How to prevent and stop Hair Shedding and Breakage

This blog post is about all the tips you need to help you prevent and stop hair shedding and breakage permanently so you can grow longer, fuller healthier hair!

Hair shedding and breakage are two things that can seriously mess with your hair goals, but they’re not the same. Let’s break it down. Shedding is a natural part of your hair’s life cycle. On average, you lose about 50-100 hairs a day, which sounds like a lot, but it’s totally normal. These hairs fall from the root and are often long and full strands. On the other hand, breakage is when your hair snaps off somewhere along the strand. This usually happens because of damage, like from heat styling, chemicals, or just rough handling. 

So, why should you care? Because if you’re dealing with excessive shedding or breakage and you don’t address it, you could end up with thinning hair, a loss of volume, and even struggle to grow your hair to the length you want. Catching these issues early means you can tweak your hair care routine, focus on strengthening your hair, and keep your strands looking healthy and full. In short, understanding the difference between shedding and breakage helps you tackle the root of the problem, literally!

Need help creating a wash day hair care routine? Read this post on how to wash natural hair the right way!

Understanding Hair Shedding

What is Hair Shedding?

Hair shedding is a natural process that occurs as part of the hair’s life cycle. Each hair strand goes through three main phases: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transition phase), and telogen (resting phase). During the telogen phase, which lasts about 2-3 months, hair follicles remain inactive, and the old hair eventually falls out, making room for new hair to grow. On average, it’s normal to lose 50-100 hairs a day due to this natural shedding process.

But how do you know if you’re shedding more than normal? Excessive shedding, also known as telogen effluvium, happens when you lose significantly more hair than usual. If you’re noticing larger clumps of hair in your brush, on your pillow, or clogging your shower drain, it could be a sign that something is off. It’s important to understand the difference between normal shedding and excessive shedding to address the issue promptly.

Common Causes of Hair Shedding

1. Seasonal Changes: 

Seasonal hair shedding is something many people experience, especially during the fall and spring. This type of shedding is usually temporary and often linked to changes in daylight exposure, which can affect the hair growth cycle. While seasonal shedding is usually nothing to worry about, it can be frustrating if you’re not expecting it.

2. Hormonal Imbalances: 

Hormones play a significant role in hair health. Postpartum hair shedding, for example, is a common experience for new mothers due to the drop in estrogen levels after giving birth. Similarly, menopause can trigger hair shedding because of fluctuating hormones. Thyroid imbalances, whether hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, can also lead to significant shedding. If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider to manage the underlying issue.

3. Stress and Emotional Factors:

High levels of stress can push hair follicles into the telogen phase prematurely, leading to increased shedding. This type of hair loss usually occurs several months after a stressful event, making it difficult to connect the dots. Emotional factors, such as anxiety or depression, can also contribute to hair shedding. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and mindfulness can help manage stress-related hair shedding.

4. Poor Diet and Nutritional Deficiencies:

Your hair needs a variety of nutrients to stay healthy. A diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron,

Understanding Hair Breakage

What is Hair Breakage?

Hair breakage occurs when the hair strand snaps somewhere along its length, rather than falling out from the root like shedding. This breakage often results in uneven strands, split ends, and an overall weaker appearance. Unlike shedding, where the hair naturally falls out as part of its growth cycle, breakage is a sign of damage to the hair shaft. It’s important to distinguish between the two because they require different approaches to address.

Signs of hair breakage can include noticeable split ends, frayed or thinning hair, and uneven hair length. You may also find shorter pieces of hair that look frizzy or rough, particularly around areas that are frequently styled or manipulated. Recognizing these signs early can help prevent further damage and keep your hair healthy.

Common Causes of Hair Breakage

1. Over-manipulation: 

Constant styling, especially when it involves tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or buns, can cause excessive tension on the hair, leading to breakage. Over-manipulating your hair through frequent brushing, combing, or pulling can weaken the strands over time. To reduce breakage, it’s important to limit the amount of stress placed on your hair and opt for looser, less damaging styles.

2. Heat Damage from Styling Tools: 

Regular use of heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can strip your hair of its natural moisture, making it brittle and prone to breakage. High temperatures weaken the hair shaft, leading to split ends and breakage. To protect your hair, try to minimize heat styling, use a heat protectant spray, and opt for lower temperature settings.

3. Chemical Damage: 

Chemical treatments, including relaxers, perms, and hair dyes, can cause significant damage to your hair if not done properly. These chemicals alter the hair’s natural structure, making it more susceptible to breakage. If you frequently use chemical treatments, it’s essential to follow up with deep conditioning treatments and minimize other damaging practices to help maintain the health of your hair.

3. Lack of Moisture and Protein Imbalance: 

Healthy hair requires a balance of moisture and protein. A lack of moisture can cause your hair to become dry and brittle, while an imbalance in protein can make your hair weak and prone to breakage. To fix hair shedding and breakage related to moisture and protein, it’s important to incorporate hydrating products like deep conditioners and leave-in treatments, as well as protein-rich treatments to strengthen your hair.

4. Environmental Factors: 

Environmental factors such as sun exposure, wind, and harsh weather conditions can take a toll on your hair. UV rays can weaken the hair’s structure, while cold weather can strip it of moisture, leading to breakage. To protect your hair, consider wearing protective styles, hats, or scarves when exposed to extreme weather, and use products that offer UV protection.

Solutions and Prevention Strategies

For Shedding:

1. Balanced Diet Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:

A balanced diet is essential for healthy hair growth. Ensure that your meals include a variety of vitamins and minerals, particularly iron, zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins, which are crucial for hair health. Foods like leafy greens, lean meats, nuts, and seeds can help provide the nutrients your hair needs to thrive. If you suspect your diet is lacking, consider consulting a nutritionist or healthcare provider about taking supplements to fill any gaps.

2. Stress Management Techniques:

Stress can significantly impact hair shedding, so managing stress is key to preventing excessive hair loss. Incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or regular physical activity like yoga or walking. These practices can help lower stress levels and, in turn, reduce stress-related hair shedding.

3. Gentle Hair Care Practices:

Being gentle with your hair is crucial for preventing shedding. Avoid tight hairstyles that put strain on your hair follicles, such as tight ponytails, braids, or buns. Opt for looser styles that reduce tension on your scalp. Additionally, when washing and detangling your hair, use a wide-tooth comb and work through tangles gently to minimize pulling and breakage.

4. Consulting with a Healthcare Provider:

If you’re experiencing excessive hair shedding and suspect it might be due to an underlying health issue, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. Conditions like thyroid imbalances, anemia, or hormonal changes can contribute to shedding. A healthcare professional can help diagnose and treat any underlying conditions that may be causing your hair to shed more than usual.

For Breakage:

1. Moisture and Protein Balance in Your Hair Care Routine:

Maintaining the right balance of moisture and protein is essential for preventing hair breakage. If your hair is dry and brittle, focus on hydrating it with moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and deep conditioning treatments. On the other hand, if your hair is weak and prone to breaking, incorporate protein-rich treatments that strengthen the hair shaft. Finding the right balance between moisture and protein will keep your hair strong and resilient.

2. Limiting Heat Styling and Chemical Treatments:

Excessive use of heat styling tools and chemical treatments can lead to significant hair damage and breakage. To protect your hair, limit the use of flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers. When you do use these tools, always apply a heat protectant spray and use the lowest heat setting possible. Similarly, if you frequently color or chemically treat your hair, make sure to follow up with nourishing treatments to repair and strengthen your hair.

3. Protective Hairstyles and Minimizing Manipulation:

Protective hairstyles, such as braids, twists, and buns, can help prevent breakage by reducing the amount of manipulation your hair undergoes daily. These styles keep your hair tucked away and shielded from environmental damage. However, it’s important to avoid making these styles too tight, as excessive tension can lead to breakage. Rotate your styles regularly and give your hair breaks between protective styles to prevent stress on the hair.

4. Regular Trims to Prevent Split Ends:

Regular trims are an effective way to prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and causing further breakage. Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks helps to remove damaged ends and keeps your hair looking healthy and full. Even if you’re growing your hair out, regular trims are essential for maintaining its overall health and strength.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between hair shedding and hair breakage is essential for maintaining healthy hair. While shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, excessive shedding can be a sign of underlying issues that need attention. On the other hand, breakage indicates damage to the hair shaft, often caused by external factors like over-manipulation, heat, or chemical treatments. Recognizing these differences allows you to address each issue with the appropriate care and prevention strategies.

Take the time to assess your current hair care routine and identify areas where you might need to make adjustments. Whether it’s incorporating more nutrients into your diet, reducing stress, or being gentler with your hair, small changes can make a big difference in preventing both shedding and breakage. Regular trims, protective styles, and balancing moisture and protein are all key steps in keeping your hair strong and healthy.

We’d love to hear about your experiences with hair shedding and breakage. Have you noticed a difference after making changes to your routine? Share your stories and tips in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation about achieving healthy, beautiful hair together.