Hair Breakage

Hair breakage occurs when the hair shaft fractures, leading to strands that are shorter than their natural growth cycle dictates. This differs from hair shedding, which is the natural detachment of an entire hair strand from the follicle. Breakage often results in a visibly thinner appearance, frizz, and an inability to retain length.

Causes of Hair Breakage

Hair breakage can stem from a variety of factors, broadly categorized into mechanical, chemical, and environmental stressors.

Mechanical Damage

Mechanical damage is caused by physical manipulation of the hair.

• Over-brushing or vigorous brushing: Brushing hair while wet is particularly damaging, as the hair is more elastic and vulnerable when water has penetrated the cortex. This can stretch the hair beyond its elastic limit, causing it to snap.
• Tight hairstyles: Styles like tight ponytails, braids, and buns can create excessive tension on the hair shaft, especially at the hairline and where elastics are applied. This constant stress can lead to traction alopecia and breakage.
• Friction: Rubbing hair against rough surfaces (e.g., cotton pillowcases, coarse towels) can create friction, lifting the cuticle and making the hair more susceptible to damage.
• Heat styling: Excessive use of heat tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers without proper heat protection can rapidly dehydrate the hair and degrade its protein structure, making it brittle and prone to breaking.

Chemical Damage

Chemical processes alter the hair's internal structure and can severely weaken it.

• Coloring and bleaching: These processes utilize alkaline chemicals (like ammonia) and oxidizers (like hydrogen peroxide) to open the hair cuticle and break down melanin. This compromises the hair's disulfide bonds, essential for its strength and integrity. Repeated or improperly applied chemical treatments can lead to significant structural damage and breakage.
• Perming and relaxing: These treatments involve chemicals that permanently alter the hair's natural texture by breaking and reforming disulfide bonds. While effective, they can leave the hair significantly weaker if not performed correctly or if the hair is already compromised.
• Over-processing: Applying chemical treatments too frequently, or overlapping chemicals onto previously treated hair, can lead to severe damage and breakage because the hair's structural integrity is repeatedly challenged.

Environmental Stressors

External environmental factors also play a role in hair health.

• UV radiation: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can degrade the keratin proteins in hair and lighten its color. UV rays can also damage the hair cuticle, leading to dryness and increased susceptibility to breakage.
• Chlorine and saltwater: Swimming in chlorinated pools or saltwater can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and a rougher cuticle. Chlorine, in particular, can react with hair proteins and weaken the shaft.
• Extreme weather: Very dry air, high winds, and extreme cold can dehydrate the hair, making it more brittle and prone to snapping.

Internal Factors

Less commonly, internal factors can contribute to hair fragility, making it more prone to breakage.

• Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins A, C, and E can impact hair health and strength, potentially making it more fragile.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions or medications can affect hair quality, though this is primarily related to hair loss from the follicle rather than solely breakage of the shaft. However, some conditions could indirectly lead to more fragile hair.

Preventing Hair Breakage

Prevention is key to maintaining hair length and health. Addressing the underlying causes identified above is crucial.

Strategy	Description
Gentle Handling	Use wide-tooth combs on wet hair, detangle from ends to roots, and avoid vigorous brushing. Opt for silk or satin pillowcases to reduce friction. Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp.
Moisture & Conditioning	Regularly use deep conditioners, leave-in conditioners, and hair masks to replenish moisture. Hydrated hair is more elastic and less prone to snapping. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and natural oils (e.g., argan oil, jojoba oil).
Heat Protection	Always apply a heat protectant product before using heat tools. These products create a barrier that distributes heat more evenly and reduces thermal damage. Use lower heat settings and avoid excessive passes with styling tools.
Chemical Treatment Care	Maintain realistic expectations for chemical processes. Seek experienced professionals for coloring, perming, and relaxing services. Extend the time between chemical treatments as much as possible. Incorporate bond-building treatments if frequently coloring or bleaching.
Environmental Protection	Wear hats or use UV-protective sprays when exposed to prolonged sunlight. Rinse hair with fresh water before and after swimming in chlorinated or saltwater.
Balanced Diet	Ensure your diet is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals that support hair health. Consult a healthcare professional if you suspect nutritional deficiencies.

When to Seek Professional Advice

If you experience persistent breakage despite implementing preventative measures, or if it is accompanied by significant hair thinning or loss from the scalp, consult with a dermatologist or trichologist. They can help identify underlying medical conditions or develop a tailored hair care regimen.

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Find these ingredients in Watermans products

• Biotin — you will find this ingredient in our Hair Growth Shampoo.
• Zinc — you will find this ingredient in our Hair Vitamins.