Hair Damage: Causes, Signs, and How to Get Healthy Hair Back

Hair damage can be caused by a lack of nutrients, stress, heat, and other underlying conditions. Learn about the possible causes of damaged hair.

Have you noticed your hair looking dull, dry, or breaking more easily? You might be dealing with hair damage.

This article explores the causes of hair damage, the signs to watch out for, and how to get your hair healthy again.

Table of Contents

Understanding hair damage

Hair damage occurs when the outer layer of hair, called the cuticle, is compromised. This can happen due to various factors, leaving hair weak, brittle, and prone to breakage.

Common Causes of Hair Damage

Are you worried about your hair damage or breakage?

Hair damage is frustrating. It has many causes. Before thinking about treatment, try to figure out the common causes of hair damage.

Here, you will find 13 most possible causes of hair damage and how to prevent it.

1.Nutrients in Your Diet

The reflexion of our diet show on skin or hair health. Hair may be damaged due to a lack of nutrients.
The nutrients present in your diet play an important role in hair health.
Especially zinc, iron, folic acid, vitamins, proteins and anti-oxidants are required for good hair and its growth.

Related: Do hair growth vitamins work for hair fall?

2.Stress and hair damage

Stress can trigger hormonal imbalances and be associated with hair damage and hair loss.(1)
Prevention of hair damage can be achieved through stress management.

3.Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a disorder where the thyroid gland produces low levels of thyroid hormones, which are responsible for hair growth and its health.
People with low thyroid levels experience more hair damage and breakage.

4.Dryness

Dry hair leads to hair damage and breakage. This may be caused by dry weather, hot showers, low humidity, and heat in the summer.
Moisturize your hair frequently. Use a hair mask for better results.

5.Conditioner for compulsory

Skipping a conditioner is a big no. Use a conditioner after every shampoo to prevent hair damage due to external factors.

6.Over-washing

You may wash your hair more frequently if you have oily skin. A daily wash for an oily scalp may be recommended, but washing multiple times a day may lead to hair breakage.
Dry hair needs a wash once a week for good health.(2)

7.Hair is washed by rubbing shampoo into the length of the hair

Shampoo needs to remove dirt from the scalp. So gently use shampoo on your scalp and while let it flow through the length so that the oil and dirt can clean out.

8.Towel drying

Improper towel drying, like rubbing the towel on your hair, may lead to hair damage.
Instead of rubbing wrap your towel and leave it for some time to soak excess water. and let it air dry.

9.Brushing and combing

According to the AAD, brushing or combing 100 strokes a day is a myth. But brush your hair when you are styling.
Use a wide-toothed comb, whether you have straight or curly hair.

10.Heat damage

Let your hair to be dry with air.Limit the use of hair drying tool as possible.
Reduce the frequency of using these tools to prevent damage or breaking of hair.

11.Hair ties and styling

Elastic hair ties can pull your hair from the scalp, and hair may fall down while undoing the ponytail.
You can fix it by styling it a bit looser. Try to style a different hairstyle that does not pull your hair.

12.Colouring, perming, and over-processing

Colouring, straitening, perming and relaxing may look your hair healthier at that movement but after frequently processing may weaken the hair cuticle leads to hair damage.
According to AAD, try to do any of these processes at least after 8–10 weeks.

13.Use of styling products and hair extensions

Try to do a hairstyle that does not require these products and extensions so that you can prevent your hair from being damaged.

In this video, the doctor explains the common causes of hair breakage.

Signs of hair damage

Dryness and lack of shine
Split ends
Frizziness
Increased breakage
Hair that feels rough or straw-like
Difficulty managing or styling hair

Regaining hair health

Gentle Hair Care: Use a mild shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type. When styling, avoid using harsh chemicals or high heat.
Deep Conditioning: Regularly treat your hair with deep conditioners or hair masks to replenish moisture and strengthen strands.
Trims: Schedule regular trims to remove split ends and prevent further damage from traveling up the hair shaft.
Heat Protectant: Always apply a heat protectant spray before using hot tools to minimize heat damage.
Healthy Diet: Ensure your diet is rich in essential nutrients for hair growth, including protein, iron, and vitamins A, C, and E.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to hair problems. To reduce stress, practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.

Additional Tips

Limit shampooing to 2-3 times a week.
Opt for air drying whenever possible.
To prevent friction when sleeping, use a silk or satin pillowcase.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and improve overall hair health.

By understanding the causes of hair damage and following these tips, you can restore your hair’s health and get back to those beautiful, healthy locks.

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Conclusion

Finding out the root cause and taking proper care of your hair gives you healthy hair. If proper care also not giving the result than consult a dermatologist. Most of the causes can be treated easily.

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Disclaimer: The only goal of all the content on greenspacelife.com is informational. It is not meant to replace any medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment.