condition.
Other treatments include gentle brushing and avoiding chemicals and heat on the hair.
Use these tools sparingly.
Trichothiodystrophy
Trichothiodystrophy is a genetic disease that causes a range of abnormalities in the body.
One of the primary symptoms is hair that breaks easily and is sparse.
This rare condition causes hair to grow without the proteins that typically give hair its strength.
Trichothiodystrophy can also causedevelopmental delayand frequent infections.
To prevent chemical buildup, rinse your hair with clean water before going into the pool.
This will help the hair absorb the clean water before being exposed to chlorinated water.
While swimming, wear a pool cap and rinse your hair with clean water after swimming.
Hair breakage is when the hair shaft itself breaks.
Hair loss is when the hair falls out from the scalp.
How to Repair Hair Breakage
Repairing hair breakage begins with changing a hair routine.
Stop using damaging products, avoid using too much heat, and eat awell-balanced diet.
Look for hair care products that moisturize the hair and scalp.
After washing, let the hair air dry and use gentle products.
Be sure to use conditioner to add moisture to the hair and scalp.
Summary
Styling techniques or underlying health conditions cause hair breakage.
Contact a healthcare provider if home treatments are not effective.
They will be able to evaluate the problem and form a treatment plan.
Remember that hair grows slowly, about 1cm per month, so changes may not be visible right away.
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Published online January 31, 2017:1-10. doi:10.5826/dpc.0701a01
MedlinePlus.Thyroid diseases.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss.
Diffuse hair losscould the patient have an eating disorder?Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
2007;56(2):AB59.
doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2006.10.305
National Institutes of Health.How stress causes hair loss.
